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

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

Key Facts

Side yards
20 ft total, 8 ft minimum one side
Rear yard
20% of lot depth
Rear yard cap
Never more than 50 feet
District
Rural District (unincorporated only)

Summary

In Franklin County's unincorporated Rural District, dwellings need side yards totaling 20 feet or more with at least 8 feet on one side, plus a rear yard equal to 20% of lot depth, capped at 50 feet.

City-specific rules exist: Columbus has its own setback rules rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in Columbus, check the city-specific page instead.

302.043 - Side yard - For dwellings there shall be a total of side yards of twenty (20) feet or more with a minimum of eight (8) feet or more on one (1) side.

For structures permitted in Sections 302.024, 302.025, 302.032 and 302.033, there shall be a side yard of not less than twenty-five (25) feet, except when a larger side yard is required for such use, by these district regulations. 302.044 - Rear Yard - For main buildings, there shall be a rear yard of twenty percent (20%) or more of the lot depth, except that a rear yard of more than fifty (50) feet shall not be required.

Source: Columbus Zoning Ch 3332View official code

Full Breakdown

Sections 302.043 and 302.044 of the Rural District regulations set the side and rear yard minimums for one-family dwellings on unincorporated county land: total side yards of 20 feet with 8 feet minimum on one side, and a rear yard of 20% of lot depth (no more than 50 feet required). Front yard setback instead follows Section 504's building-line formula tied to the street right-of-way width.

Violations & Fines

Building into the required side or rear yard without a variance violates Section 302.043 or 302.044 and can be denied a zoning compliance certificate or ordered removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum side yard for a house in unincorporated Franklin County?
Section 302.043 requires side yards totaling 20 feet or more, with at least 8 feet on one side, in the Rural District.
Does this setback apply inside Columbus?
No. It only governs the county's unincorporated Rural District; Columbus and other cities set their own zoning setbacks.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesHeavy Restrictions

All Franklin County rules

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Setback Rules in Cities Across Franklin County

Columbus, OHDublin, OHWesterville, OHGrove City, OH