Since 1961, the Ohio Building Officials Association (OBOA) has been the statewide voice for Ohio’s building department personnel at the Ohio General Assembly, the Ohio Board of Building Standards, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, promoting life safety through strong, consistently enforced building codes.
Our members work every day to ensure building officials have the tools, authority, and support they need to protect public health, safety, and welfare in communities across Ohio.
What Our Advocacy Does
OBOA represents building, fire, and code officials on legislation and regulations that affect how Ohio builds, inspects, and maintains the built environment.
We monitor bills, attend hearings, draft language, submit comments, and provide expert testimony at the state and national levels to help policymakers and code writers understand the real‑world impact of code changes on safety, housing, and economic development.
Our advocacy focuses on:
- Maintaining modern, science‑based building and fire codes that protect life safety.
- Promoting uniform, fair, and consistent enforcement across Ohio’s jurisdictions.
- Supporting accountability, education, training, and certification for current and future code officials.
- Strengthening the role and professional standing of code officials in state and local decision‑making.
Priority Issues
Current priorities include statewide code updates, inspection and permitting processes, resources for local departments, and policies that support effective, efficient compliance.
The OBOA Legislative & By‑Laws Committee identifies legislative and regulatory priorities that most directly affect building and fire safety, local code enforcement capacity, and the communities we serve.
OBOA’s Government Affairs Representatives serve as liaisons with external stakeholders and as resources to the Legislative & By‑Laws Committee and the membership as a whole.
How to Get Involved
OBOA’s advocacy is strongest when members are informed, engaged, and willing to share their on‑the‑ground experience with decision‑makers.
You can:
- Attend a Legislative & By‑Laws meeting – Review upcoming dates and details on the association calendar.
- View the Legislative & By‑Laws Meeting Calendar
- Become an OBOA member – Membership provides access to committee activities, meeting notices, and association updates.
- Member Signup / Information
- Maintain local relationships – Continue to work with and inform your local elected officials, partner agencies, and industry stakeholders of your value and the impact you have in the community.