Permitting and Plan Approval

Prior to the start of construction or renovation of a commercial building, a plan approval is required. If the construction involves a new structure, or an expansion to an existing structure, a building permit is also required. The plan approval is processed and issued by the Department of Buildings, and the building permit is processed and issued by the Office of the Mayor.

Plan Approval

A plan approval is official authorization by the Department of Buildings to proceed with the construction or renovation of a commercial structure. The plan approval indicates the owner's building construction or renovation plans comply with all provisions of the Ohio Building Code. The construction or renovation of a commercial building cannot proceed without proper plan approval issued by the Department of Buildings.

Development Permit

A development permit is a separate from a plan approval, but a necessary component in the development process. The Rutland Municipal Code requires any property owner who intends to construct a new structure, or construct an addition to an existing structure, receive a development permit from the Office of the Mayor. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure the property owner has received a plan approval from the Department of Buildings and the construction or expansion of the structure satisfies existing municipal regulations.

Completing your Project

The Village of Rutland welcomes and encourages development, and in this regard, ensures the regulatory process is streamlined for property owners, developers and architects, alike. To start and complete your project, refer to the steps below.

Step 1. Apply for plan approval.

• The initial step is to file with the Southeast Ohio Building Department an Application for Non-Residential Plan Approval and all attachments required thereby. This step, required by law, will ensure your project complies with the provisions of the Ohio Building Code. If your project involves a residential structure, skip to Step 4.

Step 2. Schedule your inspection.

• Once your Application for Non-Residential Plan Approval has been filed, the Southeast Ohio Building Department will schedule an inspection of your facility or review of your construction plans, if the project involves the construction of a new facility.

Step 3. Receive plan approval.

• Once your inspection has been completed by the Southeast Ohio Building Department and plans are compliant with the Ohio Building Code, the Southeast Ohio Building Department will issue your plan approval documents. Please, note a plan approval only certifies your plans are compliant with the Ohio Building Code. Note, however, a plan approval does not grant authorization, with exceptions, to build or develop in the Village; refer to Step 4.

Step 4. Apply for development approval.

• If your project involves (the):

• Construction of a new structure, or

• Exterior enlargement of an existing structure, or 

• Construction or renovation of a structure, or excavation or dredging, within a flood hazard area,

File with the Mayor's Office an Application for Development Permit and all attachments required thereby. This step, required by law, will ensure your project complies with the development and flood hazard mitigation provisions of the Rutland Municipal Code. All other projects may proceed without a development permit.

Step 5. Receive development approval.

• Within 30 days, you will be issued a determination from the Mayor's Office regarding your Application for Development Permit. If your project satisfies all Ohio Building Code and Rutland Municipal Code requirements, you will be issued the appropriate development permit.

• If your project does not satisfy all such requirements, the Mayor's Office will issue a notice of denial and steps that may be taken to apply for variances, or appeal the Mayor's decision.

Step 6. Begin your project.

• Once you have completed Steps 1 through 5, you are ready to begin your project. Please, ensure you are completing your work in accordance with your plan and development approval documents. Inspectors from the Southeast Ohio Building Department will frequent your work site to ensure the representations made in your documents are being adhered to.