Ohio Revised Code 9.68 preempts local firearm ordinances, reserving authority over firearms regulation almost entirely to the state legislature.
ORC 9.68 declares the General Assembly's intent to provide uniform firearms laws throughout Ohio and bars municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances that conflict with state law on the ownership, possession, purchase, transfer, transport, storage, or keeping of firearms. The statute has been challenged repeatedly, most notably in Cleveland v. State and again following amendments through HB 228 (2018), with Ohio Supreme Court rulings consistently upholding state preemption. Persons adversely affected by a local ordinance may bring a civil action for declaratory and injunctive relief plus attorney fees.
Local governments enforcing conflicting firearm ordinances face civil liability, injunctive relief, and mandatory attorney-fee awards to prevailing plaintiffs.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Cleveland Codified Ordinances Chapter 209 (Prope...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, anchoring, lighting hours, and blower-motor noise are governed by H...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday lighting timing, brightness, or animation. Holiday displays are governed by HOA and condo association...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Freestanding por...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has no specific city ordinance restricting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Persistent severe smoke could be addressed unde...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland follows the Ohio Fire Code (OAC 1301:7-7), which incorporates the IFC. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containe...
See how Cleveland's local firearms preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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