Departmental Functions

Areas of Responsibility:

Mahoning County Building Inspection is responsible for the following: examination of construction plans for new buildings and alterations in existing structures within the unincorporated areas of Mahoning County, Canfield City, Craig Beach Village, Lowellville Village, New Middletown Village, Poland Village, and Struthers City. This work, performed under administrative direction, is to ensure compliance with the Ohio Administrative and Revised Codes.

The State Board of Building Standards charges the Building Official with enforcement of Ohio’s  Building Code. This applies to all commercial projects larger than three-family dwellings. The Board of Mahoning County Commissioners has adopted additional regulations under authority granted by the Ohio Revised Code. These include the Residential Code of Ohio and the Mahoning County Property Maintenance Code. These are to include one, two, and three family dwellings and their enforcement is also in this department duty.

It is this department’s mission to maximize the quality and quantity of services provided to the public in return for fees levied upon it for permission to build, construct, repair, and alter any building. In 1998 a special revenue fund was established from the permit fees we collect, these monies are used solely to operate this department and ensures that the safety services we provide will be funded. There are no tax revenues in our yearly budget and every effort is made to keep fees as low as possible.

We permit and inspect all new, remodeled and existing buildings to ensure they are constructed and used in accordance with the State of Ohio mandated codes. We inspect; footings prior to placing concrete, foundations at top of block, framing inspection after all mechanicals have been installed; i.e. electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression, a final inspection is also completed before a structure can be occupied for use. Other required inspections must also be performed depending on the type of project. Another service that we provide is the issuing of certificates of occupancy for commercial businesses.
 

Who Benefits:

Everyone who lives and visits our valley benefits from our services.  Building permits provide a means for the Code Official to protect the public from unsafe and unsanitary conditions resulting from substandard construction. Not only does this maintain the value of your home, but also others within our community. Building codes contain minimum standards of construction, which have been developed over many years and cover all aspects of construction. Each requirement exists to prevent unsafe, unsanitary or deteriorating conditions in both residential and commercial buildings. a professional, consistent and informational service to any individual in the county who seeks to extend their knowledge of Ohio’s Building codes.