How Homes Are Kept Safe and in Good Shape

Building and housing codes set basic rules for how homes must be built and maintained.

What codes cover

• Heat

• Plumbing

• Electricity

• Structure

• Safety

When codes are followed and enforced, they help protect residents and keep homes from becoming unsafe or unlivable.

Who enforces housing and building codes
Several city and county agencies are involved:

• City of Akron Housing Compliance Division enforces local housing codes. The division receives complaints and inspects homes for problems such as lack of heat, water leaks, mold, pests, or unsafe wiring.

• Housing Appeals Board is made up of Akron residents appointed by the mayor. The board reviews severely damaged homes and decides whether a property can be repaired or must be demolished. It also hears appeals from property owners who request more time or different ways to correct violations.¹

• City of Akron Engineering Bureau issues permits related to infrastructure work, including sewer connections, stormwater systems, grading, paving, and pools.

• Summit County Department of Building Standards reviews building plans, issues residential building permits, and inspects construction work. The department ensures that new buildings and major renovations meet safety, fire, accessibility, and energy requirements set by the Ohio Building Code.

• Summit County Housing Research Collaborative collects and analyzes data on housing conditions, affordability, and code enforcement across the county. The group brings together local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to share information and identify housing needs.²

Together, these agencies shape how housing repairs and construction are reviewed, approved, and inspected.

Recent activity related to housing safety
Recent efforts related to building and housing codes include:

• The city increased enforcement of its rental registration program. This program requires rental property owners to verify their contact information and list the rental units they own.³

• The Lead Safe Akron Program provides funding to repair lead hazards in older homes. This includes work on windows, doors, siding, and porches. Most homes in Akron were built before lead paint was banned.⁴

• About 3% of properties currently have active housing code complaints on record.⁵

• The city and the Summit County Land Bank developed pre-approved home plans. This helps reduce permitting time and construction costs for new homes.⁶

How responsibilities are divided

• The City of Akron is primarily responsible for housing inspections and code enforcement through the Housing Compliance Division.

• Summit County is responsible for issuing most residential building permits and conducting construction inspections through the Department of Building Standards.

• Because permits and inspections are handled at the county level, Akron does not control all parts of the permitting process.

Why this part of the system matters
When housing safety rules are not followed or enforced, homes can become unsafe to live in. Clear standards, inspections, and repair processes play an important role in maintaining housing quality across the city.

_{1.City Charter Sec. 150.04
2.2025 Report and Recommendations
3.2024, p. 4
4.Signal Akron, July 3, 2025
5.Housing Plan for Akron 2024, p.15
6.Signal Akron, November 12, 2025}