There is some work that does trigger the building code and can be done without approvals and inspections. It must be remembered, however, that exemption from the requirements of the code does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any unsafe or hazardous manner in violation of the provisions of the code, laws, or ordinances of the City of Ashland. Approvals are not required for the following: (Refer to OBC and RCO 102.10 for other exemptions.)

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
2. Fences not over 6 feet high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one, two, or three-family dwelling.
8. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
9. Decks </= 200 SF and </= 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to the dwelling, nor serve an exit door.
10. Above-ground storage tanks as defined in rule 4101:8-2-01 of the Administrative Code and the associated tank foundations.

Electrical:

1. Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
2. Re-installation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets thereof.
3. Replacement of branch circuit over-current devices of the required capacity and type in the same location.
4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
5. Repairs and maintenance: Approval shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved
permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
4. Gas distribution piping owned and maintained by the public utilities and located upstream of the point of delivery.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
9. Heating and cooling distribution piping owned and maintained by public utilities.

Plumbing:

1. The repair and stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and an approval shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and re-installation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

City of Ashland

Residential Plan Approvals FAQ

Who Writes the Codes?

What is a Plan Approval and why is it needed?

Why do inspections need to be made?

What about Non-residential Buildings?

What is covered by the Ohio Residential code and what is not?

What work is exempt from approval?