ADU rules in Franklin County, OH — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Columbus legalized accessory dwelling units citywide in 2024 under the Zone In Columbus code update. ADUs of up to 800 sq ft are permitted on most single-family lots with a single-family permit, an owner-occupancy requirement, and standard setbacks. Suburban Franklin County cities have varying rules; many still prohibit ADUs.
Columbus City Council adopted the Zone In reform in 2024 updating the zoning code to allow ADUs (detached backyard cottages, garage conversions, interior units) in most R-2 and R-3 zones. ADUs must meet a maximum floor area of 800 sq ft or 30 percent of the main dwelling, whichever is less, and comply with standard residential setbacks (5 ft side, 10 ft rear in most zones). At least one unit must be owner-occupied and ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals shorter than 30 days. Outside Columbus, ADU rules vary widely: Upper Arlington allows attached ADUs only with special permit; Westerville, Dublin, and Hilliard generally do not permit ADUs as of 2025. Townships such as Jefferson and Blendon follow their own zoning resolutions and typically require conditional-use approval.
Unpermitted ADUs in Columbus face stop-work orders, fines up to 500 dollars per day, and potential tenant displacement. Use as a short-term rental can trigger additional zoning violations under Columbus Code 3382.
Franklin County, OH
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Franklin County, OH
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Franklin County, OH
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Franklin County, OH
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Franklin County, OH
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See how Franklin County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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