Architect in central Ohio

Which counties and towns do you cover?

Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Union, Madison, Pickaway and Knox counties, including Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Newark, Heath, Granville, Pataskala, Johnstown, Delaware, Powell, Lancaster, Pickerington, Marysville, Plain City, London, Circleville and Mount Vernon.

How are permits handled here?

Central Ohio is split between cities with their own building departments and counties that serve the townships and villages:

• Licking County. The Licking County Building Code Department enforces the building codes for residential and commercial projects across most of the county. Villages and cities such as Granville, Johnstown and Pataskala issue their own zoning permits, and the county issues the building permit.
• Franklin County. The county's Economic Development and Planning Department runs a building department and zoning for the unincorporated townships, and requires new residential site plans to be prepared by a design professional. Columbus and most suburbs run their own building and zoning offices.
• The other counties. Check the state's building department map for your address; townships here usually have their own zoning inspector.

What kind of work comes up in central Ohio?

Three kinds most often. New houses on lots at the edge of the suburbs, where the subdivision's architectural review comes before the building department. Additions and renovations to older houses in Granville, Bexley, Worthington, Clintonville and German Village, several of which have historic or architectural review. And pole barns, garages and shops on acreage in Licking, Knox, Delaware and Union counties, where the line between farm and residential zoning decides which rules apply.

What should I know about building here?

• Review boards. Many central Ohio suburbs and villages require design review for exterior changes. Build that time into your schedule.
• Growth. New Albany, Johnstown and western Licking County are changing quickly. Zoning maps and rules are being rewritten; read the current version before you buy or design.
• Septic and wells. Outside the sewer lines, the county health department approves the septic system before the building permit, and its location fixes much of the site plan.

How do we work together?

Remotely first, on calls and shared drawings, with a site visit at the start of most central Ohio jobs because James is close. See the services: new custom homes, permit drawings for additions and renovations, pole barn drawings and zoning and site plans.