With the current momentum in downtown Tiffin, we are enjoying a number of renovation projects. The following process has been set up to make renovating a commercial or mixed-use structure as easy as possible and avoid surprises and unnecessary complications.
Step 1 - Contact Amy Reinhart
The most important step is the first one. Before doing anything, and/or at any point along the way someone considering renovating a commercial building in downtown Tiffin should contact
Amy Reinhart, Tiffin's Downtown Development Coordinator (419.619.5517 or reinhart@senecacounty.org). She will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and act as a liaison with all of the various government agencies. One of her functions is to act as your concierge, making things go as smoothly as possible.
Step 2 - Preliminary Walkthrough & Incentives
Amy will guide you to the correct agencies to determine what approvals or permits are needed to occupy a building prior to beginning work and, if needed, will schedule a preliminary walkthrough by Richland County building officials to discuss what construction documents or plans will be required. She will also help you determine any available incentives (e.g.,
Facade Enhancement Grant,
Community Reinvestment Area, Historic Tax Credits).
Step 3 - Plans & Permits
The next step is to contact
four key additional permit agencies, let them know what you are doing and discuss what you need to do. You may need to get any additional plans done and file applications for any needed permits. Amy will assist through the process as needed.
- Fire Code, Occupancy, Alterations - Tiffin Fire Department - 419.448.5448 or firedeputychief@tiffinohio.gov
- Zoning, Building, Sign Regulations - Tiffin City Engineer - 419.448.5425 or mlivojevic@ tiffinohio.gov (Engineer Mario Livojevic)
- Food Regulations - Seneca County Health Department - 419.447.3691 x 318 or nichole.rumschlag@odh.ohio.gov (Nicki Rumschlag)
- Exterior work taking place in the downtown Architectural Board of Review district - Downtown Development Coordinator - 419-619-5517 or reinhart@senecacounty.org (Amy Reinhart)
The Fire Department will determine what Fire Code requirements may apply to the existing structure, any changes in use or occupancy, or any alterations that are proposed to the building, and the Engineer will assist you in getting your zoning permit and answering questions regarding zoning, building and sign regulations. Once you get all of the appropriate permits from these entities, you will submit your plans, zoning permit, and other paperwork to Richland County for a building permit. The initial review will take about 10 days, and they will either approve/deny or ask for any missing information.
Note: Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work must be performed by a contractor licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. Sprinkler, alarm and fire suppression work must be performed by an individual licensed by the Ohio State Fire Marshall. Under certain circumstances, building plans will require an Ohio Registered Architect or Engineer.
Step 4 - Construction & Inspections
Once you obtain the building permit, you can begin construction. You will then need to eventually schedule inspections, including the following as needed. Amy will assist through the process as needed.
Step 5 - Occupancy
Once the required inspections are complete, there are two parts to the final step of occupancy. Amy will assist through the process as needed.
- Occupancy Permit & Docs - In many cases in downtown Tiffin, an occupancy permit will be necessary. They are typically issued within five days after the required inspections are completed, and all documents are received by Richland County. Get the full packet.
- Final Life Safety Occupancy Inspection - the Tiffin Fire Department will perform the final life safety occupancy inspection and approve the building for occupancy. Tiffin Fire Department (419.448.5448).
With the current momentum in downtown Tiffin, we are enjoying a number of renovation projects. The following process has been set up to make renovating a commercial or mixed-use structure as easy as possible and avoid surprises and unnecessary complications.
Step 1 - Contact Amy Reinhart
The most important step is the first one. Before doing anything, and/or at any point along the way someone considering renovating a commercial building in downtown Tiffin should contact Amy Reinhart, Tiffin's Downtown Development Coordinator (419.619.5517 or reinhart@senecacounty.org). She will guide you through the process, answer any questions, and act as a liaison with all of the various government agencies. One of her functions is to act as your concierge, making things go as smoothly as possible.
Step 2 - Preliminary Walkthrough & Incentives
Amy will guide you to the correct agencies to determine what approvals or permits are needed to occupy a building prior to beginning work and, if needed, will schedule a preliminary walkthrough by Richland County building officials to discuss what construction documents or plans will be required. She will also help you determine any available incentives (e.g., Facade Enhancement Grant, Community Reinvestment Area, Historic Tax Credits).
Step 3 - Plans & Permits
The next step is to contact four key additional permit agencies, let them know what you are doing and discuss what you need to do. You may need to get any additional plans done and file applications for any needed permits. Amy will assist through the process as needed.
