Building Codes affect each of us every day of our lives—whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living. The public need for protection from disaster due to fire, structural collapse and general deterioration underscores the need for modern codes and their administration. Today’s building department also enforces laws that help protect its citizens from unscrupulous contractors while maintaining property values through property maintenance programs.

The City of Bedford, Division of Building is managed under the general supervision and direction of the City Manager’s Office. The Division is responsible for the enforcement of Building, Housing and Zoning codes as well as other ordinances adopted by City Council and set forth in the Building Code, Chapters 1301 through 1399, and the Zoning Code, Chapter 1901 through 1999. For all residential structures, the Building Department enforces the Bedford Dwelling House Code. This code includes the 2005 edition of the code titled The Residential Code of Ohio, plus the 2005 editions of the National Electrical Code and the Ohio Plumbing Code. It also includes the 2003 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. For commercial (non-residential) buildings, as a State of Ohio-Certified Building Department, Bedford enforces the 2005 edition of the Ohio Building Code, including the 2005 editions of the National Electrical Code and the Ohio Plumbing Code.

These codes are published by state and national organizations, not the city, and are adopted by reference. They are available for purchase from the International Code Council (iccsafe.org) or through the City Building Department. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or are in need of assistance.