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Marion, OH Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified October 2026

Shed permit rules in Marion, 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

Allowed location
Rear yard only, unless integral or connected to the house
Maximum height
15 feet
Distance from other buildings
At least six feet
Lot line distance
Three feet interior line; ten feet alley line
Rear yard coverage
No more than 25%
Permit
Zoning permit, residential fee maximum of $300

Summary

In the City of Marion, Ohio, § 1159.01 allows detached accessory buildings in a residential rear yard only, with a height of 15 feet or less, at least six feet from other buildings on the lot, at least three feet from an interior lot line and ten feet from an alley lot line, and covering no more than 25% of the rear yard.

(A) An accessory building may be erected detached from the principal building or may be erected as an integral part of the principal building, or it may be connected by a breezeway or similar structure. No accessory building shall be erected in any required yard other than a rear yard. ... If located in a rear yard, both detached and connected accessory structures shall be subject to the requirements set forth in the following sections: (1) The height of such accessory buildings shall not exceed 15 feet and the distance of such buildings from other separate buildings on the same lot shall be at least six feet, except that a breezeway, at least six feet in length, may connect an accessory building with a principal building. ... (3) No accessory building in a rear yard shall be less than three feet from an interior side or rear lot line and no less than ten feet from a side or rear lot line which adjoins a dedicated public alley. (4) Coverage of a rear yard by accessory buildings shall not exceed 25%.

Full Breakdown

Marion's code does not use the word shed. Chapter 1159, Accessory Structures in Residential Districts, regulates the accessory building, which covers a detached garage, shed or similar structure. Section 1159.01(A) says an accessory building can be detached, integral with the principal building, or connected by a breezeway or similar structure. No accessory building shall be erected in any required yard other than a rear yard. Any accessory building not in a rear yard must be integral or connected with the principal building and placed to meet all yard requirements for a principal building.

In a rear yard, detached and connected accessory structures are subject to four limits. Under (B)(1), height shall not exceed 15 feet and the distance from other separate buildings on the same lot shall be at least six feet, except that a breezeway at least six feet in length can connect an accessory building with a principal building. Under (B)(3), no accessory building in a rear yard shall be less than three feet from an interior side or rear lot line and no less than ten feet from a side or rear lot line that adjoins a dedicated public alley. Under (B)(4), coverage of a rear yard by accessory buildings shall not exceed 25%. Division (B)(2) sends accessory fences, walls and hedges to the fence height rules.

A permit comes first. Section 1177.01 prohibits erecting any building, structure or addition that must conform to a standard of the zoning code without a zoning permit. The § 1177.02 application needs two sets of plans drawn to scale showing the lot, the exact location, size and height of the building, and its intended use. Under § 1183.011 the residential fee is $1.00 for an improvement of 0 to $100, $7.00 for more than $100 to $1,000, and $7.00 plus 1.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereof above that, with a maximum zoning permit fee of $300.

The Safety/Service Director must act on an application within 30 days under § 1181.01, or the applicant is entitled to the permit unless the applicant consents to an extension. A permit expires if work has not begun within 180 days under § 1177.03(A), or is not substantially completed within two years under § 1177.03(B).

Violations & Fines

Section 1127.99 makes it unlawful to locate, erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, change, maintain or use any building or land in violation of the zoning code. A first offense is a minor misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $100. A second offense within one year is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by not more than 30 days in jail and/or $250. Each later offense within one year is a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by not more than 60 days in jail and/or $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a shed or detached garage be in Marion?
Section 1159.01(B)(1) says the height of an accessory building in a rear yard shall not exceed 15 feet. The building must also stay at least six feet from other separate buildings on the same lot, except that a breezeway at least six feet in length can connect it to the principal building.
How far from the property line must a shed sit in Marion?
Under § 1159.01(B)(3), an accessory building in a rear yard must be no less than three feet from an interior side or rear lot line and no less than ten feet from a side or rear lot line that adjoins a dedicated public alley.
Can I put a shed in my front or side yard?
No. Section 1159.01(A) bars any accessory building from a required yard other than a rear yard. An accessory building outside the rear yard must be integral with or connected to the principal building and must meet all yard requirements for a principal building.
Do I need a permit for a shed in Marion?
Section 1177.01 requires a zoning permit before erecting a building or structure that must conform to the zoning code, and § 1177.02 requires plans showing the exact location, size and height. The Safety/Service Director acts within 30 days under § 1181.01, and the residential permit fee is capped at $300 under § 1183.011.

Sources & Official References

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