Cleveland's zoning code limits building heights based on the zoning district. Residential one-family districts generally limit structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Multi-family and commercial districts allow greater heights. The city's form-based code areas may have different height standards.
Height limits are established by zoning district in Cleveland's Land Use Code. One-family residential districts limit buildings to 35 feet. Two-family districts allow up to 35 feet. Multi-family and commercial districts may allow significantly greater heights depending on the specific district. Height is measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Variances require Board of Zoning Appeals approval.
Exceeding height limits without a variance or zoning change is a violation that can result in stop-work orders, fines, and required modification of the structure.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cuyahoga County.
See how other cities in Cuyahoga County handle structure height limits.
See how Cleveland's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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