Ohio is an open-carry state for handguns and long guns by qualifying adults, with local restrictions largely preempted by state law under ORC 9.68.
Ohio law does not prohibit the open carrying of firearms by adults who are not under disability. Open carry is permitted in most public places, though firearms are prohibited in school zones, courthouses, government buildings, and private property posted against firearms. Vehicle carry rules in ORC 2923.16 govern transport. Local ordinances attempting to restrict open carry beyond state law are preempted under ORC 9.68 and Ohio Supreme Court precedent.
Open carrying in prohibited places or while disqualified can result in misdemeanor or felony charges under ORC 2923.12 and 2923.16.
Westerville, OH
Westerville prohibits street parking for more than 48 consecutive hours on public streets under Codified Ordinance 351.16. Overnight parking is generally all...
Westerville, OH
Westerville allows up to 4 hens on residential lots with a permit. No roosters. Coops must be setback at least 25 feet from neighboring structures. The city'...
Westerville, OH
Westerville adopts the Ohio Residential Code smoke alarm requirements. Smoke alarms required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every lev...
Westerville, OH
Westerville allows recreational fire pits under Ohio Fire Code 307.4. Fires must be under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet high, and at least 25 feet from any stru...
Westerville, OH
Westerville requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove dead brush under Codified Ordinance 521.08. No defensible-space wildfire rules apply a...
Westerville, OH
Backyard recreational fires permitted in Westerville under Ohio Fire Code 307.4: 3-foot diameter maximum, 25-foot setback from structures, clean wood only. M...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how Westerville's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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