Hamilton County Planning + Development

Hamilton County Planning + Development Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Hamilton County Planning + Development, Government Organization, 138 East Court St, Cincinnati, OH.

Hamilton County’s Department of Planning & Development is responsible for ensuring safe, responsible development and redevelopment while building partnerships to create and implement visionary plans. Whether reviewing construction plans for a new hospital, writing new zoning regulations for parking standards, funding community and economic development projects, or mapping our stormwater system, th

e staff of Planning + Development works to make Hamilton County a great place to live, work and play.

🏗️ Building Permits vs. Zoning Permits — What’s the Difference?Planning a project? It’s important to know that not all p...
06/08/2026

🏗️ Building Permits vs. Zoning Permits — What’s the Difference?

Planning a project? It’s important to know that not all permits serve the same purpose.

📍 Zoning Permits focus on where and how land can be used.
They ensure your project complies with local zoning regulations such as:

✅Property use (residential, commercial, industrial)
✅Setbacks from property lines
✅Building height and placement
✅Lot coverage and density requirements

🏢 Building Permits focus on how something is constructed.
They ensure your project meets safety and building code standards, including:

🔨Structural integrity
🔨Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
🔨Fire safety requirements
🔨Construction materials and methods

💡 In short:
Zoning = Is it allowed here?
Building = Is it built safely and correctly?

Before starting your next project, make sure you have the right approvals in place to keep things moving smoothly and safely.

Questions? Contact our office—we’re here to help guide you through the process!

🌟 Meet Our Community Planning Division! 🌟Behind every thriving community is a team dedicated to shaping its future. Our ...
06/05/2026

🌟 Meet Our Community Planning Division! 🌟

Behind every thriving community is a team dedicated to shaping its future. Our Community Planning Division works with residents, businesses, and local leaders to guide growth, preserve community character, and create vibrant places to live, work, and play.

From long-range planning and zoning initiatives to community engagement and economic development efforts, this team helps ensure that Hamilton County continues to grow in a thoughtful and sustainable way.

Join us in recognizing the talented professionals who help turn community visions into reality every day!

We have some exciting new faces in the office! Please join us in welcoming Jay Madden, our 2026 Summer intern for our Co...
06/02/2026

We have some exciting new faces in the office! Please join us in welcoming Jay Madden, our 2026 Summer intern for our Community Planning division.

Jay is originally from Oxford, Ohio, and just completed his first year at DAAP in the Master of Community Planning (MCP) program. As a Summer 2026 Community Planning Co-op, he is excited to kickstart his planning career by gaining experience with long-range, collaborative projects and forming strong relationships within Hamilton County’s diverse communities.

Were excited to have Jay as a part of the P+D team!

05/29/2026

We want to hear from YOU! 👷🏽‍♀️🏗️

What type of content would you like to see more of on our page?

🔹 Building & zoning tips
🔹 Permit process information
🔹 Staff spotlights
🔹 Community project highlights

Vote below or drop additional ideas in the comments!

05/28/2026

Communities Without Limits
Week 4: May 25– 31

Creating a truly safe community means ensuring every person, regardless of age, ability or circumstance, can move through and use the spaces around them. Communities without limits embrace built environments that are welcoming, intuitive and enjoyable by all. This begins with eliminating physical, sensory and cognitive barriers that prevent people from fully navigating homes, buildings and public spaces to their fullest extent.

What are some features in your community that improve accessibility in the built environment?

https://www.iccsafe.org/building-safety-journal/bsj-hits/icc-pulse-podcast-building-accessibility-standards-in-the-u-s-and-beyond/

Meet our multiples! Our office has an Amy for every occasion… and plenty of Mikes, Bobs, and Chris' to go around too.Tak...
05/26/2026

Meet our multiples! Our office has an Amy for every occasion… and plenty of Mikes, Bobs, and Chris' to go around too.

Take a look at our P+D lineup:

Mike (Stehlin, Kueffner)
Bob (Mangold, Martin)
Chris (Osbourne, Porter, Schneider)
Amy (Mayer, Engstrom)
Roger (Wilcox, Hammoor)
Becky (Stratton, Witterstaetter)
Tim (Hershner, Williams)
Alex (Sherlock, Smille)
Will (Busch, Bose)
David (Hoover, Edenfield)
Jason (Pastoor, Toney)

Same names, different people - same great team!

To celebrate Memorial Day, Hamilton County Planning + Development offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, and wi...
05/25/2026

To celebrate Memorial Day, Hamilton County Planning + Development offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

But just because the doors are closed doesn't mean you can't submit your plans! You can now submit permits digitally from the comfort of your own home, office or phone. No more paperwork or downtown trips required!

Visit us online at: https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/.../planning_and... to Learn More About ezTrak – ezTrak.cagis.org

05/22/2026

Resilient buildings and disaster plans save lives! Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on how smart design, strong codes and community preparedness work together to reduce the impact of disasters. From tornados and floods to snow and ice and wildfires, the built environment plays a critical role in protecting people and property.

⚡Utilities & systems (hidden but critical protections)
These don’t get much attention—but they matter during disasters:

• Electrical systems designed to reduce fire risk
• Plumbing and drainage rules to prevent water damage
• Mechanical systems (HVAC) installed safely
In flood-prone areas:
• Utilities must often be elevated or protected
👉 Result: Less chance of secondary disasters (fires, contamination, system failure).

Resilient buildings and disaster plans save lives! Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on how smart design, strong c...
05/22/2026

Resilient buildings and disaster plans save lives! Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on how smart design, strong codes and community preparedness work together to reduce the impact of disasters. From tornados and floods to snow and ice and wildfires, the built environment plays a critical role in protecting people and property.

🔥Fire protection (heavily enforced everywhere in Ohio)
Ohio codes require:
• Smoke alarms in key locations
• Fire separation between living spaces (walls, floors)
• Emergency escape routes (egress windows/doors)
• Fire-resistant materials in certain assemblies
All building codes are ultimately aimed at “protecting public health, safety, and welfare”
👉 Result: Fires spread slower, and people have a safer way out.

Resilient buildings and disaster plans save lives! Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on how smart design, strong c...
05/21/2026

Resilient buildings and disaster plans save lives! Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on how smart design, strong codes and community preparedness work together to reduce the impact of disasters. From tornados and floods to snow and ice and wildfires, the built environment plays a critical role in protecting people and property.

🌊 Flood protection (very relevant in Hamilton County)
Flooding is one of the most tightly regulated hazards in Ohio codes.
Key requirements:
• Homes in flood zones must be built above base flood elevation (100-year flood level)
• Lowest floor must be elevated + at least 1 foot higher than flood level
• Structures must resist:
o flotation
o collapse
o lateral movement during flooding
• Use of flood-resistant materials below flood level

Local governments (like Hamilton County) can adopt even stricter floodplain rules to qualify for federal insurance programs
👉 Result: Homes are less likely to be destroyed or require full rebuild after floods.

Address

138 East Court St
Cincinnati, OH
45202

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15139464550

Website

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