Lakewood, OH Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Lakewood, OH, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- LCO Sec. 1161.03(bb)
- District
- R2 Single- and Two-Family (conditional use)
- Max Size
- 50% of principal lot coverage or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less
- Owner Occupancy
- Required (majority owner, primary residence)
- Parking
- 1 off-street space
- Min Rental Term
- 60 days
Summary
Since Ordinance 07-2023 (adopted Nov. 20, 2023), Lakewood permits accessory dwelling units as a conditional use in the R2 Single- and Two-Family District, subject to owner-occupancy, size, and Architectural Board of Review standards under Section 1161.03(bb).
bb) Accessory Dwelling Units. In a R2 Single- and Two-Family District accessory dwelling units may be permitted as a conditionally permitted use subject to the following regulations: 1) The lot on which an accessory dwelling unit is placed shall have only one existing dwelling unit. 2) The lot must be continuously occupied by the majority owner of the lot as their primary residence and as evidenced by documentation determined sufficient by the Planning & Development Director or designee. 3) The accessory dwelling unit may be attached to or detached from any principal or accessory structure... 5) The accessory dwelling unit must be located in a side or rear yard and not be closer to any street frontage than the primary structure... 7) The maximum gross floor area of the accessory dwelling unit shall be 50% of the gross lot coverage area of the principal structure, excluding porches, decks, and patios, or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. ... 10) There shall be one designated off-street parking space on the lot on which the accessory dwelling unit is located. ... 12) An accessory dwelling unit cannot be separately conveyed for sale or purchase from the principal structure on the lot. 13) The minimum rental term for an accessory dwelling unit shall not be less than 60 days.
Full Breakdown
03(bb) allows an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the R2 District as a conditionally permitted use. The lot may have only one existing dwelling unit, and it must be continuously occupied by the majority owner as their primary residence. An ADU may be attached or detached; one proposed over an existing garage requires that the garage meet current Building Code. The ADU must sit in a side or rear yard and not be closer to street frontage than the primary structure. Maximum gross floor area is 50% of the gross lot coverage area of the principal structure (excluding porches, decks, and patios) or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
One off-street parking space is required, the unit must be separately addressed per the Ohio Fire Code, it cannot be sold separately from the principal structure, the minimum rental term is 60 days, and a deed restriction must be recorded with Cuyahoga County before occupancy. Each ADU must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Board of Review.
Violations & Fines
ADUs created without a conditional use approval, ABR review, building permit, and recorded deed restriction are not authorized; no certificate of occupancy will be issued until the deed restriction is recorded with Cuyahoga County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Lakewood, Ohio?
How big can a Lakewood ADU be?
Do I have to live on the property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Ohio accessory structures overview
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