Come Build Steubenville with Us!
Planning, Zoning, and Building Department
Commercial Building: Ten Steps for Success!
[Click to go to that Step.]
Step 1 -- Have You Selected the Site for Your Building?
Step 2 – Have You Hired an Architect or Engineer?
Step 3 – Have You Set Up a Pre-Application Meeting?
Step 4 – Have You Applied for a Certificate of Zoning Approval?
Step 5 -- What Fees Are Necessary?
Step 6 – Are You Ready for Your Plan Review?
Step 7 – How Do You Get Your Plans Approved?
Step 8 – How Do You Get Your Building Permit?
Step 9 – Inspections: Who Does Them and When?
Step 10 – How Do You Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
Steubenville Planning and Community Development Office
115 South Third Street,
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: (740) 283-6000 Ext. 1700
Fax: (740) 283-6082
E-Mail: [email protected]
Steubenville Comprehensive Plan
Urban Projects Director: Christopher J. Petrossi (more info on site)
[link to the City of Steubenville’s Codified Ordinances]
Step 1
Have You Selected the Site for Your Building?
#1. Is the property zoned for the kind of building you want to construct?
Look at the zoning sites map.
If YES – go to question 2

If NO – You may apply for a change of zoning for your property
through the Planning and Zoning Commission and City
Council. See Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning).
#2. Is the site ready for your project?
If YES – go to question 3
If NO – At this point, no larger, industrial buildings are left without
remediation in the City of Steubenville; however, any building or
site with contamination such as asbestos can be considered a
brownfield site. If demolished, remediation would be needed.
#3. Steubenville follows the International Building Code which has been
adopted and adapted by the State of Ohio for the Ohio Building Code.
#4. Are you aware of Steubenville zoning ordinances, in addition to the
Ohio Building Code, that will have a bearing on architectural drawings?
For the downtown district, fire treated lumber is to be used.
If YES – go to question 4
If NO – take time to assess any special requirements with which an
architect outside of Steubenville may not be aware –
helps to avoid surprises!
#5. Is it in an historic district?
If NO - you are ready to meet with your architect – Go to Step 2.
If YES – prepare for whatever special adjustments can be made,
according to Ohio Building Code, chapter 34.
#6. Is it part of a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA)?
The City provides incentives to property owners within a specified
designated Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) for rehabilitation of
existing buildings, construction of new facilities, or for real property tax
abatements on any increase in property valuation. The CRA includes
LaBelle, Pleasant Heights, the downtown, Lincoln Heights, and Lincoln
Valley.
The Planning and Community Development Office processes applications
for CRA abatements. The Community Reinvestment (CR) Council meets
as needed, on less than annually, to review and act on CRA abatement
applications.

CRA Property Improvement Tax Abatement Information

CRA Tax Abatement Application
Step 2
Have You Hired an Architect or Engineer?
#1. Is this a person who is familiar with the Ohio Building Code?
#2. Is this person licensed to work in Ohio?
#3. If this is a historical structure, is this person familiar with Ohio Building
Code Chapter 34?
#4. Is this a person who will see you through the entire process?
#5. Is this a person with good references?
#6. Are the costs for the work clear?
#7. What is the architect’s or engineer’s time frame for the project?
#8. Be sure that all plans are properly stamped by the architect.
Step 3
Have You Set up a Pre-Application Meeting?
#1. Ask Chris Petrossi, Department of Planning & Zoning, several
questions:



Which department heads (engineering, streets, water) should attend
the meeting?
Which inspectors (fire, health, building) should attend the meeting?
Are there any other city officials (like the City Manager) that should be
in attendance to talk through the project?
#2. Contact information for all department heads is here. Please contact
all individuals recommended by Chris Petrossi to set up the preconstruction meeting.
#3. Invite the architect or engineer to come with a preliminary sketch of the
project.
#4. Now the architect or engineer should be able to work on detailed
drawings to submit for the plan review application.
#5. If you have a contractor who is not licensed in Steubenville, that
person should register with the City. It can be done online, by fax, or in
person. It includes the following:
 proof of liability insurance
 proof of Workers’ Compensation
 names and state registration numbers of any sub-contractors

Application for Contractors Registration

Affidavit of Exemption
#6. If the contractor is using sub-contractors, are those sub-contractors
registered with the City?
If not, they also must register. The applications are available online.
They can also be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the person or picked up
from the Building Department.
 For electricians, plumbers, or HVAC sub-contractors, they give the
Ohio state license number they received when they passed the state
test. No additional test is given in Steubenville.
 A fee is required.
 They can mail, fax, or email the application and pay by cash, check, or
credit card to complete the registration.
Step 4
Have You Applied for a Certificate of Zoning Approval?
#1. While your architect or engineer is designing the specs, now is a good
time to apply for the Certificate of Zoning Approval & Sample Plot Plan.
You need to know that the project is permitted, according to zoning
ordinances, before you invest a lot of money.
#2. If you know that this business will need a sign, include the application
now for a Certificate of Zoning Approval for Signs. Be sure the architect or
engineer includes the placement and size of the sign on the detailed
drawings.
#3. Allow about 1 week for notice about zoning approval.
#4. If you receive zoning approval, let the architect or engineer know, so
that progress can be made on the detailed drawings.
#5. If it is not permitted, ask the architect or engineer to wait. You will have
two options:
a. apply for Conditional Use Approval or
b. an Application for Zoning Variance
c. Once you receive a variance or conditional use permit, contact
the architect or engineer to continue with the detailed drawings.
Step 5
What Fees Are Necessary?
#1. Consult the Building Department for the specific fees due. Fees can be
paid in cash, or by money order, check or credit card.
#2. Do you need to get a loan? Click here for a list of local lenders. (The
City of Steubenville lists major lenders without making recommendations.)
Certificate of Zoning Approval
For new construction, remodeling, or additions on existing residential
buildings with 4 or more dwelling, boarding, or rooming units under the
same roof, including fences, walls, driveways, and accessory buildings:
IF applied prior to commencement of remodeling or construction
$20.00
IF applied for after the commencement of remodeling or construction
$40.00
Existing buildings or uses
IF requested by property owner for existing buildings or uses
$10.00
Temporary Construction/Office Trailer Permit
Active construction sites only:
$25.00 per trailer for 6 months
Portable Sign Permit
$25.00 annually for each sign
Portable Storage Unit
$25.00 per storage unit
Copy of Subdivision and Zoning Code
May download free from City Council’s Codified Ordinances of Steubenville, or
A copy can be requested and mailed
$25.00 plus postage
Zoning Maps Small Map (22” x 34”) or Large Map (40” x 64”), available from the
Engineering Department for a fee.
Call for price.
Contractor License Fees:
Commercial work over $100,000 including B & C, annual fee
$100.00
Residential and commercial work up to $100,000, annual fee
$ 75.00
Sidewalk Work Permits (Sidewalks in Right-of-Way)
$0-$250 Cost of Construction, permit fee
$
0.00
$251-$1000 Cost of Construction, permit fee
$
3.00
$1001 or over Cost of Construction, permit fee
$
3.00 plus
$1 per $1000 fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Curb Cut Permits
$0 to $250 Cost of Construction
$
0.00
$251 to $1000 Cost of Construction
$
3.00
$1001 and over Cost of Construction
$
3.00 plus
$1 per $1000 fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Plan Review Fees
$250 to $500 Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$10.00
$501 to $1000 Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$20.00
$1001 to $50,000 Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$20.00
plus $2.50 per $1000 or fraction in excess of $1000
$50,001 to $250,000 Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$145.00
plus $2.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $50,000
$250,001 to $500,000 Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$500.00
plus $1.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $250,000
$500,001 and over Cost of Construction, Plan Review Fee
$750.00
plus $1.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $500,000
The plan review fee and processing for commercial, industrial, and
residential construction consisting of more than 3 units, for public assembly
structures, churches, schools, hospitals, and other, including complete erection,
electrical, heating and air conditioning work covered under the Ohio Building
Code (OBC), but not including plumbing, shall be as per the adopted fees
contained in the OBC.
Plumbing Fees
Building Permit Fees – New Construction
$250 to $500 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$ 15.00
$501 to $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$ 36.00
$1001 to $50,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$ 36.00
plus $7 per $1000 fraction thereof in excess of $1000
$50,001 to $250,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$379.00
plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $50,000
$250,001 to $500,000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$1079.00
plus $2.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $250,000
$500,001 and over Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$1579.00
plus $1.00 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $500,000
Building Permit Fees – Alterations; Demolition and Wrecking
Alterations – more than $250 but not more than $1000, Permit Fee $ 22.00
Alterations -- $1001 or more, Permit Fee
$ 22.00
Plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Demolition & Wrecking up to 2500 sq ft , Permit Fee
$ 36.00
Per structure, including basement & cellar
Demolition & Wrecking over 2500 sq ft, Permit Fee
$ 36.00
Plus $3.50 per 1000 sq ft or fraction thereof of floor surface, measuring
outside dimensions of each floor, excluding basement and cellar
Structures other than buildings, Permit Fee
$ 36.00
Plus $3.50 per 1000 cu ft or fraction thereof of cubic contents based on
the outside dimensions of the structure
Building Permit Fee – Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning
$250 to $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$ 22.00
More than $1000 Cost of Construction, Permit Fee
$ 22.00
Plus $3.50 per $1000 or fraction thereof in excess of $1000
Electrical Safety Inspection
$72.00
For the cost of commercial electrical inspections, see Electrical Fees.
Re-inspections
Due to commercial, industrial and residential construction consisting of more than
3 units, for public assembly structures, churches, schools, hospitals, and other,
including electrical, heating and air conditioning work, covered under the Ohio
Building Code (OBC), shall be per the re-inspection fees contained in the OBC.
Special Inspections
Applicant must pay fees for third party special inspections, when required.
Certificate of Occupancy
4 or more Residential Dwellings, Commercial and all other, Fee per unit $65.00
Electrical Safety Inspection (when required), Fee per unit
$ 72.00
State Assessment
When mandated by the Ohio Board of Building Standards, a State assessment in
the required amount will be added to fees as required by law:

current assessment for residential work consisting of 4 or more units,
commercial and all other work is 3%.
Subdivision/Lot Splits
Preliminary Subdivision Plats (where applicable):
$25.00
plus $2.50 per lot or parcel
Final Subdivision Plats (where preceded by a required preliminary plat): $15.00
plus $1.00 per lot or parcel
Final Subdivision Plats (where preliminary plats are not required):
$25.00
plus $2.50 per lot or parcel
Request for Alteration of Requirements or Appeal of Staff Decisions:
$50.00
Recording Fees: Established by the Office of the Jefferson County Recorder
Conditional Use Approval
No fee
Deposit to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council
$500.00
Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning fees)
P ………………………………………………….…………..……..
$100.00
C-1 or C-2 ………………………………………………………….
$100.00
R-1 or R-1A ……………………………………………….………
$100.00
R-2 or R-2A …………………………………………………………
$125.00
R-3 or R-3A …………………………………………………………
$150.00
R-4 ………………………………………………………………….
$175.00
B-1 …………………………………………………………………..
$275.00
B-2 or B-2A …………………………………………………………
$275.00
B-3 …………………………………………………………………..
$250.00
B-4 …………………………………………………………………..
$225.00
B-5 …………………………………………………………………..
$200.00
I-1 or I-1A …………………………………………………..……….
$300.00
I-2 ……………………………………………………………..……..
$325.00
I-3 ……………………………………………………………..……..
$350.00
Plus deposit to cover City costs made payable to Clerk of City Council $500.00
Zoning Appeals’ Fees
Commercial, industrial, and other
$150.00
Plus deposit to cover City costs made payable to
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Vacant Property Registration for All Property Owners
$500.00
All property owners, including executors and mortgagees filing foreclosure, must
file vacant properties [1199.03] with the City of Steubenville and with Jefferson
County within 90 days of becoming vacant or 30 days of the Property
Maintenance Code Official’s assessment of vacancy, whichever comes first:

Steubenville Vacant Property Registration Form.

Steubenville Vacant Property Registration Ordinance
Registration should include reason for vacancy and plans for building’s future.
Vacant residential buildings, first year of vacancy
$200.00
Increases every consecutive year building remains vacant
+ $50.00
maximum of 5th year fee of
$400.00
Vacant commercial and other buildings, first year of vacancy
Increases every consecutive year building remains vacant
maximum of 5th year fee of
$400.00
+
$75.00
$700.00
Failure to register results in a late fee; it’s a fourth degree misdemeanor.
The late fee is equal to the annual fee or $1000.00, whichever is less.
Include explanation for building’s vacancy with plan for building’s future.
Call the Planning and Community Development Office to confirm if building may
qualify for an exemption from registration requirements.
Step 6
Are You Ready for Your Plan Review?
#1. Has the architect or engineer given you completed detailed drawings,
adding his or her professional stamp? You may include your sign
drawings at the same time, if you choose to do so.
#2. Have you filled out the Application for Plan Review?
#3. If you combine your Building Plan Review and your Sign Plan Review,
(Certificate of Zoning Approval for Signs), you could save time and money.
#4. Plans are submitted electronically at this stage; a printed version is not
needed until they are approved.
#5. Are you prepared to write the check for the Plan Review? That is due
with the application.
Step 7
How Do You Get Your Plans Approved?
#1. Submit the following to the Building Department:
 the electronic version of your architectural drawings,
 your completed Application for Plan Review,
 and your fee.
#2. Since Plan Reviews do not occur in the office, allow up to 30 days
for the process to be complete.
#3. If the Building Department gives you changes that need to be made,
look them over with your architect or engineer, and resubmit the drawings
for approval.
#4. Once your drawings have been approved, you are ready to apply for
your building permit – Step 8.
Step 8
How Do You Get Your Building Permit?
#1. Applications are available in the office between 8 AM and 4 PM,
Monday through Friday. They can be emailed or mailed, and they are
available online.
#2. Submit the Application for Building Permit along with three sets of
the detailed, stamped architectural drawings. The Building Department
sends a copy to the Plan Reviewer, and gives a copy to the City Engineer
and the City Plumbing Inspector for their review as well.
#3. You will be notified by the Building Department of the fees that need to
be paid to complete the application process.
#4. If the application is complete and the fee is paid, usually the
turnaround time is about one week.
#5. This is a good time to apply for a permit for either a construction trailer
permit or a portable storage unit using the Application for Zoning Permit.
Be aware of the time limitations either can be parked at the site.
#6. You can pick up the Building Permit or have it mailed to you. Permits
are valid for different lengths of time:
 a year for new construction;
 6 months for an addition;
 48 days for alterations.
Step 9
Inspections: Who Does Them and When?
#1. Call the Building Department, as work progresses, to schedule
inspections when you know you will be done with the work that needs to
be inspected. Have your permit number ready.
Anthony Bodo, the Chief Building Official, does all inspections for
commercial and residential constructions except for electrical inspections.
Electrical Inspector – We contract with a private inspection firm.
Ron Gaylord, Building Department Inspector, is a licensed residential
inspector.
Earl Gates is the ICC-certified property maintenance code inspector.
Fire Chief Carlo Capaldi is a fire inspector with two additional fire
inspectors under him.
John Shanley is the plumbing inspector for the City of Steubenville and
Jefferson County.
#2. Three inspections are included in the price of the Plan Review Fee. If
more inspections are needed, there may be more fees. Utility companies
do not do inspections.
#3. At this time, the Building Department is not making iPhone
inspections.
#4. If something is not found to code, you will be issued a stop work order
work until that issue is resolved. Once it is re-inspected, work can resume.
#5. Inspectors use iPads on site. The reports can be printed and are
available in the office for contractors or owners.
Step 10
How Do You Get a Certificate of Occupancy?
#1. Schedule a final inspection, when the project is finished. Under state
law, the contractor and the building owner, not the building official of the
City of Steubenville, has ultimate liability for a safe building.
#2. Request an Application for Certificate of Occupancy.
Which City Departments Should You Contact?
Building Inspection Department (740-283-6000, ext. 3400) for

building plan approval and building permits

electrical plan approval and permits

fire alarm/suppression system plan approval and permits

demolition, excavation and soil erosion control
Engineering Department (740-283-6000, ext. 3300) for

storm water management and control

traffic and street access

address number assignment
Health Department (740-283-6000, ext. 1500) for

plumbing plan approval and plumbing permits

food service operation/establishment floor plan approval and licenses
Historic Landmarks Commission (740-283-6000, ext 1700)

historic districts or sites’ exterior alteration/building plan approval

historic districts or sites’ demolition
Sewer Department (740-283-6000, ext. 3600) for

connection to/location of sanitary sewer lines and easements

connection to/location of storm sewer lines and easements
Utility Collection Office (740-283-6000, ext. 1400) for

establishment of water and refuse collection accounts connection or
disconnection of water service
Water Department (740-283-6000, ext. 1400) for

connection to location of water lines and easements

fire hydrant use and type