New interactive map transforms how Ohioans find local building departments
Ohio business owners, homeowners and building departments now have a faster way to identify their local building department, helping to keep construction projects on track.
The Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS), which is within the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance, has launched a new, interactive map that enables Ohioans to quickly identify the agency or agencies responsible for commercial and residential building project jurisdictions statewide. The map is now available at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/board… as well as at com.ohio.gov/JurisdictionMap.
The new map is more than just a convenience; it is a vital resource that helps streamline building code understanding and compliance across Ohio. Once individuals and businesses input their address, the tool clearly provides contact information for the building department responsible for enforcing building codes in that specific area.
With approximately 800 certified building departments across the state, the availability of this information in a clear manner helps to ensure that builders, contractors and property owners are able to easily identify the appropriate agency for projects, allowing them to navigate the construction process more efficiently. By knowing the correct agency upfront, they can avoid costly delays that might otherwise stall projects. Providing accurate jurisdictional details also promotes safety and compliance by ensuring adherence to building codes, resulting in safer construction practices across the state.
The development of this map supports one of the Ohio Department of Commerce’s primary goals of leveraging technology to provide a higher quality service.
Instructions on Accessing and Utilizing the Jurisdiction Map
1. Visit com.ohio.gov/JurisdictionMap or access the map directly by clicking here.
2. Enter a property address in the search bar. (Full address options will auto populate beneath the field once you start typing an address.) Once you see the correct address, click on it.
3. View the contact information for the building department responsible for that area.
“By simplifying access to this critical information, the jurisdiction map empowers those in charge of commercial building projects to make informed decisions, avoid compliance delays, ensure safer plans and encourage code-compliant construction practices statewide,” said Board of Building Standards President Tim Galvin.
BBS certifies local building departments and department personnel to ensure they meet the qualifications and standards required to enforce Ohio’s building codes. This certification process helps maintain uniformity and professionalism across all jurisdictions.
With the launch of this interactive map, the Board is taking a significant step toward reducing barriers, improving safety and fostering growth in Ohio’s construction industry.