Akron, OH Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear yard, single-family
- 25% of lot depth, max 25 ft
- Side yard, single-family
- min 5 ft each side
- Combined side yards
- min 25% lot width, cap 15 ft
- Rear yard, two-family
- 20% of lot depth, max 20 ft
- Eave/chimney projection allowed
- up to 20 inches
Summary
A single-family house in Akron needs a rear yard at least 25% of the lot's depth (capped at 25 feet) and side yards at least 5 feet each, with side yards together covering at least 25% of the lot's width. Two-family and apartment buildings follow separate, larger minimums under the same section.
1.Single-Family Dwelling in Any District.a.Rear Yard. Every single-family dwelling shall have a rear yard which shall be in its least dimension not less than twenty-five percent of the depth of the lot, but such least dimension need not be more than twenty-five feet.b.Side Yard. Every single-family dwelling shall have a side yard along each lot line other than a front line or a rear line. The least dimension of a side yard shall be not less than five feet. At least twenty-five percent of the width of the lot shall be devoted to side yards, but the sum of the widths of the two opposite side yards need not be mere than fifteen feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
305(E)(1) sets the yard requirements for a single-family dwelling in any district. The rear yard must be at least 25 percent of the lot's depth, but the code does not require more than 25 feet regardless of how deep the lot is. Side yards run along every lot line that is not a front or rear line; each side yard must be at least 5 feet, and together the two side yards must cover at least 25 percent of the lot's width, though the code caps the required combined width at 15 feet.
305(E)(2). 305(E)(4). 300(C) separately allows minor yard intrusions: eaves, soffits, chimneys, and air conditioners may project up to 20 inches into a required yard, and a fire escape, stairway, or balcony may project up to 5 feet into a side or rear yard as long as it stays at least 4 feet from the lot line.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a structure that intrudes into the required rear or side yard set by Section 153.305(E) is a Zoning Code violation under Section 153.199, carrying administrative fines of up to $100, $500, and $1,000 for a first, second, and third or later offense, plus a possible third-degree misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 and up to sixty days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does my rear yard need to be in Akron?
What is the minimum side yard for a house in Akron?
Can my chimney or air conditioner stick into the required side yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Akron
Compare Akron to another location·View the Ohio building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.