Accessory Structures in Columbus, OH (2026)
3 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 allows one accessory dwelling unit per residential lot under Zoning Code § 3332.355, letting homeowners add a small attached, internal, or detached second unit without extra parking or a variance.
Columbus Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 3332.355
To allow Accessory Dwelling Units in conjunction with a principal dwelling in residential districts subject to the following provisions regarding allowable number, size, height, and location requirements... One ADU may be added to a lot containing a single-unit dwelling in all residential districts within Chapter 3332, except as specified below for the R-2F and R-4 districts... An ADU must not ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Columbus allows one accessory dwelling unit per residential lot, but renting it out short-term pulls the ADU into Chapter 598's hotel/motel and short-term-rental permit system, and the zoning code flags that ADUs may later be added to a rental registry.
Columbus ADU Rental Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 3332.355(A)
Purpose. To allow Accessory Dwelling Units in conjunction with a principal dwelling in residential districts subject to the following provisions regarding allowable number, size, height, and location requirements. Short term rental regulations of Chapter 598 apply to any ADU used for that purpose. An ADU may also be subject to a rental registry upon its implementation.
Shed & Carport Rules
Columbus caps residential sheds at 15 feet tall, ties total shed area to your zoning district's lot coverage limit, and requires a zoning clearance once combined shed area tops 200 square feet.
Columbus Shed Size, Setback and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 3321.15
A.A shed shall be in compliance with its underlying zoning district, and the lot must include a principal building.B.Standards for sheds accessory to a single-, two-, or three-unit dwelling.1.No shed may exceed fifteen (15) feet in height, measured from the finished grade at the structure to its highest point.2.The cumulative area of all sheds is subject to the lot coverage limits of its zoning...
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Accessory Structures in Franklin County →