Brush Clearance: Columbus vs Westerville
How do brush clearance rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus has fewer restrictions than Westerville.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Franklin County has no wildfire defensible-space ordinance because central Ohio is not a wildland-urban interface area. Property owners must still maintain lots to avoid nuisance conditions under Columbus City Code 713.05 and township nuisance rules, which cover accumulated brush, debris, and fire hazards.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Westerville requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove dead brush under Codified Ordinance 521.08. No defensible-space wildfire rules apply as Westerville is not in a wildland-urban interface zone.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire Zone | None in Franklin County | Not applicable |
| Defensible Space | Not required | - |
| Nuisance Code | Columbus 713.05 | - |
| Abatement | City bills owner plus lien | - |
| Authority | - | Codified Ord 521.08 |
| Notice | - | 10 days to cure |
| Dead Trees | - | Must remove |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Who enforces this in Franklin County?
Franklin County code enforcement at (614) 525-3322 handles most complaints.
Who enforces this in Franklin County?
Franklin County code enforcement at (614) 525-3322 handles most complaints.
Westerville FAQ
Do I have to clear brush for wildfire protection in Westerville?
No. Westerville is not in a wildfire zone. You must still remove dead or hazardous vegetation as a nuisance under Chapter 521.
Who enforces this in Westerville?
Westerville code enforcement at (614) 901-6400 handles complaints.
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