Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7 | Ohio Administrative Code 4101:7 — Department of Commerce | Board of Building Standards: Certification Rules

Chapter 4101:7-1 Board Certifications, Recognition, and Authorizations

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-1-01 General.

As authorized by the Revised Code, the board of building standards has adopted rules for the certification of building departments, building department personnel, local boards of building appeals, and fire protection system designers as specified in paragraphs (A) to (D) of this rule. Additionally, the board has adopted rules for the recognition of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies, and industry trade association certification programs as specified in paragraph (E) of this rule. Applications for certification or recognition shall be submitted to the board of building standards and shall be made on forms prescribed by the board and found on the board's website at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/board-of-building-standards.

(A) Building department certification. Before exercising authority in the enforcement of the rules of the board, including the acceptance and approval of plans and the performance of inspections, municipal, township, and county building departments shall be certified by the board of building standards as required in division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-2-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Building department personnel certification. Before exercising authority in the enforcement of the rules of the board, including the acceptance and approval of plans and the performance of inspections, municipal, township and county building departments' personnel shall be certified by the board of building standards as required in division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Boards of building appeals certification. Before hearing and deciding adjudication hearings, local boards of building appeals shall be certified by the board of building standards as required in section 3781.20 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-4-01 of the Administrative Code.

(D) Fire protection system designer certification. Before designing an automatic sprinkler system or other water-based fire protection system, a fire alarm system, or a special hazards suppression system for submission to a certified building department for approval, an individual must be certified by the board of building standards as required in section 3781.105 of the Revised Code and rules 4101:7-5-01 of the Administrative Code.

(E) Criteria for board recognition of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies and industry trade association certification programs. Before providing services, any accreditation body, conformity assessment body, or industry trade association certification program shall be recognized by the board as authorized by division (C) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and as prescribed in section 114 of rules 4101:1-1-01 and 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code and as specified in rule 4101:7-6-01 of the Administrative Code.

(F) Fees.

(1) Certified building department fees. Fees for construction documents submitted to and inspections made by certified building departments shall be in accordance with the locally adopted fee schedule.

(2) Division of industrial compliance fees. For the fees for examination of construction documents and for conducting inspections when performed by the division of industrial compliance, see rules adopted by the division of industrial compliance.

(G) Division of industrial compliance assessment fee. The superintendent of the division of industrial compliance shall collect a fee, on behalf of the board of building standards, of five dollars for making inspections and each application for acceptance and approval of construction documents per scope of work.

The fee shall be deposited by the division of industrial compliance, pursuant to section 121.084 of the Revised Code, to the credit of the board. The superintendent of the division shall report on the amount of the fees collected and deposited to the credit of the board not later than forty-five days following the end of the first full months collection and then monthly afterward.

Last updated July 1, 2025 at 8:52 AM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-2-01

Municipalities, townships, and counties may seek certification by the board of building standards as described in division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code to exercise enforcement authority, to accept and approve construction documents, and to make inspections.

(A) Certification types. A political subdivision may seek to enforce the rules of the board by requesting either a certification as a building department or a sub-building department as required in paragraph (A)(1) or (A)(2) of this rule. References in this rule to "department," "residential department," or "building department," unless specified, shall mean "certified building department" or "certified sub-building department."

(1) Certification as a building department. Municipalities, townships, and counties shall enforce the rules of the board in conformity with the law and as described in this rule.

(a) Municipalities. Municipalities, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule, must specify whether the department is to be certified to enforce the rules of the board for plumbing and will employ a plumbing inspector, certified as required in rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code. If a department is not to be certified for plumbing, the enforcement shall be done by the local board of health or the division of industrial compliance plumbing section in the department of commerce.

Municipalities, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule, must also specify whether the department is to be certified to enforce medical gas piping system provisions and will employ a medical gas piping inspector, certified as required in paragraph (E)(12) of rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code. If the department is not to be certified to enforce medical gas piping system provisions, then the enforcement shall be done by the local board of health or the division of industrial compliance in the department of commerce.

Municipalities may, at any time, make application to the board of building standards to be approved to have the building department certification modified or to include, or exclude, plumbing and medical gas piping system enforcement duties in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule.

(b) Counties and townships. Counties and townships, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule for certification of a building department, are not certified to enforce plumbing provisions or employ plumbing inspectors required in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule. As permitted in section 3703.01 of the Revised Code, county building departments may enforce plumbing provisions if the county board of health has entered into an agreement with the board of county commissioners to provide plumbing code enforcement and employs a plumbing inspector, certified as required in division (D) of section 3703.01 of the Revised Code. The county shall specify on its application whether the county department will enforce the rules of the board for plumbing and will employ a properly certified plumbing inspector. If, after certification, a county building department assumes plumbing code enforcement as required in section 3703.01 of the Revised Code, it shall notify the board.

Counties and townships, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule, must also specify whether the jurisdiction desires the department to be certified to enforce medical gas piping system provisions and will employ a medical gas piping inspector, certified as required in paragraph (E)(12) of rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code. If the county or township chooses not have its department certified to enforce medical gas piping system provisions, then the enforcement shall be done by the local board of health or the division of industrial compliance in the department of commerce.

Counties and townships may, at any time, make application to the board of building standards to be approved to have the building department certification modified or to include, or exclude, medical gas piping system enforcement duties in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule.

(2) Certification as a sub-building department. Municipalities, townships, and counties may be certified by the board of building standards to enforce the rules of the board as a sub-building department in conformity with the law and as described in paragraphs (A)(2)(a) and (A)(2)(b) of this rule. A sub-building department has enforcement exercised on their behalf by another certified political subdivision that will perform all enforcement, reporting, and administrative duties.

(a) Municipalities. Municipalities, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule, must specify whether the department is to be certified as a sub-building department and shall indicate which certified building department of another political subdivision will enforce the rules of the board in the municipality. The application must also specify how the public in a municipality with a building department certified sub-building department will be provided information on how construction documents will be accepted, reviewed, and approved, and how inspections will be requested and made.

Municipalities may, at any time, make application to the board of building standards to be approved to have the building department certification modified to change its certification from a sub-building department to a certified building department, or vice versa, in accordance with paragraph (H)(1) of this rule.

(b) Counties and townships. Counties and townships, in submitting the application described in paragraph (C) of this rule, must specify whether the department is to be certified as a sub-building department and shall indicate which certified building department of another political subdivision will enforce the rules of the board in the county or township. The county or township must also specify how the public in the county or township with a building department certified as a sub-building department will be provided information on how construction documents will be accepted and approved, and how inspections will be requested and made.

Counties and townships may, at any time, make application to the board of building standards to be approved to have the building department certification modified to change its certification from a sub-building department and to a certified building department, or vice versa, in accordance with paragraph (H)(1) of this rule.

(B) Building department certification requirements. To qualify for residential or non-residential building department certification, a municipal, township, or county shall have and maintain the following:

(1) Conformity with law. The residential or non-residential building department shall submit an application and shall have been created in conformity with the law, shall have adopted ordinances or resolutions, and shall have entered into any agreements or contracts necessary to comply with the rules of the board and paragraph (C) of this rule;

(2) Required certified personnel. All personnel of municipal, township, or county residential or non-residential building departments, and persons and employees of persons, firms, or corporations whose responsibilities include the exercise of enforcement authority shall be certified by the board of building standards pursuant to rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code prior to performing such duties. A certified residential or non-residential building department or sub-building department shall have the respective personnel qualified to execute the duties required for the exercise of enforcement authority, the review and approval of construction documents, and the performance of inspections under the rules of the board. Any department may employ level 1 administrative personnel at its option. The requirements below represent the minimum staff necessary for building department compliance with board rules. Duties assigned to specified level may be performed by personnel who hold a higher certification level.

(a) Non-residential building department personnel.

(i) Level 5 commercial building, and.

(ii) Level 4 combination plans examiner, and

(iii) Level 4 or 6 combination inspector, or level 3 building inspector specialization, level 3 electrical safety inspector specialization, level 3 energy inspector specialization, level 3 fire protection inspector specialization, level 3 mechanical inspector specialization, and level 3 plumbing inspector specialization if the department is certified to enforce plumbing provisions.

(iv) Medical gas piping inspector. If the department is certified to enforce medical gas provisions, then the department shall have in its employ or under contract at least one person holding the medical gas inspector certification as required in paragraph (B)(7) of rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(v) Backup personnel. The department shall have in its employ or under contract alternate personnel meeting the requirements of rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code, to serve in the event of a conflict of interest or the unavailability of the building official, level 4 combination plans examiner, level 3 plans examiners, or level 4 combination inspectors or level 3 inspector specializations. All backup personnel shall be clearly identified and disclosed on the yearly operational report.

(b) Residential building department personnel.

(i) Level 2 residential code official or person with higher certification.

(ii) Person(s) with level 2 or 3 plumbing inspector specialization if the residential department is certified to enforce plumbing provisions.

(iii) Person(s) with level 2 or 3 electrical safety inspector specialization.

(iv) Backup personnel. The residential department shall have in its employ or under contract, alternate personnel meeting the requirements of this rule, to serve in the event of a conflict of interest.

Residential departments are responsible for designating the primary and backup personnel filling the roles of building official, plans examiner, building inspector, electrical inspector and plumbing inspector within the department.

(3) Sufficient staff to serve the public need. In addition to the requirements above, a department shall have in its employ or under contract as many certified personnel of each type as necessary to serve the public needs of the jurisdiction for plans examination, inspections, and the issuance of approvals and orders within the timeframes established by rules 4101:1-1-01 and 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code. When required personnel, both primary and backup, leave the employ of the residential or non-residential building department, permanent replacement personnel shall be designated in accordance with the rules of the board within one-hundred-twenty days.

(4) Contract employees. A municipal corporation, township, or county may contract with a certified residential or non-residential building department, health district, or with persons, firms, or corporations under contract to furnish services, and meeting the requirements of rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code, to exercise the respective residential or non-residential building code enforcement authority, administer the board's rules, approve plans and specifications and perform inspections on behalf of such municipal corporation, township, or county, providing such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract and upon application to and approval by the board of building standards. All contract employees shall be clearly identified and disclosed on the yearly operational report;

(5) Building department office and posting of contact information. The certified residential or non-residential building department shall have an office conveniently located within the area it serves. The office shall be open and staffed to serve the public need and office hours shall be conspicuously posted. Information shall be posted in an area accessible to the public in a government office of the jurisdiction and on the jurisdiction's website explaining how building department services are provided, with contact information;

(6) Availability of inspectors. The residential or non-residential building department shall be staffed so that all inspectors are available, during normal business hours, for requested inspections as required in section 108 of rules 4101:8-1-01 and 4101:1-1-01 of the Administrative Code, respectively. The department may offer inspections at other times at the request of the owner or owner's representative; and

(7) Building department certificate to be posted. The certificate issued by the board of building standards to a municipal, township, or county building department shall be posted in a conspicuous place in an area accessible to the public in the department's office or in an area accessible to the public in a government office of the jurisdiction if the department contracts for enforcement services or is certified as a sub-department.

(C) Building department certification application. Application for certification of a municipal, township, or county residential or non-residential building department, or application for modification of an existing certification, shall be made on a form prescribed by the board of building standards and shall set forth:

(1) A copy of the law creating such a department.

(2) A copy of a resolution requesting certification of the building department to enforce the rules of the board.

(3) The proposed budget for the operation of such department.

(4) A chart showing the organization of the building department within the governmental body.

(5) The number of and board certifications held by staff to be employed by or under contract with the building department.

(6) The names of other municipal corporations, townships, counties, or health districts contracting to furnish work or services when such other municipal corporation, township, county, or health district is under contract to furnish architectural or engineering services to the municipal corporation, township, or county, and such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract and when officers or employees of any other municipal corporation, township, county, or health district under contract to furnish inspection services to the municipal corporation, township, or county, when such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract.

(7) A copy of the ordinance or resolution authorizing a residential or non-residential building department to enter into a contract with other municipalities, townships, counties, health districts, persons, firms or corporations to do their plan approval and inspections.

(8) A copy of the contract between the residential or non-residential building department and other municipalities, townships, counties, health districts, persons, firms, or corporations to do their plan approval or inspections.

(9) The department which will be responsible for plumbing inspection, if not within the building department.

(10) Attestation or signature, including an electronic signature, of an authorized representative of the board of township trustees in townships, the board of county commissioners in counties, or the appropriate officials in municipalities.

Applications shall be filed with the board at least seven days prior to a certification hearing.

The board may allow amendments to applications prior to formal action. Requests for amendments to applications shall be made in writing and conform to all the other provisions of this rule.

(D) Building department certification, certification hearing. Upon receipt of an application, the board of building standard's certification committee shall review the application and make a recommendation to the board of building standards. The committee may ask for additional information to be submitted by the applicant prior to making a recommendation to the board. If the committee requests additional information from the applicant, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request may be cause for disapproval of the application by the board. After receiving a recommendation from the committee, a certification hearing on the application shall be conducted by the board of building standards. An authorized representative of the municipality, township, or county seeking certification present at the certification hearing may give testimony or respond to any questions from the board. The board shall give all interested persons appearing at such certification hearing an opportunity to be heard and explain their positions. A record of the proceeding shall be made by the board.

(1) Building department certification, approval or denial. Following the certification hearing, the board shall act on the application for certification.

Approval by the board of building standards of an application for certification shall set forth the group classifications and subject matters for which the municipal, township, or county building department under consideration is to be certified. After such approval, the appropriate official in municipalities, the board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties requesting certification, shall be furnished a certificate of approval which shall state the conditions and limitations, if any, under which it has been issued.

If the application is denied in whole, or in part, by the board of building standards, the appropriate official in municipalities, the board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties requesting certification shall be notified in writing of such denial and the reason therefore and to their rights of appeal pursuant to sections 3781.10 and 3781.101 and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(E) Building department certification, board to maintain list. The board of building standards shall maintain a current list of all certified nonresidential and residential building departments, their contact information and, if applicable, their contractual relationships with other persons, departments, firms, or corporations that enforce the rules of the board on behalf of the certified building department.

The list of certified building departments shall be made available upon request and shall be posted on the board's website at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/board-of-building-standards.

(F) Building department certification, reports, and assessment. Certified building departments shall submit the following reports and information to the board of building standards:

(1) Yearly operational report. A yearly operational report for the previous year, within ninety calendar days after the end of each calendar year;

(2) Changes in personnel. Written notification of changes in personnel of the residential or non-residential building department who enforce the rules of the board, within thirty calendar days after such personnel have been appointed;

(3) Board requests or queries. Replies to any special requests or queries made by the board of building standards, within thirty calendar days of receipt;

(4) Board assessment. Each political subdivision that prescribes fees pursuant to division (E) of section 3781.102 of the Revised Code shall also collect on behalf of the board of building standards an assessment equal to three per cent of those fees imposed for non-residential or one per cent of those fees imposed for residential approvals, the acceptance and approval of plans and specifications, and for performing inspections.

Assessment report. The political subdivision shall report on the prescribed form and remit monthly by check or other acceptable method of payment, the amount of the assessments collected on behalf of the board not later than sixty days following the end of each month in which the assessments are collected. In the case of building departments that are certified as sub-departments, pursuant to paragraph (A)(2) of this rule, the building department exercising enforcement authority shall report and remit to the board for all certified sub-building departments. Remittance in the form of checks shall be made payable to the "Treasurer, State of Ohio."

(G) Building department certification, revocation or suspension. In accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code, a department certification may be revoked or suspended and, for a non-residential department with respect to any and all of the group classifications for which it is certified, upon receipt by the board of building standards of a written complaint from any person affected by the exercise of the authority granted under such certification, or by the board on its own motion.

(1) Complaint process. Upon receipt of a written complaint against a certified building department that is substantiated by demonstrable evidence or upon the board's own motion:

(a) The board shall decide whether the information submitted warrants causing a formal investigation to be initiated or sending a notice of opportunity for hearing as outlined in paragraph (G)(1)(d) of this rule;

(b) If a formal investigation is warranted, the certified jurisdiction shall be notified that an investigation has been initiated by the board;

(d) The board may dismiss the complaint, table the matter for future action, or initiate action to suspend or revoke the certification. If the board issues an order to suspend or revoke the certification it shall:

(i) Notify the certified jurisdiction of the charges in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The certified jurisdiction shall be informed that a hearing, if desired, must be requested within thirty days from the date of the notification to request a hearing before the board. The order shall inform the certified jurisdiction that it may be represented by counsel at the hearing. Failure by the certified jurisdiction to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of the notification may cause the board, after a hearing, to uphold the order revoking or suspending certification;

(ii) Schedule a hearing to be held seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request. The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion;

(iii) The board may appoint a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.

(iv) A hearing will be conducted during which parties and witnesses can be examined and offer testimony, in a manner that prevents unnecessary delay, and that ensures the development of a clear and adequate record. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.09 of the Revised Code;

(v) If a hearing officer has been appointed, then within thirty days after the hearing, the hearing officer shall submit a written report of the findings of fact and recommendations to the board for its consideration.

(e) Following the hearing, the party affected shall be sent a certified copy of the board's action and informed in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that the jurisdiction may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court of common pleas with jurisdiction pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) Building department certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraphs (G)(1)(a) to (G)(1)(e) of this rule.

(3) Revocation or suspension. In the event of suspension or revocation of a residential or non-residential building department certification, the jurisdiction shall, within fifteen days of being notified of such suspension or revocation, surrender to the secretary of the board of building standards the certificate previously issued under paragraph (D)(1)(a) of this rule. The department, upon suspension or revocation, shall no longer hold out to the public that it is authorized to issue certificates of plan approval for the construction, repair, alteration of buildings or classes of buildings specified in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code or for performing inspections for which it has been suspended or certification revoked.

Outstanding plans review, approvals, inspections, or orders. In the event of the suspension or revocation of a non-residential building department certification, the enforcement duties shall be transferred to the division of industrial compliance or to the certified building department as approved by the board.

(4) Probationary status. In the event of an investigation in which the board decides not to immediately suspend or revoke a residential or non-residential building department's certification, as outlined in paragraph (G) of this rule, the board may place the department on probationary status for a period of time and require remedial action as the board deems appropriate. During this time the department shall comply with the training, reporting, auditing, or other remedial action required by the board. The board is authorized to revoke or suspend the department's certification for failure to comply with such remedial requirements pursuant to paragraph (G) of this rule.

(H) Special building department requirements.

(1) Changes in jurisdictional authority. The department shall submit an application to have its existing building department certification modified. The application shall also include a transition plan identifying all outstanding projects that have received a certificate of plans approval but have yet to be issued a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion. The transition plan shall indicate how and by whom code enforcement duties for those projects will be continued and completed and how paid and pending fees will be assessed and/or shared to prevent duplicative fees and/or enforcement duties.

(2) Surrender of department certification. The political subdivision shall submit a written notification to the board declaring its intention to surrender its existing building department certification. The notification shall also include a transition plan identifying all outstanding projects that have received a certificate of plans approval but have yet to be issued a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion. The transition plan shall indicate how and by whom code enforcement duties for those projects will be continued and completed and how paid and pending fees will be assessed and/or shared to prevent duplicative fees and/or enforcement duties. All documents, reports, and project files will be transferred to the jurisdiction that will assume enforcement authority.

Township certification when a county is or becomes certified. A township may not submit an application pursuant to this rule to exercise enforcement authority, to accept and approve construction documents, and to make inspections that is located in a county that is already certified. If a township is certified and the county subsequently is certified by the board, the township's certification is preempted by the county one year after the county certification is effective or at an earlier date as the board of township trustees approves. Townships and counties certified by the board as of March 11, 2012 are not affected by this section.

(3) Structures with shared jurisdictional authority. When a department receives an application for plan approval for a structure or portion of a structure which, when built, would involve shared jurisdictional authority, the building official shall immediately notify the owner that the structure involves shared jurisdictional authority and the process, determined below, that will be used in approvals and inspections for the project and shall:

(a) Determine which other political subdivision(s) has jurisdiction for a portion of the structure;

(b) Determine the name and contact information for the building official for any other political subdivision(s) which has jurisdiction for a portion of the structure;

(c) Determine, with the advice of legal counsel, and after discussion with the building official(s) of the other political subdivision(s) identified above, how and by whom code enforcement duties for the project shall be completed;

(d) Determine how, when, and which enforcement records shall be provided to the various parties;

(e) Determine how paid and pending fees will be assessed and/or shared to prevent duplicative fees and/or enforcement duties; and

(f) Establish by whom, when, and to whom the certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion shall be issued and distributed.

Last updated September 2, 2026 at 1:51 PM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-3-01

The board of building standards certifies personnel to administer and enforce the board's rules by certified building departments.

(A) Building department personnel certification classifications. The certifications issued by the board of building standards are as follows:

(1) Level 1 administrative.

(2) Level 2 residential code official with specialization(s).

(3) Level 3 inspector with specialization(s).

(4) Level 3 plans examiner with specialization(s).

(5) Level 4 combination inspector.

(6) Level 4 combination plans examiner.

(7) Level 5 building official with specialization(s).

(8) Level 6 comprehensive code official.

(9) Medical gas piping inspector.

It is the intent of the board to provide opportunities for developing competencies in additional code enforcement skills and types of construction and increasing responsibility by achieving higher levels of certification and obtaining additional specializations. Progression through levels is not required so long as the person only performs duties reserved for a given certification level. Individuals certified at level 3 or higher are permitted to perform all the duties of level 2 residential code official except plumbing and electrical inspections unless they also hold those specializations in either residential or commercial.

(B) Applications for personnel certification. Applications for personnel certification are reviewed by the board and will be approved upon demonstration of competence by the applicant to perform the duties of a given certification level through documented experience, training and testing. The following are illustrative, but not comprehensive, of the experience, training and testing that may qualify an individual for stated certification.

Training may be undertaken within a department, or in cooperation with another department or code enforcement entity.

(1) ) Level 1 administrative. Level 1 certified personnel fulfill administrative roles within the building department, such as customer service representatives, inspection schedulers, and permit technicians, etc. Administrative department personnel are not required to be certified but may seek certification to be able to progress to higher levels of certification. Level 1 personnel may be considered residential code trainees.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 1 certification include:

(i) High school diploma or equivalent, or

(ii) "International Code Council" permit technician certification.

(b) To complete level 1 requirements, complete "International Code Council" permit technician examination and code academy during initial three-year certification.

(c) To progress to level 2 certification, personnel will demonstrate competence in reading construction documents, plans and drawings, shadow level 2 to 6 inspectors and/or plans examiners, demonstrate construction site safety awareness, and complete code academy and building inspector (residential or commercial) exam. Competence will be measured by records of shadowing and demonstrated jobsite safety awareness, exam results, completion of standardized construction site safety training, and building official review and recommendation. Applicants for level 1 certification may include, but are not limited to, the following groups: department staff, employees of third-party code enforcement entities, or other candidates pursuing building code enforcement curricula at an accredited educational entity or trainee program.

(2) Level 2 residential code official. Level 2 certified personnel perform residential building inspections, plans examinations, and administer the residential code of Ohio. In departments which are certified to enforce the Ohio building code, level 2 personnel are commercial trainees, performing supervised and independent inspections and/or plan reviews. Level 2 personnel demonstrate competency in reading construction documents, drawings and plans, jobsite safety awareness, and competence in residential construction or at least one major building system: structural, mechanical, electrical, energy, plumbing, or fire suppression, and develop competency in the other systems through shadowing a level 3 to 6 certified person, observation, supervised inspections and/or plan reviews, exam completion and attendance at board-sponsored cross-training events.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 2 certification include, but are not limited to:

(i) Successful completion of level 1 competencies;

(ii) Completion of construction related field vocational program at the high school or career center level;

(iii) One to four years commercial skilled trade experience as a skilled tradesperson or site superintendent; or

(iv) Three to five years residential skilled trade experience as a tradesperson or site superintendent;

(v) Fire safety inspector certificate from the department of public safety;

(vi) Associate's degree in construction related field;

(vii) Bachelor's degree plus one to four years in residential building construction; or

(viii) Residential general contractor with minimum three years onsite project experience.

(b) To complete level 2 requirements, complete prescribed examinations and attend code academy during initial three-year certification.

Level 2 code officials may obtain residential specializations in electrical and plumbing systems and perform inspections upon

(i) Completion of prescribed examinations; and

(ii) Demonstration of three years experience or documented training in the specialization requested; or

education or experience which provides knowledge of the specialization, or equivalent..

(c) To progress to level 3, complete at least one of the level 3 inspector or plans examiner specialization examinations and demonstrate competence in that system through records of shadowing, supervised inspections or plan reviews, and independent inspections or plan reviews, exam results, attendance at board-sponsored cross-training events and building official review and recommendation.

(3) Level 3 inspector or plans examiner specialization. Level 3 certified personnel perform commercial building inspections and plans examinations, limited to the area of competency in which they hold a specialization. Certification specializations in level 3 are building inspector, building plans examiner, electrical safety inspector, electrical plans examiner, energy inspector, energy plans examiner, fire protection inspector, fire protection plans examiner, mechanical inspector, mechanical plans examiner, plumbing inspector, and plumbing plans examiner. Level 3 certified personnel develop competency in other building systems through shadowing a level 3 to 6 certified person certified in that system, observation, supervised inspections and/or plan reviews, exam completion and attendance at board-sponsored cross-training events.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 3 certification include, but are not limited to:

(i) Three years building department residential or commercial code enforcement experience in a jurisdiction that enforces a model code, or

(ii) Five years skilled trade experience, at least 3 of which are in commercial structural, load bearing construction, or mechanical, or

(iii) Six years skilled trade experience in electrical or plumbing; or

(iv) Journeyperson certificate in related skilled construction trade, or

(v) Ohio fire safety inspector certification and three year's experience or one hundred fifty fire safety inspections as a certified Ohio fire safety inspector, or

(vi) Bachelor's degree plus one to four years commercial construction experience, or

(vii) Bachelor's degree in design or construction related field, or

(viii) Ohio construction industry licensing board licensed commercial trades contractor, or

(ix) Five years responsible for all trades as a commercial contractor, commercial foreman, or commercial site superintendent.

(b) To complete level 3 requirements, complete certification examinations and code academy during initial three-year certification. Multiple specializations may be held at level 3, code academy needed only for first level 3 certification specialization in inspections and plans examination.

(c) To progress to level 4, complete all prescribed examinations in inspections or plans examination, and demonstrate competence through records of shadowing level 3 to 6 personnel, supervised inspections or plan reviews, and independent inspections or plan reviews, exam results, attendance at board-sponsored cross-training events and building official review and recommendation.

(4) Level 4 combination inspector or plans examiner. Level 4 certified personnel perform commercial building inspections and/or plans examinations for all scopes of commercial buildings except medical gas inspection, dependent on certification type. Certifications in level 4 are combination commercial inspector and combination commercial plans examiner. Level 4 certified personnel develop competency in other disciplines through shadowing a level 4 to 6 certified person certified in that discipline (inspection or plans examination), observation, supervised inspections and/or plan reviews, and exam completion.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 4 certification include, but are not limited to:

(i) Completion of level 3 requirements or equivalent demonstrating full competence in all areas, or

(ii) Registered architect or professional engineer in a design or construction related field.

(b) To complete level 4 requirements, complete all certification examinations and code academy within the discipline in either inspections or plans examination during initial three-year certification.

(5) Level 5 commercial building official. Level 5 certified personnel manage all aspects of the commercial building department and are responsible for the enforcement of the rules of the board and of Chapters 3781. and 3791. of the Revised Code relating to the construction, arrangement and erection of buildings or parts thereof.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 5 certification include, but are not limited to:

(i) Registered architect or professional engineer in a design or construction related field, and completion of the board's prescribed examinations and training, or

(ii) Ten years commercial general contractor, foreman or site superintendent responsible for supervision of all trades, and completion of the board's prescribed examinations and training, or

(iii) Six years certified building department experience, completion of level 3 requirements and completion of the board's prescribed examinations and training.

(b) To complete level 5 requirements, complete the board's prescribed examinations and training during initial three-year certification.

(c) To progress to level 6, meet full certification requirements for level five, and complete prescribed exams for all subject matter areas in both inspections and plans examination.

(6) Level 6 comprehensive code official. Level 6 certified personnel manage all aspects of the commercial building department and are responsible for the enforcement of the rules of the board and of Chapters 3781. and 3791. of the Revised Code relating to the construction, arrangement and erection of buildings or parts thereof.

(a) Minimum qualifications for level 6 certification include, but are not limited to:

(i) Registered architect or professional engineer in a design or construction related field and three years at level 5, or

(ii) Ten years' commercial general contractor, foreman or site superintendent responsible for supervision of all trades, and three years at level 5, or

(iii) Nine years building department experience and completion of all level 4 and 5 requirements.

(b) To complete level 6 requirements, complete the board's prescribed examinations and training during initial three-year certification.

(7) Medical gas piping inspector: Applications for medical gas piping inspector certification will be administratively approved upon receipt of application with evidence verifying that the applicant has been certified by an "American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)" recognized third-party certifier in accordance with ASSE standard 6020.

(C) Other qualifying experience. In addition to qualifications specified in this rule, the board of building standards may find the following enforcement, education, inspection, or plans examination experience to be acceptable to demonstrate competence:

(1) Experience gained with the department of commerce, division of industrial compliance or an agency or jurisdiction outside the state of Ohio enforcing a model residential code, for residential certifications, or a model non-residential building code, for nonresidential certifications, of a national model code organization or a code adopted for the respective buildings or structures of the types regulated by the rules of the board.

(2) Education or experience which provides knowledge of different construction methods, processes, or types as it determines applicable, including, but not limited to, accredited vocational/career development programs in code enforcement, internships with certified building departments, and vocational programs sponsored by the Ohio department of rehabilitation and corrections.

The board of building standards will not credit experience gained while acting in violation of rules adopted by the board to establish equivalent experience.

(D) Reciprocity. In accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code, an applicant for certification is to be granted an initial certification at the appropriate level if the applicant meets one of the following conditions:

(1) The applicant has been certified in another state through exam or experience in a profession equivalent to the board certification requested, has been employed in that certification for at least one year of the last five years, and maintains the original certification in good standing with the original jurisdiction; or

(2) The applicant holds private certification from a national organization in a profession equivalent to the board certification requested, has been employed in that certification, in a state that does not issue state certification, for at least two years of the last five years, and maintains the original certification in good standing with the national organization; or

(3) The applicant has been employed in a profession equivalent to the board certification being requested, without examination or state or private certification, in a state that does not require government or private certification, with the same occupational duties a certification holder in Ohio would be engaged in, for at least three of the last five years.

Applicants seeking reciprocity are to include evidence of out-of-state licensure or certification or national organization certification along with relevant work history to demonstrate eligibility for reciprocity.

Military and military spouse temporary certification. Pursuant to section 4743.041 of the Revised Code, an individual shall be issued a temporary certification as a certified building department personnel upon demonstration of the following:

(a) The individual holds a valid certification issued by any other state or jurisdiction, equivalent to a building department personnel certification, in good standing; and

(b) The individual or the individual's spouse is on active military duty in Ohio.

Military duty temporary certifications will be issued without fee. At the individual's option, they may instead apply for certification under the reciprocity rules listed in this paragraph.

(E) Personnel certification application, filing and processing. Persons wishing to become certified are to submit the prescribed application for certification and application fee of fifty dollars indicating the certification level they are applying for, as well as any specializations they are seeking within the certification level. The completed application will include evidence of qualification confirming the statements and information made in the application, including but not limited to, resumes, letters of recommendation, "International Code Council" or "National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors" credentials or test results, educational transcripts, diplomas, journeyperson card, Ohio construction industry licensing board license, published data, photographs, or any other documentation. An application with fee is to be submitted for each subsequent level, to include evidence demonstrating that the criteria for the new level has been met.

Application for additional specializations without level change may be submitted at any time, without fee, and will be reviewed and approved or denied administratively by the executive secretary or designee. Applications for specializations must include evidence of completion of board prescribed training and examination(s). In reviewing applications for specializations, the executive secretary or designee will determine whether the training and examination requirements have been met. If the application for specialization is administratively denied, the process in paragraph (E)(3)(b) of this rule will apply.

(1) Applications for certification are to be submitted to the office of the board at least seven days prior to a certification hearing. The application will expire if not approved within one year of receipt by the board.

(2) Committee consideration of applications. The certification committee will consider all applications received on an individual basis, and make recommendations to the board for approval, denial, or request for additional information. The committee may recommend approval of an application at the level submitted, recommend approval at a lower or higher level, recommend denial of an application, or recommend a request for additional information. The committee may ask for additional information to be submitted by the applicant prior to making a recommendation to the board. If the committee requests additional information from the applicant, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request may be cause for disapproval of the application by the board.

(3) Certification, approval or denial. After receiving a recommendation from the committee, the board shall hold a certification hearing to take action on the application. The applicant may be present at the certification hearing to respond to any questions from the board, and all interested persons appearing at such certification hearing may be given an opportunity to comment. Following the certification hearing, the board may approve the application at the level requested, approve the application for a different level than requested, table pending further review and/or receipt of additional documentation, deny the application for certification, or take such other action as the board deems appropriate. If the board requests additional information, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request may be cause for disapproval of the application by the board. The board may request an interview of the applicant by the certification committee to assist the board in making its evaluation of an application.

(a) If the application is denied, in whole or in part, by the board of building standards, the applicant shall be notified in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code of such denial, the reason for the denial, and their rights of appeal pursuant to sections 3781.10 and 3781.101, and, Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraph (M) of this rule.

(b) If an application is approved for a lower level than was requested, or if an application for specialization is denied administratively by the executive secretary or designee, the applicant is to be notified of the lower level or specialization denial via electronic mail. The applicant may request review of the application by the board and include with said request a narrative and additional information supporting the request for review. If the review results in no change of level or specialization status, it is considered a denial. The applicant shall be notified in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, of such denial, the reason for the denial, and their rights of appeal pursuant to sections 3781.10 and 3781.101 and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraph (M) of this rule.

(F) Records. The board shall retain, as a part of applications which have been approved, any or all documents submitted or electronic versions of such documents, properly marked for identification and ownership.

(G) Board action. All applications shall be considered individually by the board and the action taken recorded in the minutes, and the applicant notified as required.

(H) Examinations. The board maintains a list of prescribed examinations for each board personnel certification level and specialization. Either at the time of application, or at the time of request to move to full certification, applicants shall furnish the board evidence of passing the board approved examinations for the appropriate certification category issued by a national model code organization or a testing agency or entity recognized by the board.

(I) Issuance of certificate and renewal.

(1) Issuance of certification.

(a) All approved applicants are to be granted an initial certification. The certificate will state the certification level and specialization being issued pursuant to paragraph (E) of this rule, expiration date, and limitations, if any, under which it has been issued. All certifications are issued for a three-year period.

(b) Before the end of the initial certification period, the certificate holder is to submit evidence of successfully completing the requirements of the certification level.

(c) Certification level reduction: In the event that an initial certification holder in level 2, 3 or 4 has not completed the required examinations and instruction to obtain full certification status, that person may apply for certification level reduction prior to the expiration of the current initial certification. The person will then have three years to complete either the requirements for the reduced level, or the requirements for the original certification level, to obtain full certification status for the level they have completed.

(d) Initial certification expiration. If the initial certification has expired prior to completing all of the requirements, the board may grant full level certification of the individual if the applicant presents evidence of completing the outstanding requirements within one year following the expiration.

(i) Upon expiration of initial certification without level reduction or completion of level requirements, the individual shall not perform any duties for which the initial certification was received.

(ii) Applicants for initial certification who have held the same certification two times previously will be required to submit passing examination results with the application for initial certification. Code academy will be required for these applicants regardless of date of previous attendance.

(e) Upon completion of the requirements of an initial certification level, a certification holder may submit a first renewal application to maintain the certification level for another three-year period accompanied by fifty dollar renewal fee and evidence of successfully completing the prescribed examination modules, completion of the "Ohio Building Code Academy," and any other conditions of initial certification.

(2) Renewal. Responsibilities of certified personnel

(a) Maintain contact information on file with board, including mailing address, email address, and telephone number

(b) Renew certification every three years.

(c) Complete thirty hours of continuing education or continuing education alternatives within each three-year renewal period.

(3) Applications for renewal. Applications for renewal of a certification are to be submitted to the board of building standards at least thirty days but no more than ninety days prior to the expiration date. In addition to a completed renewal application form prescribed by the board, applicants for renewal of certification will submit a certification renewal fee of fifty dollars, and an attestation that the renewal applicant has completed all required continuing education instruction, and, other than medical gas piping inspectors, successfully completed thirty hours of educational courses and/or continuing education alternatives prior to the expiration of the current certification.

Exception: Applications for renewal of medical gas piping inspector certifications are to include evidence verifying that the applicant's certification by an "ASSE" recognized third-party certifier, in accordance with "ASSE" standard 6020, has been renewed.

(4) Failure to renew. Any individual whose certification has expired through failure to renew may obtain a renewal within one year from the date of its expiration provided the holder has met all requirements for renewal, including payment of the renewal fee. All applications for renewal of expired certifications are to be processed as renewals during the one-year period following expiration.

Once a certification has been expired for more than one year, individuals seeking recertification must apply for a new certification, and follow the procedures for initial certification.

The holder of a certification that has expired shall not perform any duties for which the expired certification is required.

(J) Active-duty military service certification extension. Upon receipt of documentation certifying that a holder of board certification has been called to active military duty described in division (A)(3)(c) of section 5903.12 of the Revised Code during the current or previous certification period the board is to extend a certification period by the total number of months that the holder of the certification spent on active military duty. For the purposes of this paragraph, any portion of a month served on active duty is to be considered one full month.

(K) Elective temporary suspension. Certifications may be placed in elective temporary suspension upon written request to and approval by the board. Except for emergency circumstances, requests shall be in writing at least sixty days prior to the certification expiration date and supported by satisfactory evidence that the holder is withdrawing from active employment for which the certification is required.

(1) Restoring certification. Certifications placed in elective temporary suspension for a period of time not to exceed one three-year term following the expiration date may be restored to active status by the board upon written request. The request will include satisfactory evidence that the holder has completed thirty hours of continuing education for that certification and any board-sponsored mandatory training required, or their board-approved equivalents, during the time the certification was in suspension prior to the date of reinstatement and payment of the fifty dollar renewal fee.

(2) Failure to restore certification. Certifications placed in elective temporary suspension in excess of one three-year term following the original certification expiration date will expire. Applicants choosing to reinstate their certifications may apply for a new initial certification.

(L) Continuing education.

(1) Holders of board certifications shall:

(a) Complete the "Ohio Building Code Academy" requirements during initial certification period. Individuals who have completed the "Ohio Building Code Academy" within thirty-six months immediately preceding the date of receipt of a new certification may attend "Code Administration and Skills Training" provided by the board in lieu of the "Ohio Building Code Academy."

Exceptions:

(i) Individuals certified as medical gas piping inspectors pursuant to paragraph (B)(7) of this rule.

(ii) Individuals who have attended at least three full code academies are exempted from future code academy requirements but will complete the specific instruction for the certification path (inspector, plans examiner, official) of the new initial certification and submit proof of completion.

(b) Complete at least thirty hours of continuing education prior to the expiration date of the certification for each certification period other than initial certification. Of those thirty hours, education must include at least three hours of continuing education dedicated to the subject of code administration, three hours dedicated to existing buildings, and one hour dedicated to ethics.

(2) Continuing education approved. Education provided by or approved by the following organizations is approved for board continuing education.

(a) American institute of architects

(b) American society of heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning engineers

(d) Accredited college, university, or vocational courses relating to building code or department management topics

(e) Board of building standards courses approved in accordance with rule 4101:7-3-04 of the Administrative Code

(f) International association of electrical inspectors Ohio chapter

(g) International code council

(h) International code council preferred provider

(i) National fire protection association

(j) Ohio architects board

(k) Ohio association of plumbing inspectors

(l) Ohio board of engineers and surveyors

(m) Ohio building officials association

(n) Ohio construction industry licensing board

(o) Ohio professional engineer associations, including the American society of civil engineers, the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, the society of fire protection engineers, the American society of mechanical engineers, the American society of plumbing engineers, and Ohio structural engineers association

(p) Other related technical/professional societies or organizations, including local, state or regional affiliates, chapters, components or sections whose programs have been recognized by any of the above organizations.

(3) Continuing education credit may also be obtained through the following equivalents. This substitution will not remove the need to complete required instruction elements.

(a) Up to five hours per year for preauthorized documented community outreach. Preauthorization shall be obtained from the primary building official of the department where the individual is employed or under contract or by the board if the individual is not employed or under contract with a certified building department.

(b) Documented attendance at "International Code Council" code hearings.

(c) In-house training sponsored by a certified building department and attendance certified by the primary building official of the department.

(d) Up to five hours per year for volunteering at professional development conferences organized by Ohio code enforcement associations.

(e) Up to five hours per year for volunteering as a poll worker for federal, state and local government elections.

(4) Failure to complete. Failure to complete the number of hours required will result in expiration of the certification.

(5) Proof of completion. It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to attest truthfully to completion of continuing education requirements, and to furnish evidence of completion in the format requested by the board at the time of renewal.

(6) Continuing education records. The certification holder shall maintain records of continuing education completion and shall make the records available at any time to the board upon request for review. Records shall be maintained for six years. Records may be requested at any time in connection with an investigation or enforcement proceeding. Following a request for records, if the board disallows one or more continuing education activities claimed, the certification holder has up to sixty days after the notification to substantiate adequate completion or to complete other continuing education activities sufficient to meet the minimum requirements. Failure to provide the requested information in the time frame established by the board may result in disciplinary action.

(M) Certification, revocation or suspension. In accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code, a certification may be revoked or suspended upon receipt by the board of building standards of a written complaint from any person affected by the exercise of the authority granted under such certification, or by the board on its own motion pursuant to this paragraph.

(1) Complaint process. Upon receipt of a complaint against a holder of a certification that is substantiated to the satisfaction of the board or upon the board's own motion:

(a) The board shall decide whether the information submitted warrants causing an investigation to be initiated or sending a notice of opportunity for hearing as outlined in paragraph (M)(1)(d) of this rule.

(b) If a formal investigation is warranted, the subject of the investigation shall be notified that an investigation has been initiated by the board.

(d) The board may dismiss the complaint, table the matter for future action, or initiate action to suspend or revoke the certification. If the board decides to initiate action to suspend or revoke the certification it shall notify the certificate holder of the charges, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The certificate holder shall be informed that a hearing, if desired, must be requested within thirty days from the date of the notification to request a hearing before the board. The order shall inform the certificate holder that counsel may represent the certificate holder at the hearing. Failure by the certification holder to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of the notification may cause the board, after a hearing, to uphold an order revoking or suspending certification.

(e) In the event that the certificate holder timely requests a hearing, the board shall decide to either conduct a hearing or appoint a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.

(2) Board decision to hold a hearing.

(a) The board shall schedule a hearing to be held seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request.

(b) The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion.

(c) The board shall conduct a hearing during which parties and witnesses can be examined and offer testimony in a manner that prevents unnecessary delay, and that ensures the development of a clear and adequate record. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.09 of the Revised Code.

(d) Board decision to appoint a hearing officer. The hearing officer shall submit, within thirty days after the conclusion of the hearing, a written report of the finding of fact and recommendations to the board for its consideration.

(e) Following the hearing or following receipt of the hearing officer's report, the board shall take action. The party affected shall be sent a certified copy of the board's action and informed in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the certification holder may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court with jurisdiction pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(3) Building department personnel certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraph (M)(1) of this rule.

(4) Grounds for revocation or suspension. The board may revoke or suspend an individual's certification if the board concludes that the individual has committed one or more of the following:

(a) The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining the certification;

(b) A felony;

(c) Gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct in performance of duties, or engaging in conduct that is considered a conflict of interest;

(d) Failure to complete the continuing education requirements prior to expiration date of the certificate;

(e) Violation of the duties described in rule 4101:7-3-02 of the Administrative Code.

(5) Revocation or suspension. In the event of suspension or revocation of a certification, the individual shall no longer hold out to the public or any jurisdiction that the individual is certified to exercise enforcement authority or holds the board certification which has been suspended or certification revoked. During a suspension, the certificate holder shall comply with the training, reporting, auditing, or other remedial action required by the board. In addition to such other authority the board may have, the board is authorized to revoke the individual's certification for failure to comply with such remedial requirements.

(6) Probationary status. In the event of an investigation in which the board decides not to immediately suspend or revoke an individual's certification, the board may place the individual on probationary status for a period of time and require remedial action as the board deems appropriate. During probation, the certificate holder shall comply with the training, reporting, auditing, or other remedial action required by the board. In addition to such other authority the board may have, the board may revoke or suspend the certificate holder's certification for failure to comply with such remedial requirements.

(N) Conversion of existing certifications to new certification levels. Upon adoption of this rule, the board will issue a new certification to individuals with current and active board certifications at the highest level the individual qualifies for based on certification(s) currently held.

(1) New certifications will be issued in accordance with following:

(a) An individual who holds a current interim or full residential building official, residential plan examiner, residential building inspector or residential mechanical inspector certification will be converted to a level 2 residential code official. If the individual has demonstrated passage of the E1 or P1 or equivalent examinations, the individual will also be granted residential electrical or residential plumbing inspector specialization, respectively.

(b) An individual who holds a current interim or full building inspector certification will be converted to a level 3 inspector with building, energy, fire protection and mechanical specializations.

(c) An individual who holds a current interim or full electrical safety inspector certification will be converted to a level 3 electrical safety inspector specialization.

(d) An individual who holds a current interim or full fire protection inspector certification will be converted to a level 3 fire protection inspector specialization.

(e) An individual who holds a current interim or full mechanical inspector certification will be converted to a level 3 mechanical inspector specialization.

(f) An individual who holds a current interim or full plumbing inspector certification will be converted to a level 3 plumbing inspector specialization.

(g) An individual who holds more than one current interim or full inspector certifications listed in paragraphs (N)(1)(b) to (N)(1)(f) of this rule, but not all six, the individual will be converted to a level 3 inspector with all applicable specializations noted.

(h) An individual who holds a current interim or full building, electrical safety, and plumbing inspector certifications will be converted to a level 4 combination inspector.

(i) An individual who holds a current interim or full building plans examiner certification will be converted to level 3 building and energy plans examiner specializations.

(j) An individual who holds a current interim or full electrical plans examiner certification will be converted to a level 3 electrical plans specialization.

(k) An individual who holds a current interim or full fire protection plans examiner certification will be converted to a level 3 fire protection plans examiner specialization.

(l) An individual who holds a current interim or full mechanical plans examiner certification will be converted to a level 3 mechanical plans examiner specialization.

(m) An individual who holds a current interim or full plumbing plans examiner certification will be converted to a level 3 plumbing plans examiner specialization.

(n) An individual who holds more than one current interim or full plans examiner certifications listed in paragraphs (N)(1)(i) to (N)(1)(m) of this rule, but not all six, the individual will be converted to level 3 plans examiner with all applicable specializations noted.

(o) An individual who holds a current interim or full building, electrical, fire protection, mechanical and plumbing plans examiner certifications, master plans examiner certification or limited plans examiner certification will be converted to a level 4 combination plans examiner.

(p) An individual who holds a current building official examiner certification will be converted to level 5 commercial building official with any applicable specializations noted.

(q) An individual who holds a current interim or full building, electrical, fire protection, mechanical and plumbing inspector certifications, current interim or full building, electrical, fire protection, mechanical and plumbing plans examiner certifications or master plans examiner or limited plans examiner certification, and current interim or full building official certification will be converted to level 6 comprehensive code official.

(r) An individual who holds a full residential plumbing inspector certification without also holding an interim or full plumbing inspector certification will be converted to a level 2 residential code official with plumbing inspector specialization.

(s) An individual who holds a current non-residential industrialized unit inspector certification will be converted to level 4 combination inspector.

(t) An individual who holds a current residential industrialized unit inspector certification will be converted level 2 residential code official with both residential plumbing and electrical inspector specializations.

(2) Prior to issuance of new certifications in accordance with this rule, the board will provide a notice to all certified personnel with current and active certifications of its intent to transfer certification status and the proposed new certification level. The notice will inform certification holders of an opportunity to submit additional information within thirty days of the notice that would demonstrate competence to perform the duties of a higher certification level or additional specializations through previously unreported documented experience, training and testing. Upon receipt of any additional previously unreported documentation, the executive secretary or designee will review the documentation and determine whether it demonstrates competence to perform the duties of a higher certification level or additional specializations and will notify the individual of the decision. If the executive secretary or designee determines that the additional information demonstrates that individual is qualified to perform the duties of a higher certification level or additional specializations, the new certification level or additional specializations will be administratively entered into the certification record of the individual. If the executive secretary or designee determines that the additional information does not demonstrate that the individual is qualified to perform the duties of a higher certification level or additional specializations, no change will be made in the certification record of the individual and the decision notification issued to the individual shall indicate that the individual may request review by the board which will be processed in the same manner as a new certification application submitted in accordance with rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code.

(3) Individuals who hold an interim certification at time of transfer to new certification levels are expected to complete all interim certification requirements in place as of the date of issuance of the original interim certification during the initial three-year certification period of the new certification level. Failure to complete original interim certification requirements during the initial three-year certification period of the new certification level will result in reduction of certification level upon expiration.

(4) Individuals who hold a trainee certification at time of transfer to new certification levels are expected to complete all testing requirements in place as of the date of issuance of original trainee certification and demonstration of competence to perform the duties of the new certification level through documented supervision and training during the initial three-year certification period. Failure to complete original trainee certification requirements during the initial three-year certification period of the new certification level will result in reduction of certification level upon expiration.

Exception: At the expiration of the initial three-year certification period of the new certification level, an applicant may request a one-time extension to complete original trainee requirements for a period of time not to exceed the expiration date of the original trainee certification.

Last updated September 12, 2026 at 6:43 AM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-4-01

Before hearing and deciding the adjudication hearings referred to in section 109 of rule 4101:1-1-01 of the Administrative Code, local board of building appeals shall be certified by the board of building standards in accordance with this rule.

The list of certified local boards of building appeals shall be made available upon request and shall be posted on the board's website at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/board-of-building-standards.

(A) Application for certification, local board of building appeals. Certification, direct or by contractual agreement, shall be upon application to and on a form prescribed by the board of building standards. Upon receipt of an application, the board of building standard's certification committee shall review the application and make a recommendation to the board of building standards. The committee may ask for additional information to be submitted by the applicant prior to making a recommendation to the board. If the committee requests additional information from the applicant, failure to submit the requested information within ninety days from the date of the request may be cause for disapproval of the application by the board. After receiving a recommendation from the committee, a certification hearing on the application shall be conducted by the board of building standards. An authorized representative of the municipality or county seeking certification may be required to attend to give testimony to respond to any questions from the board. The board shall give all interested persons appearing at such certification hearing an opportunity to be heard. All persons desiring to be heard at the certification hearing shall first be duly sworn or affirmed and a record of the proceeding shall be made by the board.

The application shall be submitted, at least seven days prior to a certification hearing, with the following information:

(1) A copy of the charter provision, ordinance or resolution establishing the local board of building appeals and providing for the appointments in accordance with paragraph (C) of this rule;

Note: Certified building departments applying for contractual agreement with a certified board of another political subdivision shall submit a copy of the ordinance or resolution from each party authorizing the contract along with a copy of the contract.

(2) The name and resume of each member, including the date of appointment, term of office, professional qualifications and experience necessary for membership.

(B) Local board of building appeals certification, public hearing. Upon receipt of a complete application, a public hearing on the application shall be conducted by the board of building standards. An authorized representative of the municipality, township, or county seeking certification may be present at the public hearing to give testimony or respond to any questions from the board. The board shall give all interested persons appearing at such public hearing an opportunity to be heard and explain their positions. A record of the proceeding shall be made by the board.

(1) Local board of building appeals certification, approval or denial. If the application is denied in whole or in part by the board of building standards, the appropriate official in municipalities, board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties requesting certification shall be notified in writing of such denial and the reason therefore and to their rights of appeal pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The board of building standards upon review of the application shall certify a local board of building appeals if:

(a) The applicant political subdivision has a building department certified pursuant to division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and that certification is not by contract with another political subdivision;

(b) The board is established pursuant to municipal charter, ordinance or resolution; and

(2) The board of building standards upon review of the application shall certify a local board of building appeals per contact with another certified board if:

(a) Both political subdivisions have authorized the contractual arrangement by ordinance or resolution and the contract properly executed reflects that arrangement; and

(b) The political subdivision applying for the contract has a building department certified pursuant to section 3781.10 of the Revised Code.

Exception: Building departments certified by contract with the county building department in accordance with section 3781.10 of the Revised Code shall have the same board of appeals as that county.

(C) Composition and terms, local boards of building appeals. The certified municipal and county boards of building appeals shall consist of five members who are qualified as follows:

(1) One attorney, admitted to the Ohio bar;

(2) One architect, registered in Ohio;

(3) One professional engineer specializing in structural engineering, licensed in Ohio;

(4) One professional engineer specializing in mechanical engineering, licensed in Ohio.

Note: each of these four members shall have recognized ability, broad training and experience in problems and practice incidental to the construction and equipment of buildings and structures.

(5) One member representing organized labor, knowledgeable in the construction and equipment of buildings and structures.

Exception: Municipal boards may have more than five members and need not have an attorney member if the municipal charter so provided prior to October 13, 1983.

(D) Appointment. Members shall be appointed for five year terms except that original appointments shall be for terms of one, two, three, four and five years.

(E) Term. A member shall hold office from date of appointment until the end of the appointed term; however, the member shall continue in office following the term expiration date until a successor takes office or until sixty days have elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(F) Vacancies. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a term shall hold office for the remainder of that term.

(G) Reporting. Vacancies and new appointments shall be reported to the board of building standards within thirty days. Notification of new appointments shall include resumes, date of appointment, term of office, qualifications and experience necessary for membership. An annual report shall be submitted to the board of building standards to provide the information required on the form provided by the board of building standards.

(H) Local board of building appeals certification, revocation. In accordance with division (E) of section 3781.20 of the Revised Code, a certification may be revoked upon receipt by the board of building standards of a written complaint from any person affected by the exercise of the authority granted under such certification, or by the board on its own motion.

(1) Complaint process. When a written complaint against a local board of building appeals has been received by the board, investigated, and found justified:

(b) If a formal investigation is warranted, the subject of the investigation shall be notified that an investigation has been initiated by the board;

(d) The board may dismiss the complaint, table the matter for future action, or initiate action to revoke the certification. If the board issues an order to revoke the certification it shall:

(i) Notify the jurisdiction of the charges in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The jurisdiction shall be informed that a hearing, if desired, must be requested within thirty days from the date of the notification to request a hearing before the board. The order shall inform the jurisdiction that counsel may represent the certificate holder at the hearing. Failure by the jurisdiction to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of the notification may cause the board, after a hearing, to uphold an order revoking certification;

(ii) Schedule a hearing to be held seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request, unless another date is mutually agreed upon by both parties. The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion;

(iii) The board may appoint a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.

The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.09 of the Revised Code;

(e) Following the hearing, the board may dismiss the complaint or, when substantiated by the evidence, revoke the certification. When an order is upheld to revoke the certification, the jurisdiction affected shall be sent a certified copy of the board's action and informed in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the jurisdiction may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court with jurisdiction pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) Local board of building appeals certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in paragraphs (H)(1)(a) to (H)(1)(e) of this rule.

(3) Grounds for revocation. The board of building standards on its own motion or upon receipt of a written complaint from any person affected by the local board of building appeals shall cause to be conducted such investigation to determine whether there is an allegation implying one or more of the following:

(a) The presence of fraud;

(b) Failure to adhere to applicable procedures set forth in Chapters 119. and 3781. of the Revised Code or rules made thereunder;

(d) Granting of variances to provisions of rules of the board not adopted pursuant to Chapters 3781. and 3791. of the Revised Code but mandated by other chapters of the Revised Code;

(e) Failure to notify organizations representing people with disabilities pursuant to section 3781.19 of the Revised Code;

(f) Failure to permit an appeal for a de novo hearing before the state board of appeals or a direct appeal to the court of common pleas pursuant to section 3781.19 of the Revised Code.

(4) Revocation. In the event of the revocation of a certification, the jurisdiction shall no longer hold out to the public or any jurisdiction that the jurisdiction is certified to hear and decide the adjudication hearings referred to in section 110 of rule 4101:1-1-01 of the Administrative Code within the jurisdiction or holds the board certification which has been revoked.

Last updated July 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-5-01

Pursuant to section 3781.105 of the Revised Code, this rule prescribes the requirements for the board certification of fire protection system designers.

(A) Types of designers. An individual may apply for and obtain certification for any or all of the following types of fire protection system designer certifications defined in rule 4101:7-1-02 of the Administrative Code:

(1) Water-based fire protection system designer (formerly automatic sprinkler system designer).

(2) Fire alarm system designer.

(3) Special hazards suppression system designer.

(B) Certification application. To apply for board certification as a fire protection system designer, each applicant shall submit the following to the board office:

(1) The completed board-prescribed application form. One application form may be used per applicant to request multiple certification types. However, each individual applicant requesting a certification or multiple certification(s) must submit a separate application to the board.

(3) A non-refundable application fee of one-hundred dollars for each designer certification type requested.

(C) Review of application. Upon receipt of the required documentation from the applicant, board staff shall review and verify the applicant's qualifications for certification as a fire protection system designer and provide a recommendation to the board.

(1) Board approval. If the applicant has met the qualifications for certification, a fire protection system designer certification number for each applicant shall be assigned and a certification identification card shall be issued by the board. The card shall list all of the fire protection system designer certification types held and the expiration date of each certification. The certification shall expire one year from the date of approval.

(2) Denial of certification. If the applicant has not met the qualifications for certification, the board may deny the requested certification. If an applicant is denied certification, the applicant shall be notified in writing of such denial and the reason therefore and to their rights of appeal pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(D) Renewal of certification. It shall be the responsibility of the certification holder to notify the board of a change of primary mailing address when it changes and to renew their certification annually. To renew a fire protection system designer certification, a certification holder shall submit the following to the board office prior to the expiration date of the current certification:

(1) The completed board-prescribed renewal application form. Forms shall, in addition to other data, require the applicant's current business address and telephone number.

(2) Evidence of holding a current "Level III" or "Level IV" certification from the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" for each of the fire protection system designer certification type(s) for which renewal is requested. This evidence is not required for those individuals who were originally board certified as "Automatic Sprinkler System Designers" and who have continuously maintained their certification status with the board. For the purposes of this section, individuals who were originally board certified as "Automatic Sprinkler System Designers" who renew in accordance with paragraph (E) of this rule are considered to have continuously maintained their certification status with the board.

(3) An annual renewal fee of one hundred dollars for each type of fire protection designer certification renewal requested.

(E) Grace period. Any holder of a certification which has expired through failure to renew may obtain a renewal of the certification within one year from the date of its expiration provided a renewal application is submitted and accompanied by the renewal fee as required in paragraph (D)(3) of this rule.

(F) Expiration of certification. The holder of a certification which has expired shall not perform any duties for which a certification is required.

(G) Fire protection system designer certification, revocation or suspension of certificate. In accordance with division (E) of section 3781.105 of the Revised Code, a fire protection system designer certification may be revoked or suspended upon receipt by the board of building standards of a written complaint from any person affected by the actions of that designer, or by the board on its own motion pursuant to this paragraph.

(1) Complaint process. Upon receipt of a written complaint against a holder of a board certification that is substantiated by demonstrable evidence or upon the board's own motion:

(b) If a formal investigation is warranted, the subject of the investigation shall be notified that an investigation has been initiated by the board;

(i) Notify the certification holder of the charges, pursuant to paragraph (G)(1)(b) of this rule, as provided in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The fire protection system designer certification holder shall be informed that a hearing, if desired, must be requested within thirty days from the date of the notification to request a hearing before the board. The order shall inform the certification holder that counsel may represent the certification holder at the hearing. Failure by the certification holder to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of the notification may cause the board, after a hearing, to uphold an order revoking or suspending certification;

(ii) Schedule a hearing to be held seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request. The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion;

(iii) The board may appoint a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.

(v) The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.101 and 119.09 of the Revised Code.

(vi) If a hearing officer has been appointed, then, within thirty days after the hearing, the hearing officer shall submit a written report of the findings of fact and recommendations to the board for its consideration.

(e) Following the hearing, the party affected shall be sent a certified copy of the board's action and informed by as provided in Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, that the certification holder may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court with jurisdiction pursuant to sections 3781.101 and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) Fire protection system designer certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings as provided in section 119.07 of the Revised Code and in accordance with paragraph (G)(1) of this rule.

(3) Grounds for revocation or suspension. The board, upon its own motion or upon receipt of a written complaint shall investigate the actions of the holder of a certification if there is an allegation implying one or more of the following:

(a) Guilty of the practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining the certification; or

(b) Incompetent to submit and certify plans and specifications for fire protection systems to the appropriate building department under section 3791.04 of the Revised Code; or

(c) Engaging in any illegal or fraudulent acts in connection with the design, sale, or installation of fire protection systems.

(4) Notification after revocation or suspension. The board, following the issuance of an order revoking or suspending certification of an individual as a fire protection system designer, shall notify the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" of the revocation or suspension order.

(H) Seals. No holder of a fire protection system designer certification issued by the board of building standards is authorized to secure a seal in any form or of any type for use in the performance of any of their duties.

Last updated July 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:1-1-01

This rule was filed with the Legislative Service Commission in PDF format and is presented here as filed.

View Rule Text

Last updated October 15, 2025 at 1:02 AM

History

Effective: October 15, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:8-1-01

This rule was filed with the Legislative Service Commission in PDF format and is presented here as filed.

View Rule Text

History

Effective: July 1, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-6-01

As authorized by division (C) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and as prescribed in section 114 of rules 4101:1-1-01 and 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code, the board of building standards has adopted rules for the recognition of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies, and industry trade association certification programs as specified in paragraphs (A) to (C) of this rule.

(A) General. Each specific board-recognized body shall comply with the following:

(1) Initial application for recognition. Any accreditation body, conformity assessment body, or industry trade association certification program shall apply to the board, on board prescribed forms, to become recognized.

(2) Maintaining recognition. Each recognized accreditation body, conformity assessment body, and industry trade association certification program shall renew with the board every three years to verify and ensure that their contact information, accreditation status, and scope of services are current and published on their website.

(3) Fee. A fee is not required to make initial application or maintain recognition by the board.

(B) Board to maintain list of recognized bodies. A list of board recognized accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies, and industry trade association certification programs are located on the board's website at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/board-of-building-standards and labeled as "Recognized Accreditation Bodies," "Recognized Conformity Assessment Bodies," and "Recognized Industry Trade Association Certification Programs."

(C) Criteria for recognition. Each specific board-recognized body shall be categorized by type as defined in section 114 of rules 4101:1-1-01 and 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code and shall meet the prescribed requirements for recognition in accordance with paragraphs (C)(1) to (C)(3) of this rule.

Board-recognition of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies, and industry trade association certification programs that test, evaluate, inspect, or certify products shall be limited to those products within the scope of the Ohio building codes.

(1) Accreditation body. Recognition shall be based upon the following requirements:

(a) Recognized accreditation bodies shall be independent and their personnel shall be free from all conflicts of interest relative to the bodies being evaluated and accredited.

(b) Recognized accreditation bodies shall be a signatory to an international cooperation or an international mutual recognition arrangement of accreditation bodies that perform peer reviews to ensure the competence of the accreditation bodies.

(d) Recognized accreditation bodies shall maintain conformity with "ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Bodies Providing Assessment and Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies and Supplementary Documents."

(e) Changes to accreditation bodies' standing shall be reported to the board and also noted on each renewal application. Forms shall be accessed through the board's website.

(2) Conformity assessment body. All recognized conformity assessment bodies shall comply with the following general and specific requirements:

(a) General requirements.

(i) Recognized conformity assessment bodies shall be accredited and shall maintain their accreditations from a board recognized accreditation body.

(ii) Recognized conformity assessment bodies shall be independent and their personnel shall be free from all conflicts of interest relative to the materials, assemblies, or products being tested, inspected, or evaluated.

(iii) Board recognition shall be limited to those services within the current scope of a conformity assessment body's accreditation.

(iv) Changes to the accreditation certificate issued by a recognized national accreditation body shall be reported to the board and also shall be noted on each renewal application. Forms shall be accessed through the board's website.

(b) Specific requirements.

(i) Testing laboratory. Recognition shall be based upon the following requirements:

(a) Accreditation shall be based upon compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" or "IAS-AC89 Accreditation Criteria for Testing Laboratories."

(b) Board recognition shall be limited to those tests listed in each recognized testing laboratory's current scope of accreditation.

(ii) Product certification body. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 65- General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems", "ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity Assessment - Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes and Services", or "IAS-AC370 Accreditation Criteria for Product Certification Agencies."

Product certification body types. The board will recognize the following two types of product certification bodies.

(a) Listing agency. Recognition shall be based upon the following requirements:

(i) Accreditation shall be based upon compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 65- General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems", "ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity Assessment - Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes and Services", or "IAS-AC370 Accreditation Criteria for Product Certification Agencies."

(ii) A list or directory of certified products shall be kept current on the approved listing agency website.

(b) Evaluation service. Recognition shall be based upon the following requirements:

(ii) Board recognized evaluation services cannot self-accredit.

(iii) Inspection body. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17020 General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection" or "IAS-AC98 Accreditation Criteria For Inspection Agencies."

(iv) Field evaluation body. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17020 General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection" or "IAS-AC 354 Accreditation Criteria for Field Evaluation of Unlisted Electrical Equipment."

(v) Special inspection agency. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17020 General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection" or "IAS-AC 291 Accreditation Criteria for Special Inspection Agencies."

(vi) Fabricator inspection program. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17020 General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection", "IAS-AC 157 Accreditation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Reinforced Concrete", "IAS-AC 172 Accreditation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Structural Steel", or "IAS-AC 196 Accreditation Criteria for Fabricator Inspection Programs for Wood Wall Panels."

(vii) Calibration laboratory. Recognition shall be based upon accreditation through compliance with "ISO/IEC Guide 17025 for General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" or "IAS-AC 204 Accreditation Criteria for Calibration Laboratories."

(3) Industry trade association certification program. Recognition shall be based upon the following requirements:

(a) Industry trade associations having a recognized certification program shall utilize independent third party auditors whose personnel are free from conflicts of interest relative to the materials, assemblies, products or quality management system procedures being audited.

(b) Industry trade associations shall submit the description of their certification program which indicates how it operates and how third-party auditing is performed and evaluations are made.

(c) Industry trade associations' certification program auditors shall produce a record that provides the means to effectively evaluate compliance and performance to the quality assurance program relative to the elements and requirements of the industry standard.

(d) Changes to an industry trade associations' certification program shall be reported to the board and also noted on renewal applications.

Last updated July 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-1-02 Definitions.

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms, as used in division 4101:7 of the Administrative Code, shall have the following meanings.

(A) Automatic sprinkler system. An integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.

(B) Automatic sprinkler system designer. See "Water-based fire protection system designer."

(C) Board of building standards. The administrative board established in section 3781.07 of the Revised Code and referred to as "the board" or "BBS."

(D) Building inspector. Now defined as "Level 3 building inspector specialization."

(E) Building official. Now defined as "Level 5 commercial building official."

(F) Building plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 3 building plans examiner specialization."

(G) Electrical plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 3 electrical plans examiner specialization."

(H) Electrical safety inspector. Now defined as "Level 3 electrical safety inspector specialization."

(I) Fire protection inspector. Now defined as "Level 3 fire protection inspector specialization."

(J) Fire protection plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 3 fire protection plans examiner specialization."

(K) Master plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 4 combination plans examiner."

(L) Mechanical inspector. Now defined as "Level 3 mechanical inspector specialization."

(M) Mechanical plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 3 mechanical plans examiner specialization."

(N) Plumbing inspector. Now defined as "Level 3 plumbing inspector specialization."

(O) Plumbing plans examiner. Now defined as "Level 3 plumbing plans examiner specialization."

(P) Evidence. Proof of the statements or claims made that can consist of contracts, affidavits, agreements, letters, transcripts, certificates, certification cards, diplomas, awards, invoices, published data, photographs, legible reproductions of the same, or any other such documentation useable or required as a part of any consideration or action by the board of building standards.

(Q) Fire alarm system. A system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal- initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.

(R) Fire alarm system designer. An individual who is certified in accordance with section 3781.105 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-5-01 of the Administrative Code or who holds the appropriate "Level III" or "Level IV" certification from the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" to design fire alarm systems.

(S) Fire protection system designer. A general category describing designers who are certified in accordance with section 3781.105 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-5-01 of the Administrative Code or who holds the appropriate "Level III" or "Level IV" certification from the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" to design an automatic sprinkler system or other water-based fire protection system, a fire alarm system, or a special hazards suppression system.

(T) Level 1 administrative staff. Non-required certified personnel that may fulfill administrative roles within the building department, such as customer service representatives, inspection schedulers, and permit technicians, etc. Administrative department personnel are not required to be certified but may seek certification if they wish to progress to higher levels of certification. Level 1 certified personnel may also be students pursuing a code enforcement curriculum, to include internship in building departments.

(U) Level 2 residential code official. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance with the residential code of Ohio, including energy code compliance, and may perform inspections, plans examination and administer certified residential building departments. In departments which are certified to enforce the Ohio building code, level 2 personnel are commercial trainees, performing supervised and independent inspections and/or plan reviews.

(V) Level 2 residential electrical inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of electrical system work with the approved residential construction documents, except for buildings with a service over four hundred amps or a three-phase service.

(W) Level 2 residential plumbing inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of plumbing system work with the approved residential construction documents.

(X) Level 3 building inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of building structural or resistive elements and architectural systems work with the approved construction documents, but not electrical, energy, fire protection, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

(Y) Level 3 building plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to building structural or resistive elements and architectural systems, but not electrical, energy, fire protection, mechanical, or plumbing systems, to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(Z) Level 3 electrical plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to electrical systems to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(AA) Level 3 electrical safety inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 and section 3783.03 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of electrical system work with the approved construction documents for buildings within the scope of the Ohio building code and for buildings within the scope of the residential code of Ohio, including those with a service over four hundred amps or a three-phase service.

(BB) Level 3 energy inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of energy conservation system (verification of performance relating to building thermal envelope insulation, fenestration, air leakage, mechanical systems and the associated controls, duct leakage, building services piping and duct insulation, service water heating and the associated controls and distance from heating source, and electrical power and lighting systems and the associated controls) work with approved construction documents.

(CC) Level 3 energy plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to energy conservation system (verification of planned performance relating to building thermal envelope insulation, fenestration, air leakage, mechanical systems and the associated controls, duct leakage, building services piping and duct insulation, service water heating and the associated controls and distance from heating source, and electrical power and lighting systems and the associated controls) to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(DD) Level 3 fire protection inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of fire protection system (automatic sprinkler system, alternative automatic fire-extinguishing system, standpipe system, fire alarm and detection system, and fire pump) work with approved construction documents.

(EE) Level 3 fire protection plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to fire protection systems (automatic sprinkler systems, alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire pump) to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(FF) Level 3 mechanical inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping systems work with the approved construction documents.

(GG) Level 3 mechanical plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(HH) Level 3 plumbing inspector specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of plumbing system work with the approved construction documents.

(II) Level 3 plumbing plans examiner specialization. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents related to plumbing systems to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(JJ) Level 4 combination inspector. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine conformance with approved construction documents in all areas of inspector specialization.

(KK) Level 4 combination plans examiner. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to perform the examination of construction documents in all areas of plans examiner specialization to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

(LL) Level 5 commercial building official. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to enforce the rules of the board and is responsible for the overall administration of a building department relating to the construction, arrangement, and the erection of buildings or parts thereof.

(MM) Level 6 comprehensive code official. An individual who is certified in accordance with section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to enforce the rules of the board and is authorized to perform duties of certified personnel at all levels and scopes.

(NN) Medical gas piping inspector. An individual who is certified in accordance with division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-3-01 of the Administrative Code to determine compliance of non-flammable medical gas, medical oxygen, and medical vacuum system work with the approved construction documents.

(OO) Nonresidential. Any building that is not a residential building. Also known as "commercial."

(PP) Residential. A one-family, two-family, or three-family dwelling house, and any accessory structure incidental to that dwelling house.

(QQ) Rules of the board. The administrative rules adopted by the board of building standards as authorized by Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code.

(RR) Special hazards suppression system. A system consisting of piping, detection, and actuation equipment that utilizes a foam water, water mist, halon, halon alternative, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or wet chemical suppression agents.

(SS) Special hazards suppression system designer. An individual who is certified in accordance with section 3781.105 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-5-01 of the Administrative Code or who holds the appropriate "Level III" or "Level IV" certification from the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" to design special hazards suppression systems.

(TT) Specialization. Recognition by the board that an individual has demonstrated competency in one or more of the following scopes of work: building structural or resistive elements and architectural systems, electrical, energy, fire protection, mechanical or plumbing systems, or residential electrical or residential plumbing systems; and is qualified to perform inspections or plans examination of such work or design to determine compliance with approved construction documents or the rules of the board.

(UU) Water-based fire protection system. A general category of fire protection systems that includes automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pump systems, and the water supplies serving those systems.

(VV) Water-based fire protection system designer (formerly automatic sprinkler system designer.) An individual who is certified in accordance with section 3781.105 of the Revised Code and rule 4101:7-5-01 of the Administrative Code or who holds the appropriate "Level III" or "Level IV" certification from the "National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)" to design automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pump systems and the dedicated water supply systems serving those systems.

Last updated July 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM

History

Effective: July 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 4101:7-2 Building Departments

Ohio Adm.Code 4101:7-2-01 Building department certification.