5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Franklin County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
Franklin County property maintenance code (adopted 2017 IPMC) requires trash containers to be kept in the rear or side yard, screened from public view, except on collection day. Bins must have tight-fitting lids to prevent pest access. Most suburbs have adopted similar IPMC-based rules.
Franklin County enforces property maintenance standards through the International Property Maintenance Code and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3767 (nuisance abatement). The Franklin County Land Bank (Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation) acquires and rehabilitates blighted properties, with over 3,000 properties addressed since 2012.
Vacant lots in Franklin County must be maintained under the adopted 2017 IPMC standards: grass under 12 inches, no accumulated debris, no standing water. Owner responsible for maintenance regardless of residence. Columbus charges a 300 dollar vacant property registration fee under Code 4557.
Ohio has no statewide sidewalk snow clearing mandate. Franklin County cities set individual rules. Columbus (Code 905.01) requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Most suburbs have similar 12-48 hour windows.
Franklin County does not regulate garage sales at the county level. Individual cities set limits: Columbus allows up to 4 garage sales per year per residence, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. No permit required in most jurisdictions. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.
4 cities in Franklin County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Franklin County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Franklin County Ordinance Hub →