Accessory Structures in Lakewood, OH (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Lakewood, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Since Ordinance 07-2023 (adopted Nov. 20, 2023), Lakewood permits accessory dwelling units as a conditional use in the R2 Single- and Two-Family District, subject to owner-occupancy, size, and Architectural Board of Review standards under Section 1161.03(bb).
ADUs Allowed in R2 as Conditional Use
Some RestrictionsLakewood, OH Codified Ordinances Sec. 1161.03(bb), enacted by Ordinance No. 07-2023 (adopted Nov. 20, 2023)
bb) Accessory Dwelling Units. In a R2 Single- and Two-Family District accessory dwelling units may be permitted as a conditionally permitted use subject to the following regulations: 1) The lot on which an accessory dwelling unit is placed shall have only one existing dwelling unit. 2) The lot must be continuously occupied by the majority owner of the lot as their primary residence and as evide...
Shed Rules
In the R2 District a storage shed may not exceed 80 square feet in area (or the lot-coverage allowance, whichever is greater) and 10 feet in height, with accessory structures of all kinds limited to 25% of the rear yard.
Sheds Limited to 80 Sq Ft, 10 Ft Tall (R2)
Some RestrictionsLakewood, OH Codified Ordinances Sec. 1123.03(f), enacted by Ordinance No. 07-2023 (adopted Nov. 20, 2023)
f) A storage shed not to exceed eighty (80) square feet in area or which complies with the requirement of Section 1123.09(c), whichever is greater but shall not exceed the requirements of Section 1123.09(d), and ten (10) feet in height above grade, Section 1123.05(b) notwithstanding.
Garage Conversions
A single-family structure may not be altered to house more than one family, but Section 1133.06 now permits an accessory dwelling unit over an existing garage, provided that garage meets current Building Code under Section 1161.03(bb)(4).
Garage May Be Converted to ADU; No Extra Family
Some RestrictionsLakewood, OH Codified Ordinances Sec. 1133.06 & 1161.03(bb)(4), enacted by Ordinance No. 07-2023 (adopted Nov. 20, 2023)
1133.06 Conversion Of Single-Family Structure Prohibited. No single-family structure shall be converted to or enlarged or altered to accommodate more than one (1) family, except that an accessory dwelling unit can be constructed or located on certain lots in accordance with Section 1161.03(bb). ... 4) For any accessory dwelling unit proposed over an existing accessory structure (i.e., a garage)...
Carport Rules
Carports in Lakewood are treated as accessory structures requiring a building permit and must meet the same setbacks as garages: 3 feet from side/rear property lines and must sit behind the rear building line. Carports cannot be placed in front yards. Materials must be permanent construction, not fabric or temporary canopies beyond 180 days.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Lakewood does not have tiny-home specific zoning. Tiny homes on foundations must meet full Ohio Residential Code including minimum room sizes and cannot be placed as a second dwelling on a single-family lot. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and may not be used as permanent residences in any Lakewood zone.
accessory-structures/tiny-homes
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Cuyahoga County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Accessory Structures in Cuyahoga County →