Plan Submittal 

 Commercial & Residential Plan Quick Check

• Does the project comply with the Zoning?
• Is the use permitted in the Zoning district?
• Will you require Conditional and Similar Use approval by the Planning Commission?
• Will the project meet all regulations of the Planning and Zoning Code?
• Will variances be required by the Board of Zoning Appeal?

For these answers please review: 

Planning and Zoning Code 

Zoning Map

Commercial Site Plan Requirements

• Planning Commission Approval application and electronic plans should be uploaded to our permit portal. Preliminary site plan approval must first be obtained from the Planning Commission.
  • See the Planning Commission page for the dates of the meeting and the deadlines to submit.
• If approved, complete the City Engineer Plan Approval Application which should be uploaded to our permit portal. A Building Department representative will contact you to confirm receipt and secure payment.
  • You will also need to secure approval from the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works for underground storm and sanitary work.
    • Local Utilities
      • Cleveland Water
      • NEORSD
      • First Energy
      • Cleveland Public Power
      • Dominion Gas
• Once approval is received from all of the above, please contact the Building Department to begin the process of securing final site plan approval from the Planning Commission.
• Approval is not a Permit. Application for permits should be submitted by the contractor performing the work

Commercial Plan Requirements For Addition, New or Remodel Projects.

• Certificate of Plan Approval application and electronic plans should be uploaded to our permit portal. A Building Department representative will contact you to confirm receipt and secure payment.
• The plan examination fee is based on the size and scope of the project per the Ohio Building Code.
  • The applicant will be invoiced separately once the fee is determined by the city's contracted Plans Examiner.
• The review process typically takes 2-3 weeks after payment.
  • If a resubmittal is required then an additional review fee invoice will be sent.
    • A written response to the review must be submitted.  
• Once plans are approved we will issue the Certificate of Approval and stamped plans.
  • Certificate of Approval IS NOT A PERMIT. Application for permits should be submitted by the contractor performing the work
• The Certificate of Plan approval and stamped plans must be printed and accessible on the job site.
• Once the project is complete, As-Built drawings must be emailed to the Building Department.