Franklin County, OH Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Franklin County, OH, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max buildings
- 2 per residential lot
- Smallest lot setback
- 5 feet (under 1 acre)
- Largest lot size cap
- 4,320 sq ft (5+ acres)
- Min. distance to house
- 10 feet
Summary
Franklin County zoning caps residential lots at two accessory buildings and sets size, setback, and height by lot size, from 720 sq ft on sub-acre lots up to 4,320 sq ft on 5+ acres.
Unless otherwise permitted by this Zoning Resolution, a lot zoned Rural, Residential or being utilized for residential purposes as listed in Section 201, Article II, shall contain no more than two (2) accessory buildings.
Accessory building development standards shall be based upon the following table and requirements:
Table of Accessory Building Development Standards
Lot size Set-back from property lines Maximum size of accessory buildings (Total Square footage of all structures) Maximum height
Under one (1) acre 5 feet 720 square feet 18 feet
Equal to or greater than one (1) acre but less than two (2) acres 10 feet 1,440 square feet 20 feet
Equal to or greater than two (2) acres but less than three (3) acres 20 feet 2,160 square feet 25 feet
Equal to or greater than three (3) acres but less than four (4) acres 20 feet 2,880 square feet 25 feet
Equal to or greater than four (4) acres but less than five (5) acres 20 feet 3,600 square feet 25 feet
Five (5) or more acres (non agricultural) 20 feet 4,320 square feet 35 feet
Note: Chart reads from left to right.
An accessory building shall be located to the side or rear of the principal structure and shall be no closer than ten (10) feet from any part of the principal structure.
Full Breakdown
Zoning Resolution § 512.02 limits a residential or rural-zoned lot to no more than two accessory buildings and scales their size, setback, and height to lot size: 5-foot setback and 720 square feet on lots under one acre, rising to 20-foot setback and up to 4,320 square feet and 35 feet tall on lots of five or more non-agricultural acres. Every accessory building must sit at least 10 feet from the principal structure and be located to its side or rear.
Violations & Fines
Building an accessory structure that exceeds the lot's size, setback, or height table, or a third accessory building, is a misdemeanor under § 710.01.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my shed be on a half-acre lot?
How many sheds or accessory buildings can I have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
How Franklin County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.