2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Franklin County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
Franklin County solar panel installation requires electrical and building permits. Columbus fast-tracks residential solar with same-day permits at 85 dollars. Ohio HB 201 (2021) preempts local bans but townships may regulate size and placement.
Ohio has NO solar access law unlike California or Florida. HOAs in Franklin County may restrict or prohibit solar panels through covenants. Ohio ORC §5301.055 (2024 pending) proposed solar protection but not yet enacted. Check deed restrictions before installing.
Chapter 5312
(A) Unless specifically prohibited in the declaration, any owner may install a solar energy collection device on the owner's dwelling unit or other location within the owner's lot if either of the following conditions apply: (1) The cost to insure, maintain, repair, and replace the unit's roof or alternative location within the lot is not a common expense of the owners association and is instea...
4 cities in Franklin County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Franklin County Ordinance Hub →