Middletown, OH Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Table 1204-4 of the City of Middletown Development Code sets the maximum building height for every detached residential district at 35 feet, whether the lot is zoned R-1, R-2, or R-3; a nonresidential use permitted within one of those same districts is allowed up to 40 feet. 10(a)(6)A explains how that height is measured: in feet, it runs from the average grade at the base of the structure to the mid-point between the eaves and the peak for a sloped roof, or to the highest point for a flat roof, and where height is measured in stories it counts every level above finished grade fronting a public street, including attics, half-stories, and mezzanines, but not basements or below-grade parking.

Division (a)(6)B carves out narrow exceptions: farm buildings, spires, belfries, cupolas, water towers, chimneys, flagpoles, and similar architectural features that extend no more than four feet above the district's maximum height are exempt, as are steeples and non-habitable features on religious, school, or public buildings, and free-standing or roof-mounted radio and television towers up to 60 feet, anchored to withstand an 80 mile-per-hour wind. Even with an exception, no structure built above the otherwise-permitted height may occupy more than 25% of the lot area. A homeowner adding a cupola, chimney, or antenna above 35 feet still needs a certificate of zoning compliance from the Development Code Administrator confirming the exception applies.