Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
A full roof replacement, tear-off-and-replace, or material change requires a permit from the City of Lima Building Department. Spot repairs covering less than 25% of roof area may be exempt if there are no more than two existing layers.
Lima enforces Ohio Building Code (which adopts and amends the IRC), and the City of Lima Building Department requires permits for any reroofing job that involves a tear-off, covers more than 25% of the roof area, or changes the roof material — for instance, upgrading from asphalt shingles to metal or composite roofing. What makes Lima distinct from some neighboring Ohio municipalities is its approach to third-layer detection: if your roof has two existing layers already and you plan to overlay a third, Lima's plan reviewer will flag you in the field and require a full tear-off before approval (IRC R907.4 prohibition on more than two layers). Also unique to Lima: the city does not have an active online permit portal for residential roofing, so you must file in person at Lima City Hall with your contractor's certificate of insurance, a roof sketch showing square footage, fastening specifications, and underlayment type — no e-filing option. The frost depth in Allen County is 32 inches; Lima reviewers will also scrutinize ice-and-water-shield installation distances from the eaves on any reroofing, since the city's cold climate zone 5A requires extra protection (typically extending 24 inches up the slope from the eave line, per IRC R905.1.1). Owner-occupants can pull their own residential roofing permit if they are doing the work themselves, but if you hire a contractor, they pull the permit in most cases.

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Lima roof replacement permits — the key details

Lima requires a permit for full roof replacements, partial tear-off-and-replace jobs, and any reroofing project that changes the roof material or covers more than 25% of the existing roof. The triggering regulation is IRC R907 (Reroofing), which Ohio has adopted with minimal state-level amendments; Lima has further clarified its local interpretation in the City of Lima Building Code (available at Lima City Hall). The core rule: if you are removing any portion of the existing roof system down to the deck — whether it is a tearoff or a selective removal — you need a permit. If you are overlaying new shingles directly over one existing layer (assuming only one layer exists), and you are not changing materials, you may fall into an exemption; however, you must declare this in writing on your permit application, and the inspector may visit to verify. The frost depth in Lima is 32 inches, which affects deck moisture management and forces the city to require condensation ventilation in certain cases. Most importantly, IRC R907.4 prohibits more than two layers of roofing on any building — if your inspector finds a third layer, they will require a complete tear-off before permitting the new roof. This is a hard stop in Lima; overlay is not an option once three layers are present.

The permit application process in Lima is a desk review followed by a field inspection at the start of work and a final inspection when the roof is complete. You must submit a roof sketch (even a hand-drawn diagram of the footprint and ridge lines is acceptable) showing the total square footage and specifying the roofing material, fastening pattern (nails per square, spacing), and underlayment type and brand. The City of Lima Building Department does not offer online permit filing for residential roofing; all applications are submitted in person at Lima City Hall during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, typically). Bring two copies of your roof sketch, your roofing contractor's license number and certificate of insurance (if applicable), the manufacturer's specification sheet for the roofing material and underlayment, and a cost estimate. The permit fee is typically $125–$250 for a residential roof replacement (based on square footage, at approximately $0.50–$1.00 per square foot of roof area, but confirm the current fee schedule with the Building Department). If you are an owner-occupant doing your own work, you can pull the permit yourself, but you will need to pass an inspection, and you must use materials that comply with Ohio Building Code and IRC standards.

Inspections in Lima occur at two critical points: the first inspection is the deck nailing or substrate verification, which happens after old roofing is removed but before the new underlayment is laid. The inspector verifies that the deck is sound (no soft spots, no evidence of rot), that nailers are present for edge attachment, and that ice-and-water-shield is installed per spec. The second inspection is the final walkthrough, where the inspector checks fastening counts (pulling a few nails to verify torque and spacing), confirms underlayment was installed to code (overlaps, sealing at edges), and inspects flashing around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights). The ice-and-water-shield requirement in Lima is strict: because the city is in climate zone 5A with a 32-inch frost depth, IRC R905.1.1 requires ice-and-water-shield to extend from the eave up the slope at least 24 inches (some inspectors request 36 inches in Lima depending on roof slope and gutter detail). If your roof has a low slope (under 4:12), the inspector will also verify that you have chosen a low-slope-rated material (rolled roofing, modified bitumen, TPO, or similar); asphalt shingles are not approved by code on roofs flatter than 4:12. If you plan to install metal roofing over the top of an existing asphalt shingle layer, you must also complete a structural engineering review because metal roofing has different weight and wind-load characteristics than asphalt — this will add 1–2 weeks to the permit timeline and cost $300–$800 for the engineer's stamp.

A common pitfall in Lima is the failure to declare existing layers up front. Many homeowners are not sure whether they have one or two layers of shingles; the inspector will discover the third layer only after tear-off begins, triggering a mandatory stop-work and delay while the entire roof is removed. To avoid this, hire your roofer to do a small inspection hole or have the inspector conduct a pre-permit inspection (which Lima Building Department can arrange for a $75 fee). Another frequent rejection reason is incomplete underlayment specification: you must name the brand and model of underlayment (e.g., GAF Timberline HD, CertainTeed Landmark, etc.), specify whether it is synthetic or felt-based, and confirm that it meets ASTM D226 (for felt) or ASTM D4869 (for synthetic). If you leave this blank on your application, the permit will be returned for revision. Finally, Lima inspectors closely watch fastening patterns on asphalt shingles — the code requires 6–8 nails per shingle in zone 5A (to resist wind and snow load), and if your roofer installs only 4 nails, the final inspection will fail. Provide your roofer with a written copy of the fastening requirements before work starts.

Timeline for a roof replacement permit in Lima is typically 1–2 weeks from application to permit issuance, assuming no plan-review issues. Field inspections usually happen within 2–3 days of your call to the Building Department. The total project timeline (permit through final inspection) is typically 3–4 weeks, depending on weather and inspector availability. If you need a structural engineer's review (e.g., for a metal roof upgrade), add 1–2 weeks. Cost-wise, expect $125–$250 in permit fees, plus $300–$800 if you need an engineer's stamp, plus your roofing materials and labor. If your home is in a historic district (Lima has a small historic overlay on the west side near the Lakeland Neighborhood), you may also need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Lima Historic Preservation Commission, which adds another 2–3 weeks and a $50–$75 fee; call the Building Department to confirm if your address is in a historic zone.

Three Lima roof replacement scenarios

Scenario A
Single-layer asphalt shingle replacement, 1,800 sq ft ranch home, Southgate neighborhood, like-for-like material
You own a single-story ranch built in 1985 in Lima's Southgate neighborhood (south of Shawnee Avenue, typical clay-and-till soil). Your roof has one existing layer of aged asphalt shingles, and you want to replace it with new asphalt shingles in the same color and style. This is a straightforward like-for-like replacement and requires a permit. You will file an application at Lima City Hall with a simple sketch showing the footprint and ridge line (total 1,800 square feet), specifying asphalt shingles, a synthetic underlayment (GAF Timberline HD or equivalent), and 6-nail fastening per shingle per IRC R907. The permit fee will be approximately $150–$200 (calculated at roughly $0.10 per square foot of roof area). Before the tear-off, call the Building Department's inspection line to schedule a pre-work inspection; the inspector will verify that the existing deck is sound and that there is only one layer (critical, because if a second layer is found, they will require a full tear-off before you can proceed). Once tear-off begins, the inspector will visit to check deck nailing, nailer presence at edges, and ice-and-water-shield installation (at least 24 inches up from the eave). The final inspection occurs after the roof is shingled, nailed, and flashed. Because this is a standard 1,800-square-foot residential replacement with no material change and no structural issues, the final inspection is usually a pass-through, taking 20–30 minutes. Total timeline: 1 week to permit issuance, 1–2 days for pre-work inspection, 2–3 days for tear-off and deck work, then inspector visit, then 1–2 weeks for shingle installation and final inspection. Cost: $150–$200 permit fee, plus roughly $8,000–$12,000 for materials and labor (typical Lima market rate for a 1,800-sq-ft shingle roof).
Permit required | Like-for-like asphalt shingles | Synthetic underlayment (GAF or CertainTeed) | 6 nails per shingle | Ice-and-water shield 24 inches | Permit fee $150–$200 | Total project $8,150–$12,200
Scenario B
Tear-off and replacement with standing-seam metal roofing, two existing shingle layers, Dutch colonial on North Main Street, structural engineer review required
You own a 1970s Dutch colonial on North Main Street in Lima's downtown area (approximately 2,000 square feet of roof). Your home has two existing layers of asphalt shingles (a common condition on Lima's older homes), and you want to upgrade to a standing-seam metal roof for durability and energy efficiency. This is a material change, which triggers a permit requirement, and because you are transitioning from asphalt to metal, a structural engineer's review is mandatory (metal roofing has a different load profile than asphalt, and the deck must be evaluated for fastening adequacy under wind and snow loads in zone 5A). Your first step is to hire a local structural engineer; provide them with your roof's slope, dimensions, and existing framing details. The engineer will review the deck, check nailer spacing and fastening capacity, and issue a stamp-approved detail sheet showing the new fastening pattern required for metal roofing (typically 2-inch-long fasteners spaced 12 inches apart along each rib). The engineer's review costs $400–$600. You then file a permit application with Lima Building Department, submitting the engineer's stamped drawings, your roof sketch (showing 2,000 sq ft), the metal roofing manufacturer's specification sheet (e.g., Ceco, Fabral, or similar), and a cost estimate. The permit fee for a 2,000-sq-ft replacement with material change is approximately $200–$250. During the desk review (1–2 weeks), the plan reviewer may ask for clarification on underlayment type (a breathable synthetic underlayment is typical under metal roofing to manage condensation in cold climates like Lima); confirm that you are using a product rated for metal roofing (e.g., Titanium UDL or equivalent). The field inspection sequence for metal roofing is stricter: the inspector will visit after tear-off to verify deck condition and nailer presence, then after underlayment is installed to check overlap and sealing, and then during fastener installation to spot-check fastening spacing and depth. A final inspection occurs when the roof is complete, including flashing, ridge cap, and trim. Because metal roofing is a specialty material in Lima (not as common as asphalt shingles), the inspector may take longer — expect 2–3 inspector visits instead of the usual 2. Total timeline: 1–2 weeks for permit issuance (including engineer review), 2–3 days for tear-off and deck verification, 1–2 weeks for underlayment and fastener installation with inspector supervision, then final inspection. Total cost: $600–$850 (permit + engineer), plus $12,000–$18,000 for metal materials and labor on a 2,000-sq-ft roof.
Permit required (material change) | Structural engineer review required ($400–$600) | Two existing layers (tear-off mandatory) | Standing-seam metal roofing | Breathable synthetic underlayment | 2-inch fasteners, 12-inch spacing | Permit fee $200–$250 | Total project $13,000–$18,700
Scenario C
Spot repair of wind-damaged section, 400 sq ft (22% of 1,800-sq-ft roof), one existing layer, owner-occupant performing work, no material change
A summer storm damaged a section of your home's asphalt shingle roof in Lima (wind lifted a section on the north side). The damaged area covers approximately 400 square feet, which is about 22% of your 1,800-sq-ft roof. You have one existing layer of shingles, and you plan to patch the damaged area with matching asphalt shingles in the same color and style. This is a gray-area scenario in Lima. The IRC R907 exemption for repairs covers work that affects less than 25% of the roof area and does not require a tear-off down to the deck; however, if your repair involves stripping shingles down to the deck (which is typical for a wind-damage patch), it technically becomes a "reroofing" and triggers the permit requirement, even though it is less than 25%. The way to determine the verdict is to ask: is your patch a tear-off-and-replace or an overlay? If the wind damage left the underlayment and deck intact, and you are only replacing the shingles on top (an overlay patch), you may be exempt and do not need a permit — you can call Lima Building Department to confirm, but the exemption likely applies. If the damage goes down to the deck (common with high-wind damage), or if you discover a second layer of shingles underneath, you must obtain a permit because you are then performing a tear-off reroofing. The safest approach: call the Building Department at the number listed below and describe the damage; the inspector can visit for a pre-permit consultation (usually free or $50) and tell you definitively. If a permit is required, expect $100–$150 in fees and a 1-week timeline. If you are an owner-occupant performing the work yourself, you can pull the permit without a contractor's license, but you must pass the inspections. Total cost: $100–$150 permit (if required), plus $1,500–$3,000 for materials and your labor to patch 400 sq ft.
Permit depends on damage depth | If tear-off to deck: permit required | If overlay only: may be exempt | Verify with Building Department first | Like-for-like shingles | Permit fee $100–$150 (if required) | Total patch $1,600–$3,150

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Frost depth and ice-and-water-shield requirements in Lima's climate zone 5A

Lima, Ohio, sits in IECC climate zone 5A with a 32-inch frost depth, which affects roof replacement specifications significantly. The frost depth determines how far below grade water lines and footings must be placed; for roofing, the relevant code section is IRC R905.1.1, which requires an ice-and-water-shield (also called 'ice dam protection') on roofs in cold climates to prevent water backup due to ice dams and condensation. Ice dams form when warm air inside the home escapes through the roof and melts snow, which then refreezes at the eave (where there is less insulation), backing up water into the shingles and potentially into the attic.

Lima Building Department's interpretation of IRC R905.1.1 requires ice-and-water-shield to extend at least 24 inches up the slope from the eave line on all residential roofs. Some inspectors request 36 inches, especially on roofs with low pitch or south-facing eaves that are prone to sun-melted ice. The product must be a self-adhering membrane rated to ASTM D1970 (e.g., GAF Bituthene, CertainTeed WinterGuard, or equivalent). It is installed directly over the deck before the underlayment and shingles, creating a watertight barrier that prevents ice-dam leakage from reaching the attic. If your roof has a low slope (less than 4:12), the inspector will also require ice-and-water-shield to extend 24 inches along the full eave plus up to any valleys. Failure to install ice-and-water-shield to the required distance is a common plan-review rejection in Lima, adding 1–2 weeks to the permit timeline while the contractor revises the specification.

The 32-inch frost depth also affects attic ventilation and condensation management. Lima inspectors verify that soffit and ridge vents are present and unobstructed, allowing air circulation to remove moisture that accumulates in cold climates. If you are installing a new roof and the existing soffit vents are blocked by insulation or debris, the inspector may require you to clear them as a condition of final inspection. Proper attic ventilation combined with ice-and-water-shield and synthetic underlayment (which breathes better than felt) is the standard approach in Lima to manage the moisture and freeze-thaw cycles typical of a 5A climate.

In-person permit filing and lack of e-filing in Lima — what to bring and timelines

Unlike larger Ohio municipalities such as Columbus or Cleveland, the City of Lima Building Department does not offer online residential roofing permit filing. All applications must be submitted in person at Lima City Hall during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). This is important to understand early: you cannot file remotely, and if you are using a roofing contractor, confirm that they are willing to stop by City Hall to handle the paperwork (many roofers expect to file online and may not be aware of Lima's in-person-only process). To file, you need: two copies of your roof sketch (can be hand-drawn or printed), the roofing contractor's Ohio license number and a copy of their certificate of insurance (if you are hiring someone), the manufacturer's specification sheet for the roofing material and underlayment, and a written cost estimate showing material and labor. If you are an owner-occupant doing the work yourself, you only need the sketch and specs, plus proof of owner-occupancy (a deed or tax bill).

The desk review period in Lima is typically 3–7 business days. The plan reviewer checks that the roof sketch is complete (square footage, slope, ridge line), that the material and underlayment are named and listed in approved catalogs, and that fastening specifications comply with IRC R907 (6–8 nails per shingle in zone 5A). If the reviewer finds an issue, they will call the contractor or homeowner to clarify. Once the permit is issued, you receive a printed permit card (no digital version) that you must display at the job site. The inspector then follows up within 2–3 days of your work starting, so notify the Building Department the day before you begin tear-off.

A practical tip for Lima homeowners: the Building Department's phone line is often busy during late morning and early afternoon. Call early (8–9 AM) or late (4–5 PM) to reach someone. The department does not have a dedicated roofing inspector; residential permits are handled by a rotating pool of inspectors, so response times can vary by season. In late summer and early fall (August–September), when many homeowners tackle roof replacements before winter, the wait for an initial inspection can extend to 5–7 days. Plan accordingly, and alert your roofer that Lima does not allow overlays on more than two layers — a field inspection to confirm existing layer count before tear-off is prudent and worth the $75 fee.

City of Lima Building Department
Lima City Hall, 50 Town Square, Lima, OH 45801
Phone: (419) 221-5100 (main) — ask for Building Department
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays)

Common questions

Does Lima require a permit if I am only replacing gutters and flashing?

No. Gutter and flashing replacement without roof tear-off is exempt from permitting in Lima. However, if your flashing work requires removal of any shingles down to the deck, or if you discover missing or damaged underlayment while working, you must stop and obtain a permit before continuing. Flashing is inspected as part of a roofing permit, but standalone gutter-only work does not trigger a permit.

I found two layers of shingles under my existing layer. Can I just overlay a third?

No. IRC R907.4 prohibits more than two layers of roofing on any residential building, and Lima enforces this strictly. If an inspector discovers a third layer during tear-off or deck inspection, they will issue a stop-work order and require a complete tear-off before the new roof can be installed. Declare the number of existing layers on your permit application to avoid this delay; if you are unsure, hire your roofer to do a small inspection hole ($50–$100) before filing.

How much does a roofing permit cost in Lima?

Residential roofing permits in Lima cost $100–$250, depending on roof area and material change. Like-for-like asphalt shingle replacements on small homes (under 1,500 sq ft) are typically $100–$150. Larger roofs or material changes (to metal, tile, or composite) are $200–$250. Request the current fee schedule from the Building Department when you call to file, as fees may be adjusted annually.

What if I hire a contractor who does not pull the permit?

You are liable, not the contractor. If an unpermitted roof is discovered (e.g., during a resale inspection or by a neighbor complaint), the City of Lima will issue a stop-work order and demand a retroactive permit, which costs the same as a prospective permit plus a $300–$500 violation fee. If you sell the home without disclosing unpermitted work, you face potential legal action from the buyer. Always confirm in writing with your contractor that they will pull the permit and pass inspections.

Can I do a roof replacement myself if I own the home?

Yes, if you are the owner-occupant, you can pull the permit yourself and perform the work without a contractor license in Lima. You must pass all inspections, and you must comply with all code requirements (fastening, underlayment, flashing, ice-and-water shield). Many homeowners hire a contractor even if they could DIY because the code compliance standards are strict, and a failed inspection can delay the project significantly. If you choose to DIY, get a copy of the current IRC R907 requirements from the Building Department before starting.

Do I need a structural engineer if I switch from asphalt shingles to metal roofing?

Yes, Lima requires a structural engineer's review and stamped drawing when changing from asphalt to metal roofing because metal has different load-bearing and wind-resistance characteristics. The engineer will verify that your roof deck's nailers and fastening capacity are adequate for the new material. This costs $400–$600 and adds 1–2 weeks to the permit timeline but is non-negotiable in Lima.

What if my home is in a historic district?

Lima has a small historic overlay district on the west side (around the Lakeland Neighborhood and portions of the downtown). If your home is in the historic district, you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Lima Historic Preservation Commission before you can permit the roof replacement. This requires an additional application ($50–$75 fee) and 2–3 weeks of review. Call the Building Department to confirm if your address is in the historic zone before filing for a roofing permit.

How long does it take from permit approval to final inspection?

Permit issuance typically takes 1–2 weeks. Once tear-off begins, the initial inspection occurs within 2–3 days. Installation takes 1–2 weeks for most residential roofs. Final inspection occurs 1–3 days after you notify the Building Department that the roof is complete. Total project timeline (permit through final sign-off) is typically 3–4 weeks, longer if you require an engineer's stamp or if weather delays work.

What is the difference between synthetic and felt underlayment, and which does Lima require?

Felt underlayment (15 lb or 30 lb, per ASTM D226) is traditional and less expensive ($0.30–$0.50 per sq ft). Synthetic underlayment (per ASTM D4869) is more durable, moisture-resistant, and non-slip, costing $0.60–$1.00 per sq ft. Lima Building Department accepts both, but synthetic is strongly recommended for zone 5A climates because it breathes better and resists ice-dam saturation. If you are installing ice-and-water shield over the deck (required in Lima), synthetic underlayment performs better underneath the shingles. Specify your choice in the permit application.

What happens if the inspector finds that my roofer installed only 4 nails per shingle instead of 6?

The final inspection will fail, and the roofer must go back and install the correct number of nails (6–8 per shingle in zone 5A per IRC R907). This adds 1–2 days and a rework cost of $0.50–$1.00 per shingle. To avoid this, provide your roofer with a written copy of the fastening requirements from the permit application and confirm they understand the specification before work starts. Many roofers use roofing nailers with adjustable settings; improper adjustment is the most common cause of under-fastening in Lima inspections.

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Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current roof replacement permit requirements with the City of Lima Building Department before starting your project.

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