Columbus, OH Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

A.Minimum side yard required. The minimum side yard shall be the least dimension between any part of the building or structure and the side lot line, which least dimension shall be as follows:1.In R-rural, LRR, RRR and RR districts: seven and one-half feet.2.In all other districts: five feet;3.On a lot 40 feet wide or less in any district: three feet.4.Notwithstanding subsections 1 or 2, the required minimum distance of a detached garage or from the interior side lot line shall be three feet. Carports shall be subject to the same restrictions as detached garages. Total combined side yards do not apply.5.A principal building existing on October 31, 1954 and having side yards that do not comply with the provisions of this section, may be extended along such existing side yard lines, subject to expansion limits in C.C. 3391.05(A)(1)(b).6.A perimeter yard per Section 3332.285 shall satisfy the minimum side yard requirements for a multiple-dwelling development located in an R-4 residential district.B.Total of combined side yards. The sum of the widths of each side yard shall equal or exceed 20 percent of the width of the lot, provided that not more than the following need be so devoted:1.In R-rural, LRR, RRR or RR districts: 32 feet;2.In all other districts: 16 feet;3.On a lot 40 feet wide or less in any district: six feet.4.A perimeter yard per Section 3332.285 shall satisfy the total side yard requirements for a multiple-dwelling development located in an R-4 district.