Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| AHJ / Building Department | Columbus Building Services (most of Franklin County is within Columbus city limits) |
| Phone | (614) 645-7433 |
| Portal | https://www.columbus.gov/building-services/ |
| Estimated Permit Fee | $200–$500 |
| Typical Approval | 7–15 business days |
| Required Inspections | Electrical rough, final |
| Primary Utility | AEP Ohio (Columbus Southern Power) |
| PTO Timeline (post-final) | 20–35 business days |
County-Specific Requirements
Most of Franklin County falls within Columbus city limits — permits are filed with Columbus Building Services, not Franklin County. Unincorporated Franklin County uses the Franklin County Building Services department. AEP Ohio handles interconnection for most of Columbus and surrounding areas. Ohio's retail-rate net metering is available to AEP Ohio customers, with excess credits accumulated annually and paid out at the avoided cost rate at the end of the 12-month period.
Required Permit Documents
- Completed permit application — from Columbus Building Services (most of Franklin County is within Columbus city limits)
- Site plan — overhead drawing, to-scale, showing panels, north arrow, setback dimensions
- Roof plan with panel layout — IFC fire setbacks (18-inch perimeter; 36-inch hip-to-ridge on hip roofs)
- Single-line electrical diagram (SLD) — all equipment by make, model, and ratings
- Equipment spec sheets — panels, inverter, racking
- Structural engineering letter — typically required over 10kW; confirm with your AHJ
- Permit fee — $200–$500 (verify current schedule with AHJ before submitting)
Utility Interconnection
AEP Ohio interconnection: submit the Distributed Generation Application at aepohio.com → Energy Efficiency → Solar. AEP Ohio's interconnection review typically runs 20–35 business days. Ohio does not have a specific HOA solar access law — HOA CC&Rs may restrict solar installations, so review your HOA documents carefully before committing to a contract.
Filing your utility interconnection application the same day as your AHJ permit application runs both reviews in parallel — saving 3–6 weeks of total timeline to Permission to Operate.
Step-by-step guide: Solar Interconnection Application Steps.
Ohio HOA Solar Rights
See the complete Ohio HOA solar access law analysis and template approval letter: HOA Solar Rights by State.
Free Tools for Your Installation
Permit Readiness Wizard
Get a county-specific checklist with AHJ contacts and interconnection steps.
Open →Payback Calculator
Estimate your system's 25-year ROI based on your state's net metering program.
Open →System Size Calculator
How many panels do you need? Bill + location → kW and panel count.
Open →Printable Permit Checklist
Complete 4-section checklist: documents, inspections, interconnection, log.
Download →Frequently Asked Questions — Franklin County (Columbus Metro)
Ask your installer for the permit application or record number. Use that number to search the permit status at the Columbus Building Services (most of Franklin County is within Columbus city limits) online portal, or call (614) 645-7433. You want to see the permit listed as "issued" (approved) and eventually "finaled" (final inspection passed). The utility will not issue PTO until the permit is finaled — a permit stuck at "issued" means the process is not complete.
This is an unfortunately common situation. As the permit holder (the permit is in your name as property owner), you can contact Columbus Building Services (most of Franklin County is within Columbus city limits) directly to understand the permit's status and options for completing the required inspections with a different licensed contractor. You will need a licensed electrician or solar contractor to complete any outstanding work and schedule the remaining inspections. Keep all original permit documents and equipment spec sheets — you'll need them for the replacement contractor.
No — adding battery storage after the initial solar installation requires a new permit in most jurisdictions, including Franklin County (Columbus Metro). Battery energy storage systems require their own permit under NEC Article 706 covering the battery enclosure, electrical connections, and ventilation requirements. If you anticipate adding storage within a few years, discuss this with your installer upfront — some jurisdictions allow a combined solar + storage permit that can reduce total permitting cost and complexity.