Zoning & Permits 

Beginning January 1, 2026, building permits and inspections for the Village of St. Bernard will be issued by the Hamilton County Building Department via their CAGIS ezTRak portal. Visit their website or call 513-946-4550 for further information. Information on permits completed by the Village prior to January 1, 2026, can still be accessed through the portal. If you have any questions regarding past permits, please call 513-242-7770.  

The Village of St. Bernard Zoning Code regulates how property can be used, and where structures can be placed on property. St. Bernard is divided into zoning districts, and each district has its own set of regulations on projects such as buildings, fences, accessory structures, and signs.  Zoning in St. Bernard is managed and enforced by the Village Zoning Administrator.

All new buildings, residences, additions, signs, decks, fences and accessory structures constructed within the Village of St. Bernard require an approved zoning certificate before work may begin and, in most instances, prior to applying for a building permit through Hamilton County.  

Zoning Certificate Information Sheet - Applications can be completed via our iWorQ web portal.  If you prefer you can fill out a printable application and drop it off at City Hall along with your site plan. 

• A Site Plan must accompany the application that shows direction (north standard), scale size, adjacent street(s), and the following features:

  • Dimensions of the lot/parcel
  • Location and size of driveways
  • Dimensions of buildings (existing and proposed)
  • Location of well and septic system
  • Setback distance of building from lot lines
  • Distance between buildings

  A great resource for this information can be located at: CAGIS Online

• Upon receipt of application the St. Bernard Zoning Administrator will review the application. Once approved we will email an invoice to the applicant. The fee for all zoning certificates is $50 and be paid through the village portal linked on the invoice or via check to the Village of St. Bernard. 
• After payment is received the approved zoning certificate will be emailed to the applicant. 
• Any additional building permits needed will be issued by the Hamilton County Building Department.  Hamilton County will not issue a building permit for a structure until they have a copy of the approved Zoning Certificate.  

For questions about zoning, please contact the St. Bernard Zoning Administrator at 513-482-5684. 

Below is a list of common projects and who you should contact first:

Guidelines for Installing a Fence in St. Bernard 

CRA Tax Abatement Application

Residential Deck Requirements and Sample Drawings

Street Cut/Right-of-Way Permit Application - Fill out and drop off City Hall or send via email to cityclerk@cityofstbernard.org. 

Dumpster/POD Application 

• A permit is required to place a dumpster/storage unit on the street/village right-of-way to make sure the unit is not blocking traffic or driveways. Please fill out and drop off at City Hall or send via email to cityclerk@cityofstbernard.org. There is no fee for this permit. 

Board of Zoning Appeals 

Board of Zoning Appeals Calendar 
Application for Zoning Certificate
Application for Variance
Zoning Map 2025