Whether you are in need of simple roofing repairs or you are ready to have your entire roof replaced, it’s important that you approach the project carefully. Your roof is obviously a critical component of your home, and you’ll want to make sure that everything goes smoothly, so your home will remain protected and your family comfortable.
This means that in addition to picking out the ideal roofing materials for your home and choosing a high-quality roofing contractor to carry out the work, you’ll also need to think about the laws and regulations involved with these kinds of roofing projects. Specifically, you’ll need to obtain a permit for the work if one is required.
But do you need a permit to repair or replace a roof in Toledo, Ohio? We’ll explain everything you need to know below.
When Is a Permit Required in Toledo, Ohio for Roof Repairs or Replacements?
In Toledo, Ohio, you’ll always need a permit to replace your roof or have major repairs performed. The City of Toledo Division of Building Inspection makes this perfectly clear, stating that:
“New roof coverings, window replacements, new siding (except small areas of replacement), decks, new steps (or rebuilding steps), fences (new or replacement) all require permits.”
Some small roof repair projects may not require a permit. However, the guidance provided by the city is relatively vague:
“No permit shall be required for maintenance and minor repairs of buildings or structures of all occupancies which do not affect structural stability, egress, or a change of use or occupancy.”
So, if your repair project only involves a few shingles or some flashing repairs, you may not need a permit. But if you have to have a significant portion of your shingles replaced, you may very well need a permit.
In practice, it is wise for homeowners to discuss the issue with a professional Toledo roofing contractor or contact the Toledo Building Department directly for guidance.
Side Note: In Toledo, gutter and downspout installation are specifically exempt from permit requirements.
Establishment and Enforcement of Roof Permit Requirements in Toledo, Ohio
To fully understand the roof permitting requirements in Toledo, you’ll need to understand the way building codes are established and enforced in Ohio.
The Residential Code of Ohio establishes the minimum safety and construction standards for all one-, two-, and three-family residences (as well as decks, garages, and other associated structures) in the state. A similar code — the Ohio Building Code — does the same thing for commercial buildings, including schools, apartment complexes, and industrial structures.
These codes cover everything from the kinds of roofing materials you can use to wind- and snow-load requirements to flashing and underlayment requirements.
However, while this code is established by the state of Ohio, the enforcement of its provisions falls to local cities (or counties in the case of nonincorporated areas). So, practically speaking, homeowners in the Toledo area must comply with the requirements of the City of Toledo and/or those of Lucas County (if you live outside city limits).
Where Are Permits Obtained in the Toledo Area?
Homeowners living within Toledo city limits will apply for a permit from the City of Toledo Division of Building Inspection.
- Address: One Government Center, Suite 1600, Toledo, OH 43604
- Phone: (419) 245-1220
On the other hand, residents living outside Toledo city limits in an unincorporated portion of the county will need to apply for a permit from the Lucas County Building Regulations Department.
- Address: 1115 McCord Road South, Holland, Ohio 43528
- Phone: (419) 213‑2990
Homeowners or Contractors: Who Obtains a Permit for a Roofing Job in Toledo?
The permitting requirements for roof replacement may be crystal clear (you do need a permit), the guidelines for roof repairs aren’t very helpful. However, there is good news: If you work with a high-quality roofing contractor, you can rely on them.
For example, when Frogtown Roofing Plus performs roof repairs or replacements in Toledo or the surrounding area, we obtain the permits on your behalf. We find that this just makes the process simpler, expedites the project, and makes things easier on homeowners.
How Much Do Roof Permits Cost in Toledo, Ohio?
Unlike some cities and counties that impose flat-rate fees for building permits, Toledo imposes a multi-step fee structure. This means that the specific permit costs you’ll face vary quite a bit from one home to the next.
The basic components of the fee structure are as follows:
- Base Fee: $60.00 per alteration for non-structural projects (roofs, siding, doors, and windows)
- Per Square Foot Fee: There is an additional $0.20 per square foot fee applied to some projects.
Note that there is a minimum 100-square-foot fee attached to all permits. So, even if your project only involves a small, 20-square-foot roofing replacement, you’ll end up paying for 100 square feet in permit fees.
Additionally, some projects may require a permit review. There is a $75.00 base fee attached to reviews, as well as a $0.03 per square foot size fee (again, with a 100-square-foot minimum charge).
Penalties in Toledo, Ohio for Failing to Obtain a Permit
Homeowners who work with a reputable roofing contractor rarely try to avoid getting a permit for their roof replacement or repair project. The fees are relatively modest relative to the roof repair or replacement job, and no professional roofer would consider working outside the bounds of the law.
However, homeowners who choose to work with low-quality, corner-cutting contractors may occasionally consider foregoing a permit. But that is a mistake that can result in some pretty serious consequences, including:
- Stop Work Orders: If the Division of Building Inspection learns that you haven’t obtained the necessary permits, they’re likely to issue a stop work order. This may cause the project to take weeks or months longer to wrap up, and it may even trigger additional costs from your contractor.
- Increased Fees: The city may increase the cost of your permit by as much as triple the original figure and also impose a $250 penalty fee.
- Court Summons: Though rare, you could be called into court to answer for your violation (especially if you’ve failed to obtain a permit in the past).
It’s important to note that these violations are treated as misdemeanors under Ohio law, and that each infraction — meaning every day the work continues without a permit — is treated as a separate violation.
Why Are Permits Required for Some Toledo Roofing Projects?
Aside from the fees and other consequences of having roof repairs or replacement carried out without a permit, there are a few other reasons it’s simply wise to obtain a permit before having this kind of work completed. A few of the most noteworthy reasons include:
- You may have to have the work redone to comply with code requirements that weren’t followed during the initial work.
- It may complicate the sale of your home, as buyers or home inspectors may discover that the work wasn’t permitted.
- Your insurance provider may deny claims relating to the new or repaired roof (such as damage caused by leaks).
- You may be held liable if the work leads to injuries or damages.
As you can see, it’s simply wiser to obtain all of the necessary permits before having roof repairs or replacements carried out.
Roof Permit Requirements in Other Toledo-Area Cities
Generally speaking, the permit requirements are similar for most Toledo-area cities. We’ve rounded up some of the most noteworthy similarities and differences regarding roofing permits in a few other cities in the area.
- Perrysburg: Perrysburg has similar permit requirements to Toledo, but relies on Wood County to approve and issue permits. So, homeowners should contact the Wood County Building Inspection Department – the agency that enforces the Ohio Residential Code for the state, issues permits, and collects fees.
- Maumee: Most requirements in Maumee are similar to those in Toledo, though they don’t provide any guidance regarding the need for permits for small projects. Additionally, the fee structures are different, and the city of Maumee may impose additional design restrictions and requirements.
- Sylvania: The City of Sylvania uses the same state Residential Code as Toledo and requires permits for re-roofing and major exterior work. Minor-repair exemptions are narrower than Toledo’s, so even small projects should be cleared with the city.
- Bowling Green: The city mandates permits for most roofing work, though permits are provided by Wood County, as in the case of Perrysburg. Additionally, a zoning permit may be required for some roof projects (such as those altering the roof’s pitch).
- Holland: Residents of the Village of Holland (Lucas County) obtain permits from Lucas County Building Regulations rather than a municipal department. County inspectors enforce the Ohio Residential Code and set their own fees, so requirements are similar to those in unincorporated Lucas County areas.
- Oregon: Oregon operates its own Building and Zoning Department and requires permits for roof replacements and structural repairs. The city’s process closely mirrors Toledo’s but uses a separate fee table and inspection schedule, so costs and timelines can differ.
- Ottawa Hills: The village enforces strict architectural and preservation standards alongside the Ohio Residential Code. Roof replacements require a village-issued zoning permit, and projects in designated architectural or historic districts may undergo extra design review, with Lucas County handling structural inspections.
- Rossford: Building permits for roof work are issued by the City of Rossford Building & Zoning office. Like Perrysburg, Rossford follows the Ohio Residential Code but sets independent fees and requires inspections for all reroofing or major repairs.
- Waterville: Homeowners first obtain a zoning permit from the City of Waterville, then secure the building permit and inspections through the Lucas County Building Regulations Department, which enforces the Ohio Residential Code and applies its own fee schedule and plan-review requirements.
Note that because most of these cities are smaller than Toledo, they often have less documentation published online. So, either discuss the permit requirements with your Frogtown Roofing Plus representative or contact the specific city in which you live for clarification.
Roof Permit Requirements in Toledo, Ohio: FAQ
Still have questions about roof permit requirements in Toledo or the surrounding area? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we hear from our clients and answered them below.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Ohio?
Yes. While some very minor repairs may not require a permit, roof replacement always requires a permit in the state of Ohio.
How long is a building permit good for in Ohio?
Approved permits are valid for 12 months from the date they’re issued in Ohio.
Can I get a permit after the work has been completed in Toledo?
You can, but you may face fees or penalties. Additionally, if the work was not completed in code-compliant fashion, you may have to have some of the work redone.
Can you sell a house with unpermitted work in Ohio?
You can legally sell a home with unpermitted work, but you must disclose that fact. However, that will often cause potential buyers to either lose interest in your home or demand a price deduction to cover any expenses arising from the unpermitted work.
Trust Frogtown Roofing Plus for All Your Roof Repair and Replacement Needs!
Whether you need an inspection for your existing roof, you need it repaired, or you’d like to discuss replacement options, the professionals at Frogtown Roofing Plus are ready to help! We can even help work with your insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer.
We’ve been providing homeowners and commercial property managers in Bowling Green, Genoa, Sylvania, and the rest of the Toledo area with roofing solutions for more than 16 years, and we’d love to show you the Frogtown Roofing Plus difference.
Contact us today to get started!
References and Sources
- City of Toledo – “When Are Permits Required (Division of Building Inspection)”
Official City of Toledo document explaining which construction or alteration activities always require building permits; includes new roof coverings, major repairs, siding, etc., along with exemptions for minor repairs, gutters, and downspouts.
https://cdn.toledo.oh.gov/uploads/documents/Building-Inspection/When-are-permits-required.pdf - Toledo Municipal Code – “1307.02 Permit Fees for Buildings and Structures”
Section of Toledo’s municipal code listing permit fees for residential alterations (roofs, siding, windows, doors), showing base fees, per-square-foot charges, and minimum area thresholds.
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/toledo/latest/toledo_oh/0-0-0-108713 - Lucas County, Ohio – “Building Permit Fees / Fee Schedule (Residential Projects)”
County fee schedule for unincorporated areas around Toledo, showing base permit fees and additional charges per square foot, and plan review fees for residential structures.
https://lcapps.co.lucas.oh.us/carts/resos/23420.pdf - City of Toledo – “Permits for Residential Exterior, Non-Structural Changes”
City of Toledo’s permit guidance page, which includes roof replacement (tear-offs and roofing work) under non‐structural exterior alterations, shows how to apply for such a permit.
https://toledo.oh.gov/permits-for-residential-exterior-non-structural-changes
