Helpful Links
(740) 698-6127
Planning to Build?
- The Building Department is involved in all activities associated with residential and commercial building construction, including reviewing plans for conformance with building and zoning codes and performing on-site inspections to monitor for compliance with the building and zoning codes.
- Permits must be obtained for accessory structures such as pools, carports, storage barns, etc.
- Multi-family and Commercial building construction must comply with all State and County Building regulations as well as local zoning regulations.
- Our goal is to welcome your project and to do all that we can to assist you in seeing your dream project through to the end, but please, contact us FIRST to avoid any uncomfortable issues that might arise later. And please remember, the Albany Building and Zoning regulations are the law. Violating them can carry fines and other penalties.
Building Department Function
We are the gateway for development. The Building Department serves residents, businesses and developers by supporting new construction projects, renovation of existing buildings and building expansions. Working with the Albany Planning Commission and the Athens County Economic Development Council we actively encourage investment and reinvestment to ensure the Village remains an attractive and vibrant community in which to live and work while retaining our small-town charm!
Village Administrator
The Building Department is responsible for enforcement of our local zoning and building codes. During the planning process for your big (or not so big) project, it is highly recommended that you first contact the Albany Village Administrator @ (740) 698-6127 for assistance before you begin. You’ll get assistance to help you apply for and receive all required permits including a zoning certificate. They will also help you with items such as driveway location, culvert sizing, water/sewer taps, and all other requirements of Albany Village Code that may apply. Failure to obtain the correct permit or certificate may expose you to a penalty under law.
about Zoning
ALBANY IS A ZONED COMMUNITY. Zoning protects public health and welfare and promotes community character by organizing land into clearly defined districts based on type and intensity. The Albany Zoning Code was first adopted in November 2003 and has been amended several times during the ensuing years to better serve our community.
The biggest misunderstanding about zoning is that you are being told what you can do with your land. Actually, zoning helps you make improvements or changes that protect both YOUR property rights and those of others because it requires that surrounding development is carried out in a manner appropriate for your zoning district. It ensures the compatibility of uses and practices within each zoning district.
Zoning Certificate
Before any construction, modification, or use of any structure, building, or land begins you are required to apply for and be granted a Zoning Certificate. This certificate allows the Zoning Administrator to review with you which parts of the code apply to your specific project and to guide you through the process to ensure that all permits, laws, and regulations are complied with.
Zoning Certificates are required before beginning any new construction, change of use, demolition and some remodeling projects. A few of the projects that would require a permit are shown below. (More information can be found in the Zoning Code). All completed applications must be filed with the Village Administrator prior to the start of any work. All fees and costs must be submitted with completed applications.
- new building or addition
- garages
- carports
- storage buildings
- swimming pools
- signs
Permits and Applications Library
Call Before You Dig
Anyone planning to dig in Ohio must call 811 or 800-362-2764 at least 48 hours before the commencement of digging. The Ohio Utilities Protection Service will notify utility companies and member companies will mark their lines. Calling before you dig is important not only for safety reasons, but it is also the law.
