If you’re planning to add or replace a driveway, patio, walkway, or concrete slab, one of the first questions that usually comes up is, “Do I need a permit for this?”
It’s a fair question. In Central Ohio, the answer depends on the type of project and where it’s located on your property. Understanding permits and setbacks upfront can save you time, stress, and money. This is something we help homeowners with every day at Evolved Exteriors, because we handle the permitting process and verify all code requirements before we begin any work.
Below, we’ve provided a simple breakdown of what homeowners should know before starting a concrete project in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how often permits or zoning approvals are required.
In the City of Columbus, zoning clearance is required if you are paving a new driveway or parking pad, or expanding a driveway or parking pad.
The city also states that zoning clearance is not required when a previously approved driveway or parking pad is simply being repaved.
When work involves the construction, widening, or replacement of a public sidewalk or driveway approach within the public right-of-way in Columbus, a Right-of-Way Permit and a “Sidewalk and Driveway Approach Construction Permit” are required, and the work must comply with Chapter 905 of the Columbus City Code.
These rules apply even if you are just replacing or widening the portion of the driveway that meets the street.
If your project affects the public sidewalk or driveway approach within the public right-of-way, the city requires a right-of-way permit and any associated inspections.
Backyard patios and walkways on private property are usually more about zoning than the building code. The City of Columbus explains that zoning provides guidelines for setbacks, lot coverage, parking, and other requirements, and regulates what can be located in different yard areas, including patios.
So even if a patio does not trigger a separate building permit, its location, size, and use still must follow zoning rules and setbacks based on your zoning district.
If the slab will support something like a garage, shed, or an addition, it typically falls under building and zoning review. The City of Columbus notes that a certificate of zoning clearance is required prior to construction or alteration of any building or structure, and permitting and inspections are used to enforce the building and zoning codes.
If you’re ever unsure, we take care of verifying everything before a proposal is finalized so you don’t have to track down the rules for your city or HOA.
A setback is the required amount of space between a structure and your property line or the street. These rules help make sure there's enough room for things like drainage, access, and visibility.
In Columbus, setback requirements vary depending on your zoning district and lot size. They also affect what you can build in different parts of your yard, like patios, fences, or parking areas.
Since the rules aren’t always the same from one neighborhood to the next, we check your exact property requirements before we design or lay out your project.
The City of Columbus notes that permitting, inspection, zoning, and engineering processes are used to enforce state and local building and zoning codes and to ensure proper land development and high-quality design standards.
That means permits and setbacks are not just red tape. They exist to manage:
Skipping permits or ignoring setbacks can create issues with the city, future buyers, or even your own drainage and foundation over time.
Central Ohio is known for clay-heavy soils and freeze-thaw cycles, which can be tough on concrete if grading and drainage are not handled correctly. This isn’t spelled out in the zoning code line-by-line, but it’s a key part of why cities care about slopes, runoff, and where water goes after it leaves a paved surface.
Because Evolved Exteriors works across Central Ohio, we design your concrete project with these conditions in mind and tie that into the city’s requirements for placement, drainage, and right-of-way work.
Regulations outside the City of Columbus vary by municipality, but most follow similar principles:
Across Central Ohio, most suburbs require some type of review or permit whenever a project affects the public right-of-way or changes how vehicles access the street.
We take care of confirming the local requirements, so your project stays compliant and hassle-free.
Permits and paperwork can feel overwhelming. We handle all of it on your behalf.
We walk the property with you, take measurements, review drainage, and note anything that might affect permitting or layout. We also look at soil conditions and existing concrete so we know exactly what we’re working with.
We confirm current rules with your city or township, complete the applications, and submit anything that’s required, whether that’s a zoning clearance review or right-of-way related permit. The City’s zoning staff specifically performs zoning clearance reviews to make sure development complies with the zoning code, which is the process we plug into for your project.
Your proposal outlines the full scope: prep work, layout, reinforcement, materials, and the recommended finish. Everything is designed to follow local zoning and building code standards so the concrete is placed where it should be and built to last.
We handle demolition, grading, forming, pouring, finishing, and cleanup. Our team protects your property and keeps the job site clean throughout the project.
When the concrete is complete, we walk the project with you, confirm drainage and slope, and answer any questions. You also receive maintenance tips and the support of our workmanship warranty if anything related to the installation needs attention later on.
Ask yourself:
If you’re unsure about any of these, we'll clarify everything during your consultation.
Your concrete project is a long-term investment, and the right planning makes all the difference. With our team, you get:
When concrete is planned and installed the right way, it elevates your home’s curb appeal and lasts for decades.
If you’re ready to explore a new driveway, patio, walkway, or slab, we’d be happy to take a look. Schedule a site visit, and we’ll provide a clear plan and estimate.
Call (614) 210-3635 or fill out our online form to get started.
We serve Dublin, Powell, Westerville, New Albany, Delaware, Grove City, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, and nearby areas throughout Central Ohio.
The information in this guide was gathered from the following official public resources:
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