5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Lucas County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
Lucas County itself does not zone land, so it sets no ADU rule. Accessory dwelling units are governed by your city (Toledo, Maumee, Sylvania) or, in unincorporated areas, by the township under Ohio's township-zoning statute. Toledo's zoning code has no dedicated ADU provision.
Lucas County sets no shed rule; rules are municipal. In Toledo, every accessory building needs a Certificate of Zoning Compliance, and sheds over 200 square feet also need a building permit. Sheds must sit at least 3 feet from side and rear lot lines.
City of Toledo, Residential Accessory Building Requirements (rev. 7-12-19)
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required for all accessory buildings (any size). In addition, a Building Permit & Plan Review also is required for all accessory buildings over 200 square feet. Structure must be located a minimum of 60 feet from the front property line and a minimum of 3 feet from the side and rear property lines.
Lucas County has no garage-conversion rule. In Toledo, converting a garage to living space is a building and zoning matter: you must keep required off-street parking and obtain permits. No business may be conducted from an accessory building in a residential zone.
City of Toledo, Residential Accessory Building Requirements (rev. 7-12-19)
No business may be conducted from an accessory building in a residential zone.
Lucas County sets no carport rule. In Toledo a carport is an accessory structure needing zoning compliance, and the driveway serving it must be concrete, asphalt, or another dust-free material. Carports count toward the lot's parking and coverage limits.
City of Toledo, Residential Accessory Building Requirements (rev. 7-12-19); TMC 1107.1906
Driveways constructed of concrete, asphalt or other dust free material are required to provide access to a garage, carport or unsheltered parking space from a street or place (TMC 1107.1906).
Lucas County has no tiny-home ordinance because it does not zone land. A tiny home must meet your city or township zoning (minimum lot area, dwelling-unit density) and the Residential Code of Ohio; movable tiny homes on wheels are treated like manufactured homes or RVs, not permanent dwellings.
1 cities in Lucas County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Lucas County Ordinance Hub →