If you are an existing Blue Ash business or are planning to locate in Blue Ash, this section of our website will help you understand how to work through permitting requirements for new construction, additions, renovations, and any other development related plans you may have. Please read, understand, and follow the instructions contained here, so that we can work together to keep your project on schedule.

The most common development processes and issues are covered here and most forms and instructions are available for download. If you have any questions or need clarification, please call us at 513-745-8520.

Keys to Success

Call us as early as possible when you begin to plan a development or building project. Any information you share will be held in confidence until you actually apply for permits. We realize that confidentiality is important in a competitive business and real estate environment and we will not violate your trust.

A typical development process should follow these steps:

• Familiarize yourself with the regulations and approval processes required by reading this website.
• Call the Community Development staff to discuss the project and verify the actions required for approvals and permits.
• Prepare conceptual plans and set up a meeting with the Community Development staff to discuss potential problems or opportunities.
• Prepare detailed plans.
• Submit for zoning approvals (Special Use, Planned Development, variance, etc.), if necessary.
• Submit for Site Work and Building Permits.
• After all permits are approved…get your development underway.

As you prepare, please keep in mind that it is easier for the City to respond quickly and with accurate information if you come to us early and with a well-thought-out plan. The more details you can provide help to ensure that you get complete answers and good directions right from the start. It is very difficult for us to identify potential pitfalls if you provide incomplete information. We don't know what you know…you have to ask the right questions and tell us what you know. If you have read this site, you will be much better off.

You are free to stop in the Community Development office at any time. However, for the most comprehensive service, please call to arrange a meeting so that we can be prepared to discuss the specifics of your project.

If you have a development team or in some other way have more than one person working on a project, it is very helpful if you designate and use a primary contact so that at least one person has all of the information. There are too many examples of people not passing information on to the entire team, which can cause unnecessary delays and problems.

What You Can Expect From Us

The City of Blue Ash and the Community Development department will make every effort to help you through the development process in a quick, efficient, and smooth manner. Zoning, building, engineering and other permitting fees are referenced throughout this site. Timelines are also referenced and explained and may vary widely depending on the type of project you have planned.

We will be upfront with information and will offer insight relative to zoning approvals. We will treat every person who seeks assistance with respect and honesty.

Development Process and Permit Approvals

To expedite your understanding of the development process in Blue Ash, click on the categorized links below or in the navigation bar to the left at the top of the page.

Development & Permits

Zoning Approvals

Occupancy & Land Use

A business new to Blue Ash, an existing business that relocates to a new facility, or a business that expands in the same location will potentially require an Occupancy Permit that verifies compliance with Zoning, Building, and Fire Safety regulations.

Zoning Verification & Compliance

When properties are for sale or when a property owner seeks to refinance a mortgage, potential lenders and new owners often wish to have some verification from the City that the property is in compliance with Building, Zoning, and Property Maintenance regulations. Information about compliance processes is also available.

Land Subdivision

If an existing land parcel is large enough to contain more than one building, together with parking and other required site amenities, then the property owner may wish to legally divide the land and sell the resulting lots individually.

The 2003 Master Plan can be downloaded here.

The 2005 Blue Ash Town Center Concept Redevelopment Plan can be downloaded here.

The 2007 Downtown Streetscape Plan can be downloaded here.

The entire Municipal Code is accessible at www.conwaygreene.com/blueash.htm. Please call to verify your understanding of the Code before proceeding since the on-line version may not always be completely updated.