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Franklin County, OH Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Required document
Grading plan & storm sewer layout
Trigger
New development certificate applications
1+ acre disturbance
Storm Water Mgmt Manual applies
Issued within
7 working days

Summary

New development in unincorporated Franklin County must submit a grading plan and storm sewer layout with its Certificate of Zoning Compliance application, showing how storm runoff will be handled.

City-specific rules exist: Columbus has its own erosion control rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in Columbus, check the city-specific page instead.

A grading plan and storm sewer layout, to include existing and proposed surface and subsurface draining features indicating how storm runoff will be handled; The requirements of 705.022, or portions thereof, may be waived by the Administrative Officer when, in his opinion, the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that all aspects relative to the above have been suitably addressed. Applications for Certificates of Zoning Compliance must comply with applicable local and state requirements and regulations. These may include, but are not limited to, the Franklin County Storm Water Management Manual if the proposal will disturb 1 or more acres of land, Franklin County Public Health Regulations, Franklin County Sanitary Engineer requirements, Franklin County Drainage Engineer requirements, Franklin County Engineer requirements and requirements of the applicable Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Construction permit.

Source: Franklin County EngineerView official code

Full Breakdown

Every application for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance for new development must include a plan showing lot dimensions, building locations, proposed construction, water and sewer provisions, and a grading plan and storm sewer layout covering existing and proposed surface and subsurface drainage features indicating how storm runoff will be handled. Projects disturbing an acre or more must also comply with the Franklin County Storm Water Management Manual and applicable Ohio EPA construction permits. The Administrative Officer can waive parts of this requirement if satisfied the issues are already addressed.

Violations & Fines

Starting development without an approved Certificate of Zoning Compliance, or without the required grading and drainage plan, is a misdemeanor under §710.01; the certificate itself expires if work is not substantially completed within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a grading plan for a small addition?
The requirement targets new development applications; the Administrative Officer may waive parts of it if drainage issues are already adequately addressed.
What if my project disturbs more than an acre?
It must also comply with the Franklin County Storm Water Management Manual and the applicable Ohio EPA construction permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio environmental rules overview

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