8 adopted codes · 50 cities tracked
Ohio Board of Building Standards
Ohio Building Code (OBC)
Commercial construction — MANDATORY
Residential Code of Ohio (RCO)
One- and two-family dwellings — MANDATORY
Ohio Mechanical Code (OMC)
Mechanical systems — MANDATORY
Ohio Plumbing Code (OPC)
Plumbing systems — MANDATORY
Ohio Fire Code (OFC)
Fire prevention — MANDATORY
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Energy efficiency — MANDATORY
Ohio Existing Building Code (OEBC)
Existing buildings — MANDATORY
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Electrical — MANDATORY
Ohio adopted the 2024 Ohio Building Code (based on 2021 IBC) effective March 1, 2024. The Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) is based on the 2018 IRC. Ohio Fire Code is one cycle behind (based on 2015 IFC). Ohio has 88 counties and over 900 municipalities. The state is on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley with significant tornado activity. Western Ohio has Seismic Design Category C in some areas. Lake Erie shoreline has unique wind and flooding considerations. Ohio has a certified building department program — municipalities can become certified to enforce codes locally.