Frost Depth & Snow Load in Columbus, OH (2026)
2 verified frost depth & snow load rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Frost Line Depth
Columbus sets its frost line depth at 32 inches, published by the Department of Building and Zoning Services in the communication that completes Ohio's blank design criteria table.
Columbus OH Frost Line Depth: 32 Inches
Some RestrictionsCity of Columbus Department of Building & Zoning Services, Construction Industry Communication #09, Table R301.2(1)
Construction Industry Communication #09 — Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria per Section R301.2 of the Residential Code of Ohio. This communication is to provide all construction industry representatives within the City of Columbus' jurisdiction the additional criteria as established by the Department of Building & Zoning Services. Table R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA: G...
Ground Snow Load
Columbus adopts a ground snow load of 20 pounds per square foot, the figure Ohio's code leaves for each jurisdiction to supply.
Columbus OH Ground Snow Load: 20 psf
Few RestrictionsCity of Columbus Department of Building & Zoning Services, Construction Industry Communication #09, Table R301.2(1)
Table R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA: Ground Snow Load (e) 20; Wind Speed (mph) 90; Seismic Design Category B; Weathering (a) Severe; Frost Line Depth (b) 32"; Ice Shield Underlayment Required Yes; Flood Hazards See Flood Insurance Rate Maps; Air Freezing Index 1048; Mean Annual Temp 52.6.
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Frost Depth & Snow Load in Franklin County →