Cincinnati, OH Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 1421 governs accessory residential structures including storage sheds. A shed not greater than 100 square feet in floor area and no higher than 8 feet is exempt from a building permit when it serves a single, two, or three family dwelling and sits in the rear yard in compliance with zoning setbacks. Sheds exceeding 100 square feet or 8 feet in height require a building permit from the Department of Buildings and Inspections at 805 Central Avenue, Suite 500. All accessory structures must be placed in the rear yard and cannot occupy a front yard or side yard except for fences, walls, flagpoles, lamp posts, arbors, trellises, birdbaths, or similar decorative items as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Sheds on corner lots follow the special rules in CMC 1421-05 regarding visibility triangles and setbacks from both street frontages. Maximum lot coverage limits apply, meaning the combined footprint of the principal structure and all accessory structures cannot exceed the percentage allowed in the applicable zoning district. Pre-fabricated and site-built sheds must be maintained in good repair and free from health, accident, and fire hazards under the property maintenance code. Electrical service to a shed requires a separate electrical permit.