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Questions owners ask
Short answers to the questions James hears most from owners in Ohio, each with a link to the page that goes deeper.
Where does James Kehl Architects work?
Anywhere in Ohio. The practice is based in Licking County and works statewide, remotely first, with a site visit when the job needs one. More
Is James Kehl a registered architect in Ohio?
Yes. James Kehl, RA, is an Ohio registered architect and the principal and owner of James Kehl Architects. He is also registered in California, but the practice works only in Ohio. More
What services does James Kehl Architects offer?
Pole barn and post-frame building drawings, permit drawings for additions and renovations, new custom homes, zoning and site plans, and construction documents and permit sets for builders. More
Do I need a permit for a pole barn in Ohio?
It depends on use and location. A barn used for farming on agricultural land is exempt from Ohio's building codes but may need a zoning certificate. A pole barn garage or shop over 200 square feet needs a building permit where the Residential Code of Ohio is enforced. A barn used for a business falls under the Ohio Building Code. More
Are farm buildings exempt from the building code in Ohio?
Yes, when the building is incident to the agricultural use of the land it is on and is not used for retail trade (ORC 3781.06 and 3781.061). Floodplain rules and, where adopted, zoning certificates still apply. More
Do I need an architect to build a house in Ohio?
Not by state law. Ohio does not require an architect's seal on plans for one-, two- and three-family homes (ORC 3791.04). Commercial buildings under the Ohio Building Code generally do need sealed drawings. More
Can an architect seal drawings made by someone else?
No. In Ohio an architect may seal only drawings he or she authored or prepared under his or her responsible charge (OAC 4703-3-01). James Kehl Architects seals only its own work. More
What is a zoning site plan?
A scaled drawing of the whole lot showing property lines, existing and new buildings with their sizes, the setback from each building to each line, the drive, well, septic and easements. It goes with the zoning permit application. More
Do you work with my post-frame supplier's engineer?
Yes. When the supplier's engineer seals the truss or frame design, the drawings lay out and size the whole building and note where the supplier's sealed design governs. More
What drawings does an addition need for a permit in Ohio?
Usually a site plan, existing and new floor plans, elevations, a building section, foundation and framing plans, and energy code notes, all drawn to scale. More
How do I find my building department in Ohio?
Use the Ohio Board of Building Standards' building department map at com.ohio.gov/JurisdictionMap, then call your city, village, township or county zoning office about zoning. More
Do you need to visit my site?
Not always. Many barns, site plans and additions can be drawn from a survey or parcel map, photos and measurements. James visits when the site or the building needs it, such as a steep lot or an older house. More
How does a job start?
With a call or the inquiry form. James asks about the project, then sends a short written agreement with the scope. Work begins once it is signed. More
What do you need from me to start?
The address or parcel number, what you want to build, a survey if you have one, photos of the site or house, and when you hope to start. The inquiry form asks for all of it. More