Accessory Structures in Columbus, OH (2026)
7 verified accessory structures rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Columbus passed Ordinance 2526-2025 (effective late 2025) amending Title 33 (Zoning Code) to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in all residential and apartment districts (Chapters 3332 and 3333). The ordinance removes most variance hurdles, exempts ADUs from added parking, frontage, and lot-width requirements, and permits internal (basement/attic), attached (above garage), and detached ADU types. ADUs must remain clearly accessory and subordinate in scale to the principal dwelling.
ADU Rules in Columbus
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Columbus permits ADUs by-right in all residential and apartment residential zoning districts under the Title 33 ADU Pilot Program ordinance effective December 24, 2025. Permits are issued by the Department of Building and Zoning Services under the Ohio Building Code and the Residential Code of Ohio. ADUs may not exceed 65% of the principal building's floor area or 1,000 sq ft (whichever is greater) and may not exceed the principal building's height or 25 ft.
Columbus ADU Permits (Title 33 ADU Pilot, eff. Dec 24, 2025)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Columbus does not levy a citywide impact fee on new residential construction, including ADUs. Costs are limited to standard building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permit fees under Columbus City Code Title 41, plus separate utility connection charges from Columbus Division of Water, Division of Sewerage and Drainage, and the relevant electric and gas providers. Columbus City School District impact fees do not apply.
Columbus ADU Impact Fees (No Citywide Impact Fee)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The Columbus Title 33 ADU Pilot Program adopted in 2025 does not require the property owner to live on-site. ADUs may be rented to non-relatives, and both the primary dwelling and the ADU may be rented simultaneously. No deed restriction or owner-occupancy affidavit is required at permit issuance. HOA covenants in deed-restricted subdivisions may still impose owner-occupancy independently.
Columbus ADU Owner-Occupancy (Not Required)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Columbus permits long-term rentals (30+ days) of ADUs without special license beyond the citywide rental registration under Title 47. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under Columbus City Code Ch. 599 (Short-Term Rentals), requiring an STR permit, primary-residence verification for certain permit types, and payment of the 5.1% Columbus hotel/motel excise tax and the 5% Franklin County lodging excise tax.
Columbus ADU Rental Restrictions (Long-Term OK; STR Regulated)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Columbus regulates sheds as accessory structures under Title 33 Zoning Code §3332.38 (Private garage). Sheds 200 square feet or larger require a building permit under the Residential Code of Ohio. Accessory structures must be located in the rear yard, set back at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, separated from the principal dwelling, and may not exceed 30% rear-yard coverage in residential districts.
Shed Rules in Columbus
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Columbus permits tiny homes on permanent foundations as standard single-family dwellings if they meet the Ohio Residential Code minimums, including Appendix Q small-dwelling provisions. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and are not allowed as permanent residences on residential lots.
Tiny Homes in Columbus
Some RestrictionsLooking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Accessory Structures in Franklin County →