The REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (RAGC), in partnership with the University of Cincinnati’s Alpaugh Family Economics Center, has released the results of a comprehensive survey examining how the City of Cincinnati’s administrative processes impact local real estate activity.

With input from professionals across the real estate spectrum—including members of RAGC, the Greater Cincinnati Realtist Association, the Homebuilders Association of Greater Cincinnati, the Real Estate Investors Association (REIA), and the Commercial Real Estate Council of Greater Cincinnati—this survey offers one of the most holistic snapshots to date of how City permitting, zoning, and approval processes are shaping our market.

Key Takeaways:

Delays Are Driving Business Elsewhere
Over 40% of respondents reported experiencing challenges with permitting and inspections—from inconsistent plan reviews and unpredictable approval times to poor communication between departments. Several noted that clients had refused to pursue projects in the city due to its red tape, totaling more than $140 million in lost or stalled residential development.

Builders are Struggling the Most
Among builders, dissatisfaction was especially high. Nearly 79% said they had experienced administrative delays, and half reported that obtaining a building permit took 3–6 months on average. The report makes clear: targeted improvements in builder-facing processes are urgently needed.

Mixed Reviews on the Permit Portal
While about 80% gave neutral or positive marks for the City’s online permit portal, many still reported frequent discrepancies in information, limited transparency, and unmonitored communications—frustrations that stall momentum and erode trust.

It’s the Process, Not the Price
Most participants found permit costs to be reasonable. It’s the complicated and inconsistent process that’s the real issue. Notably, even real estate newcomers—without direct experience—reported avoiding projects in the City due to their mentors’ warnings about its inefficiency.

Economic Impact is Real
The numbers tell a sobering story: survey respondents reported a collective $180+ million in canceled or stalled residential, commercial, and investment projects attributed to administrative delays. Over half personally knew clients who refuse to work in the City of Cincinnati due to past difficulties.

What Needs to Change?

Respondents overwhelmingly called for common-sense improvements:

The two most important actions, according to respondents? Speeding up the permitting process and reforming the structure of the City’s administrative workflows.

Looking Ahead

This survey shows that while frustrations aren’t universal, the consequences of inaction are. Cincinnati has a critical opportunity to address these issues and unlock significant development potential—especially as demand for infill housing and mixed-use projects continues to grow.

RAGC is committed to using this data to advocate for real solutions—engaging with City leaders, sharing best practices, and ensuring our region remains open for business.