Building & Zoning Department
The Village Administrator is responsible for zoning code review for all building projects in the Village. Click here to view the Village of Glendale Zoning Code. If you have specific questions about a project you’re considering, please contact Village Administrator David Lumsden by email at dlumsden@glendaleohio.org or by phone at (513) 771-7200. Village staff is happy to assist you in planning and obtaining the necessary permits for your project.
The Village operates its own Building Department. Every year, the Village issues over 100 building permits for projects from re-roofs to complete remodels and additions.
If your project requires an electrical permit, those are obtained through Inspection Bureau Incorporated. They can be reached at (513) 381-6080. If you need a plumbing permit, please contact Hamilton County Public Health Department Division of Plumbing Inspections at (513) 946-7854.
Exterior building and remodeling projects at properties within the Village of Glendale Historic District are required to undergo an Appropriateness Review before the Glendale Planning & Historic Preservation Commission (also known as Planning Commission). Click here for more information on Historic Preservation and Planning Commission.
Once you're ready to apply, please use the links below to download a copy of our building permit application form.
Building Permit Application (PDF)Village of Glendale Zoning MapSee below for a zoning map of the Village of Glendale. Click the image for a larger version. The yellow area indicates the area covered by the Glendale Local Historic District.
Steps from Permit to InspectionObtaining a building permit may seem daunting, but Village staff wants to make sure the process goes smoothly so you can get your project completed.
First, submit your application for a building permit and plans to the Village Office at 30 Village Square. Paper or electronic plans are acceptable, however, electronic copies are preferred. If submitting electronic materials, please submit in PDF format and avoid using file sharing sites that may require special access or logins. All materials can be submitted by email to David Lumsden at dlumsden@glendaleohio.org.
Once submitted, the Village Administrator will perform a zoning review to ensure the project conforms with the Village Zoning Code. For specific questions about your project, please reach out directly to the Village office and someone will be happy to assist you.
Following zoning review and approval and assuming you do not live within the Historic District, your application is forwarded to our Building Department for plan review and approval. A permit is issued and a permit fee is calculated based on the type of project. The permit fee is due when the permit is collected. Once your project is complete, contact Don Mercer, Village Building Inspector, at the number written on the permit to schedule your building inspection.
Please review the list below for more information on what kinds of projects require a permit. Typically, repair work does not require a permit.
Projects that typically require a building permit:
- Accessory Structures (> 150 sq. ft or installed on a concrete pad)
- Additions
- Decks
- Driveway Replacement
- Electrical
- Fences (add/repl.)
- Gutter Repl. (change)
- Gutter Repl. (same)
- HVAC
- Interior Remodeling
- New Homes
- Pavers, terraces
- Plumbing
- Pools (In or above ground)
- Retaining Walls
- Roof Replacement
- Shutters (add or remove)
- Siding
- Signs (Commercial)
- Window Replacement
Click here for more information about the Glendale Planning and Historic Preservation Commission.
As part of the Village’s dedication to preservation, the Glendale Planning & Historic Preservation Commission (also known as Planning Commission) is responsible for enforcing the Village’s Historic Preservation Guidelines. Click here to see the Historic Preservation Guidelines. These guidelines provide detailed considerations for a wide variety of home improvement projects.
The primary responsibility of the Planning Commission is the enforcement of these guidelines through Appropriateness Reviews for projects within the Historic District. These reviews are required for nearly all building permit applications for exterior renovation and construction projects. The only exceptions are provided for projects which replace “like and same”, meaning there is not a change in material or architecture. The Village Administrator determines if a project application meets this condition.
A list of typical projects that require Glendale Planning and Historic Preservation Commission review:
- Accessory Structures ( > 150 sq. ft.)
- Additions
- Decks
- Driveway Replacement
- Fences (add/repl.)
- Gutter Repl. (change)
- New Homes
- Pavers, terraces
- Pools (In or above ground)
- Retaining Walls
- Roof Replacement (if material changes)
- Shutters (add or remove)
- Siding
- Signs (Commercial)
- Window Replacement
Conditional UsesUnder the Village of Glendale Zoning Code, certain uses are considered “conditional uses”, meaning they require both Planning Commission and Council approval prior to a building permit being issued. One common conditional use in residential districts is a swimming pool, above- or below-ground. If you are planning to install a pool, be sure to contact the Village Office first, so we may guide you through the conditional use process.