Cleveland, OH Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Cleveland updated its Zoning Code to expand ADU opportunities as part of citywide housing-supply initiatives, and ADUs (sometimes called accessory dwellings, in-law suites, or carriage houses) are permitted in many one- and two-family districts subject to CCO Part 12 regulations. A detached ADU generally must meet accessory-structure setbacks (typically 3 feet from side and rear lot lines, deeper from the primary dwelling), cannot exceed the height of the principal dwelling, and must be clearly subordinate in size. Internal ADUs carved from an existing single-family home or attached garage must maintain the exterior appearance of a single-family residence and meet Ohio Building Code (OBC) egress, ventilation, smoke-alarm, and separation standards. Homeowners must obtain a zoning certificate from the Department of Building and Housing, followed by a building permit with full plans stamped by a design professional when required, plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. A dedicated off-street parking space is typically required for the ADU unit in addition to the primary dwelling's parking. If the ADU will be rented short-term (under 30 days), the property owner must also obtain a Short-Term Rental registration and pay applicable bed tax. Nonconforming carriage houses built before zoning may be rehabilitated under relaxed standards when the footprint is preserved. Violations including unpermitted ADU construction can trigger stop-work orders, daily civil penalties under CCO Part 3, and orders to remove or restore the structure.