50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Ohio Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Ohio.

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Company Licenses

Ohio Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Ohio Asbestos Contractor License

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Contractor Licensure Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$750

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Contractor Licensure Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$750

Due:

Annually

Ohio General Contractor License

Not required



General Contractor Company licensure is not required on the State level in Ohio.

General Contractors are licensed at the county and city level.

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Cincinnati Building Construction Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130 filing fee + $208 same day processing service (optional)

Turnaround:

Minimum of 10 days.

Before you Apply:

-Contractor Registration Application
-Signed Contractor Registration Assignment/Authorized Signer Form
-Income Tax Contractor Application
-Certificate of Liability Insurance For New and Renewal Contractor
Registration
-Crane Equipment and Personnel Lists of all equipment and personnel on the “Crane Contractor Registration Supplemental List”

Other Items Required If Applicable:
-Proof of Ohio Workers’ Compensation coverage
-Copy of State License if OCILB
-Registered Contractor Sub List

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Annually by the date of registration OR at time of state license renewal (for state-licensed contractors)

Penalties:

-$78 late fee for renewal applications, or corrected documents requested by City Staff, submitted within 30 days after the expiration date of the existing registration license
-$130 reactivation fee + $130 registration fee for a Contractor Registration License not renewed within 30 days after the expiration date

Notes:

Licenses can be renewed for up to three years

Cincinnati Crane Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Cincinnati Electrical Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Annually

Notes:

Renewal forms are sent in the mail 60 days prior to expiration.

Cincinnati Home Improvement Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Cincinnati Hydronics Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Cincinnati Mechanical Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Annually

Notes:

Renewal forms are sent in the mail 60 days prior to expiration.

Cincinnati Plumbing Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Buildings & Inspections - Plumbing Inspections Group (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Annually

Notes:

Renewal forms are sent in the mail 60 days prior to expiration.

Cincinnati Refrigeration Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/contractor-registration/

Agency:City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130

Due:

Annually

Notes:

Renewal forms are sent in the mail 60 days prior to expiration.

City of Warrensville Heights Contractor Registration

More Information:

Warrensville Heights, OH

Agency:Warrensville Heights Building and Housing Department (OH)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Registration Application

Agency Fee:

$150

Before you Apply:

-Certificate of Insurance of at least $500,000 for Personal Injury and $300,000 for Property Damage.
-City of Warrensville Heights listed as additional insured on Bond and Certificate of Insurance
-Copy of State License Required for Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC contractors

Bond Amount:

$10,000

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contraction Registration Application

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Before you Apply:

-Certificate of Insurance of at least $500,000 for Personal Injury and $300,000 for Property Damage.
-City of Warrensville Heights listed as additional insured on Bond and Certificate of Insurance
-Copy of State License Required for Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC contractors

Bond Amount:

$10,000

Cleveland Demolition Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Business - Contractors and Builders Department (OH)

Cleveland Electrical Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$120

Due:

Annually

Cleveland Fire Place Installer Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Business - Contractors and Builders Department (OH)

Cleveland General Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Notarize:Required
Before you Apply:

-Application form
-$25,000 Bond
-Insurance agent must attach Power-of-Attourney form to the contractor bond(s)
-Certificate of insurance with minimum coverage of $200,000
-Names and signatures of personelle authorized to secure permits on behalf of the company

Required Attachments:

Corporations ONLY - provide a copy of Articles of Incorporation with the State Seal of Ohio

Bond Amount:

$25,000

Registration Renewal

Form:

Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$120

Cleveland HVAC Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$120

Due:

Annually

Cleveland Plumbing Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$150

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$120

Due:

Annually

Cleveland Sewer Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Business - Contractors and Builders Department (OH)

Columbus Demolition Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Columbus Electrical Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/OCILB/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of Electrical Contractors (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Columbus Fire Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Columbus General Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of General and Home Improvement Contractors (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application

Filing Method:

In person or by mail

Agency Fee:

$350 OR $200 if currently hold an active license or registration with the Department of Building & Zoning Services

Notarize:Required
Before you Apply:

-General Contractor Application completed and signed by the person chosen to be the responsible party for the company registration.
-A Bond in the amount of $25,000
-A Certificate of Liability Insurance with the limits of liability no less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) for damages to a single person, and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for one (1) occurrence.
-Individual name, and company name if applicable, must be listed identically on all documents. 
-This application must be notarized

Bond Amount:

$25,000

Registration Renewal

Form:

City will mail renewal documents

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Notarize:Not required
Before you Apply:

-Renewal Cover Letter
-$25,000 surety bond
-Certificate of Liability Insurance with limits of liability no less than $300,000 for damages to a single person and $500,000 for one occurrence.

Required Attachments:

Change of Assignment Application completed and notarized – required only if changing the assigned company or company name

Bond Amount:

$25,000

Columbus Home Improvement Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Columbus HVAC Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/OCILB/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Hydronics Contractors (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Columbus Hydronics Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/OCILB/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Columbus Plumbing Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/OCILB/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Columbus Refrigeration Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/OCILB/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of Refrigeration Contractors (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Registration Renewal

Form:

OCILB Contractor Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$350

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Columbus Sewer Water Contractor License

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Columbus Sign Erector License

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (OH)

Cuyahoga County Plumbing Contractor Registration

More Information:

http://www.ccbh.net/plumbing/

Agency:Cuyahoga County Board of Health - Plumbing Program (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Plumbing Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Notes:

Contact the board for a renewal application.

Franklin County Electrical Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://development.franklincountyohio.gov/forms

Agency:Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Franklin County General Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://development.franklincountyohio.gov/forms

Agency:Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department (OH)

Franklin County HVAC Contractor Registration

More Information:

https://development.franklincountyohio.gov/forms

Agency:Franklin County Economic Development & Planning Department (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Application for Contractor Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Pepper Pike Contractor Registration

More Information:

Pepper Pike, OH

Agency:The City of Pepper Pike's Building Department (OH)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Springfield Electrical Contractor License

More Information:

https://springfieldohio.gov/business-development/building-regulations/contractor-licenses/

Agency:City of Springfield Division of Building Regulations (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$300 per category.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$200 per category.

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Springfield Fire Detection/Suppression Contractor License

More Information:

https://springfieldohio.gov/business-development/building-regulations/contractor-licenses/

Agency:City of Springfield Division of Building Regulations (OH)

Springfield Gas Piping Installation Contractor License

More Information:

https://springfieldohio.gov/business-development/building-regulations/contractor-licenses/

Agency:City of Springfield Division of Building Regulations (OH)

Springfield General Contractor License

More Information:

https://springfieldohio.gov/business-development/building-regulations/contractor-licenses/

Agency:City of Springfield Division of Building Regulations (OH)

Springfield HVAC Contractor License

More Information:

https://springfieldohio.gov/business-development/building-regulations/contractor-licenses/

Agency:City of Springfield Division of Building Regulations (OH)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$300 per category.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor License Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$200 per category.

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Individual Licenses

Ohio Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Ohio Asbestos Hazard Abatement Air Monitoring Technician Certification

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Asbestos Hazard Abatement Project Designer Certification

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Asbestos Hazard Abatement Specialist Certification

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Asbestos Hazard Abatement Worker Certification

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Asbestos Hazard Evaluation Specialist Certification

More Information:

http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/atu/asbestos#179575186-certification-and-licenses

Agency:Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Asbestos Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Registration Renewal

Form:

Asbestos Certification Application

Agency Fee:

$200

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Commercial Electrical Contractor License

More Information:

https://com.ohio.gov/DICO/ocilb/LicenseQualificationProcess.aspx

Agency:Ohio Department of Commerce - Construction Industry Licensing Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Annually

Ohio Commercial HVAC Contractor License

More Information:

https://com.ohio.gov/DICO/ocilb/LicenseQualificationProcess.aspx

Agency:Ohio Department of Commerce - Construction Industry Licensing Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Annually

Ohio Commercial Hydronics Contractor License

More Information:

https://com.ohio.gov/DICO/ocilb/LicenseQualificationProcess.aspx

Agency:Ohio Department of Commerce - Construction Industry Licensing Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board - Examination Application

Agency Fee:

$25

Notarize:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Ohio Commercial Plumbing Contractor License

More Information:

https://com.ohio.gov/DICO/ocilb/LicenseQualificationProcess.aspx

Agency:Ohio Department of Commerce - Construction Industry Licensing Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Annually

Ohio Commercial Refrigeration Contractor License

More Information:

https://com.ohio.gov/DICO/ocilb/LicenseQualificationProcess.aspx

Agency:Ohio Department of Commerce - Construction Industry Licensing Board

Initial Registration

Form:

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60

Due:

Annually

Local Construction and Contracting Individual Licenses

Cleveland Electrical Maintenance Technician Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Cleveland Journeyman Plumber Registration

More Information:

http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/PermitGuide/Cont

Agency:City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing (OH)

Columbus Journeyman Plumber License

More Information:

https://www.columbus.gov/bzs/contractor-licensing-and-registration/Contractor-Licensing-Registration/

Agency:City of Columbus Building and Zoning - Board of Review of Plumbing and Sewer Contractors (OH)

Explore Licensing in Other States

Associated General Contractors of America
Professional association providing advocacy and organization for construction firms and workers.

National Association of Home Builders
National association for the promotion of the housing industry.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies
National organization that represents and promotes the interests of state level contractor licensing agencies.

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