City of Amherst Building Department

The City of Amherst Building Department is a home inspector in Amherst, Ohio, serving the community from an upper-level office on Park Avenue. The department reviews and approves building plans for residential and commercial construction, issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC permits, registers contractors working within city limits, and investigates property maintenance and zoning code violations. It also handles occupancy permits for new and relocating businesses and processes applications for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Design Review Board. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and inspectors are available after 4:30 pm on specified days. It holds a 5.00 rating.

The department is led by Building Official David Macartney, with Secretary Tammy Nixon supporting operations. Residential and commercial building and mechanical inspections are handled by Macartney during regular business hours, while electrical inspections are carried out by David Velez and plumbing inspections by Darwin Ward, both available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after 4:30 pm. The department is responsible for interpreting and enforcing national and state building codes, along with local ordinances governing property maintenance, construction, and land use. All contractors and subcontractors performing work in the city are required to register with the department before beginning any project.

The office sits at 480 Park Avenue, Upper Level, directly next to the Amherst Public Library and about a quarter mile from University Hospitals Amherst Health Center. Amherst Fire Department and Steele High School are within roughly half a mile, with Central Junior High School and Amherst City Hall a short distance further along.

The department maintains a perfect rating across every review submitted, reflecting the consistent service it provides to residents, contractors, and developers throughout Amherst. For anyone planning construction, renovation, or a new business location within city limits, the Building Department on Park Avenue is the central point of contact.