Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Accessory Structures in Medina, OH (2026)

4 verified accessory structures rules for Medina, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

ADU Rules

Medina allows one in-law suite per detached single-family dwelling, capped at forty percent of the home's total gross floor area, with no separate gas or electric utilities and no placement in a detached accessory building. Zoning Code Section 1155.13 sets these accessory dwelling standards.

Medina In-Law Suite Zoning Rules

Some Restrictions

Codified Ordinances of Medina, Ohio § 1155.13(a),(b),(e),(f)

(a) A maximum of one in-law suite is permitted per detached dwelling. (b) An in-law suite shall not be any greater than forty percent (40%) of the total gross floor area of the dwelling. ... (e) The in-law suite shall not have separate gas and electric utilities. (f) The in-law suite shall not be located in any detached accessory building.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Medina limits in-law suites to housing family members only, and requires the family member living there to have direct internal access to the main dwelling's common areas. Zoning Code Section 1155.13(c) and (d) tie occupancy of the suite to the household in the primary home.

Medina In-Law Suite Occupancy Rule

Significant Restrictions

Codified Ordinances of Medina, Ohio § 1155.13(c),(d)

(c) The in-law suite shall be used for housing family members only. ... (d) The family member residing in the in-law suite must have direct internal access to the common areas of the Dwelling Unit.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Medina prohibits renting an in-law suite to anyone outside the family and bars any commercial use of the space. Zoning Code Section 1155.13(c) makes the suite strictly a family-housing accessory use, not a rental unit or a place of business, foreclosing income-property use of the space.

Medina Bars Renting In-Law Suites

Heavy Restrictions

Codified Ordinances of Medina, Ohio § 1155.13(c)

(c) The in-law suite shall be used for housing family members only. No in-law suite shall be rented to non-family members nor shall commercial use of the in-law suite shall be permitted.

Shed & Carport Rules

Medina caps residential sheds and detached garages at 15 feet tall and 744 square feet of combined footprint, set back 5 feet from rear and side lines and 10 feet from other buildings. No more than three detached accessory buildings are allowed per lot.

Medina Detached Accessory Building Rules

Some Restrictions

Codified Ordinances of Medina, Ohio § 1113.05(l)(2)A

(2) Detached accessory buildings. An accessory building detached from the principal building, on a lot, shall conform to the following requirements: A. Requirements for detached accessory buildings associated with principal buildings used primarily for residential purposes in all districts ... 2. Detached accessory buildings shall be located in the rear yard. 3. Detached accessory build...