Lake Darby, OH

Tree trimming in Franklin County is regulated at the municipal level. Columbus Recreation and Parks Urban Forestry controls street trees under Columbus City Code 911; homeowners may trim private trees but need a permit to touch any tree in the public right-of-way. AEP Ohio handles utility line clearance separately.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated in Franklin County for outdoor irrigation. Ohio has no rainwater-capture restrictions and Columbus Public Utilities encourages rain barrels through periodic subsidized-sale programs with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.

Street tree removal in Franklin County municipalities requires a city permit and often tree-replacement fees. Removal of private trees on residential lots is generally permit-free except in designated conservation districts, ravine overlay zones, and historic districts. Columbus protects heritage trees under Code 911.11.

Native plant landscaping is allowed and encouraged across Franklin County. Columbus and most suburbs treat managed native-plant gardens as landscaping rather than weeds, exempting them from grass-height ordinances as long as they are maintained and free of listed noxious species.

Artificial turf is generally allowed on private residential property in Franklin County. Columbus and most suburbs have no zoning prohibition, though historic districts and some HOAs restrict synthetic lawns. Stormwater rules may require permeable base for large installations.

Columbus Division of Water and most Franklin County suburbs have no routine outdoor watering schedule thanks to abundant surface water from the Scioto, Olentangy, and Alum Creek reservoirs. Voluntary conservation advisories may be issued during summer drought; mandatory restrictions under Columbus City Code 1105 have not been invoked in recent years.

Franklin County grass and weed height limits are set by each municipality and township under ORC 715.261. Columbus City Code 913.03 caps grass at 12 inches; most suburbs including Dublin, Westerville, and Upper Arlington use an 8-inch limit. Violations trigger cut-and-bill abatement plus liens.

Noxious weeds in Franklin County are regulated under ORC 971.33 and ORC 5579.04, enforced by township trustees and municipal code officers. Columbus City Code 913 requires owners to control weeds; failure triggers cut-and-lien procedures identical to tall grass enforcement.

Franklin County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Central Ohio has no WUI (wildland-urban interface) maps, no Chapter 7A construction requirements, and no statewide wildfire defensible space rules. Structure fire codes apply under the Ohio Fire Code.

Franklin County has no wildfire defensible-space ordinance because central Ohio is not a wildland-urban interface area. Property owners must still maintain lots to avoid nuisance conditions under Columbus City Code 713.05 and township nuisance rules, which cover accumulated brush, debris, and fire hazards.

Smoke detectors are required in every Franklin County dwelling under the Ohio Residential Code (OAC 4101:8) and the Ohio Fire Code. Detectors must be installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements. Rentals must be inspected for working detectors at turnover.

Outdoor burning in Franklin County is strictly regulated by Ohio EPA under OAC 3745-19. Because Franklin County contains Columbus and is designated a restricted area, open burning of yard waste, leaves, and trash is prohibited year-round in most of the county. Only small recreational cooking fires and certain agricultural burns are permitted.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Franklin County under Ohio Fire Code 307.4 with a 3-foot diameter and 25-foot setback limit. Burning yard waste or trash is banned countywide by Ohio EPA rules, so backyard fires must use only clean seasoned firewood or commercial fire logs.

Franklin County recreational fire pits follow Ohio Fire Code Section 307.4: maximum 3-foot diameter, 2-foot pile height, burning only seasoned firewood, and located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Columbus Division of Fire enforces within city; township fire departments enforce elsewhere.

Consumer fireworks are legal in Franklin County under Ohio HB 172 (2022), but Columbus and several townships have opted out of discharge under ORC 3743.45. Where discharge is allowed, use is limited to specific state holidays between 4 PM and 11 PM, purchasers must be 18 or older.

Carports in Franklin County must comply with the same zoning setback and permit rules as accessory structures. Columbus requires a zoning permit regardless of size; building permits are required for anchored structures. Front-yard carports are generally prohibited in most residential zones.

Columbus legalized accessory dwelling units citywide in 2024 under the Zone In Columbus code update. ADUs of up to 800 sq ft are permitted on most single-family lots with a single-family permit, an owner-occupancy requirement, and standard setbacks. Suburban Franklin County cities have varying rules; many still prohibit ADUs.

Sheds in Franklin County under 200 sq ft are exempt from building permits under the Ohio Residential Code, but still must meet zoning setbacks. Columbus requires a zoning clearance for any shed; most suburbs require building permits above 200 sq ft. Typical setback is 3 ft side and rear.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations are legal in Franklin County if they meet the Ohio Residential Code minimum floor area and habitable space standards. Tiny houses on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent dwellings under Columbus zoning; they are treated as RVs or trailers and subject to RV parking rules.

Garage conversions to habitable space are permitted in Franklin County but require building permits to verify insulation, egress, ceiling height, and life-safety standards. Columbus allows conversions and they may count as ADUs under the 2024 Zone In rules. Parking-replacement is required.

Franklin County pool fencing follows Ohio Building Code OAC 4101:8 and Residential Code Appendix G: 48 inch minimum barrier height, maximum 4 inch gap under fence and 4 inch openings between pickets, self-closing and self-latching gates opening outward from pool, latch at least 54 inches above ground. Applies to all pools over 24 inches deep including hot tubs without approved covers.

Franklin County above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require building permits under OAC 4101:8 and Ohio Residential Code Appendix G. Pools with walls at least 48 inches high may serve as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable when not in use. Zoning setbacks (typically 10 feet from property lines in Columbus and 10 to 15 feet in suburbs) apply. Temporary inflatable pools under 24 inches may be exempt.

Franklin County pools must comply with federal Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act (anti-entrapment drain covers), Ohio Building Code alarm and barrier rules, and National Electrical Code bonding and GFCI requirements. Residential pools are not inspected for chemistry but must maintain safe water quality. Public and semi-public pools (apartment, HOA) inspected annually by Franklin County Public Health under OAC 3701-31.

Franklin County hot tubs and spas over 24 inches deep follow same Ohio Residential Code Appendix G barrier rules as pools, unless equipped with a locked safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Building and electrical permits required in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and unincorporated Franklin County. Typical permit fee 75 to 150 dollars.

Franklin County residential swimming pool permits are issued by the local building department (Columbus Building and Zoning, Franklin County Economic Development for unincorporated areas, or respective city). All pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit under Ohio Residential Code (RCO) Appendix G and OAC 4101:8. Permit fees typically 150 to 350 dollars depending on pool type.

Franklin County does not regulate leaf blowers at the county level. Use is permitted year-round in unincorporated areas subject to the ORC 2917.11 disorderly-conduct standard for unreasonable noise.

Franklin County has no countywide construction-hours ordinance for unincorporated areas. Individual townships set their own limits, typically restricting powered construction equipment to 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays. ODOT road work follows state contract specifications.

Vehicle noise in unincorporated Franklin County is controlled by ORC 4513.221 which requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working order preventing excessive or unusual noise. Modified exhausts and loud motorcycles are common enforcement targets on SR-315, I-270, and rural county roads.

Aircraft noise from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Rickenbacker International (LCK), Ohio State University Airport (OSU), and Bolton Field (TZR) is preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration. Franklin County cannot regulate flight paths or operating hours.

Amplified music in unincorporated Franklin County is governed by ORC 2917.11 disorderly conduct. Sheriff deputies respond to complaints and can cite hosts whose music is audible beyond 50 feet of the property line at night.

Unincorporated Franklin County relies on ORC 2917.11 disorderly conduct for nighttime noise complaints. Most regulation is handled by townships (Jefferson, Mifflin, Prairie, Clinton, Sharon, Norwich, Pleasant, Perry, Truro, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin, Brown, Blendon) rather than the county itself. Columbus ordinances do not apply outside city limits.

Commercial and industrial noise in unincorporated Franklin County is primarily regulated through township zoning under ORC 519 and through Ohio EPA air-quality nuisance rules. Warehouse and logistics operators near Rickenbacker Inland Port must meet conditional-use noise conditions set at the time of rezoning.

Barking-dog complaints in unincorporated Franklin County are handled under ORC 955.11 (nuisance dog) and ORC 2917.11. The Franklin County Animal Shelter and Sheriff investigate complaints. Continuous barking that disturbs neighbors of ordinary sensibilities can result in a nuisance-dog designation.

Franklin County townships generally permit wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, chain-link, and masonry fencing in residential zones. Barbed wire and electric fencing are restricted to agricultural districts. Corrugated metal and salvage materials are often prohibited in front yards.

Fence heights in unincorporated Franklin County are set by township zoning resolutions. Common limits are 6 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards for residential districts. Agricultural and rural parcels typically allow taller fences.

Permits for fences in unincorporated Franklin County are issued by the applicable township zoning office. Most townships require a zoning certificate for fences over 6 feet or within front-yard setbacks. Pool barriers always require a building permit under the Ohio Residential Code.

Ohio has no Good Neighbor Fence statute for residential property. Under ORC 971 the partition-fence law applies only to agricultural lands. Each residential property owner in Franklin County is responsible for their own fence unless a written agreement exists.

Ohio Residential Code R326 (adopted via OAC 4101:8) requires all residential swimming pools with water deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latch at least 54 inches above the ground.

Township zoning resolutions in unincorporated Franklin County require clear sight triangles at corner lots and driveway intersections. Fences, walls, and plantings generally may not exceed 30 to 36 inches within a 25-foot triangle measured from the intersection of curb lines.

Home-business signage in Franklin County is tightly restricted. Columbus Zoning 3332.21 prohibits any external sign advertising a home occupation. Most suburbs allow at most a small professional nameplate (2 sq ft or less) attached to the house; freestanding yard signs are not permitted.

Ohio Cottage Food Law under ORC 3715.024 allows Franklin County residents to produce and sell non-potentially hazardous foods from home kitchens with no license or inspection, up to any sales volume. Labeling is required. Sales allowed statewide at farmers markets, roadside stands, and online.

Franklin County Zoning Resolution Article 4 permits home occupations in unincorporated areas as accessory uses in residential districts with zoning certificate. No more than 25 percent of floor area used for business. No non-resident employees; no external evidence of business beyond small nameplate. Most Franklin County residents fall under city zoning (Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, etc.) rather than county jurisdiction.

Franklin County family child care homes follow Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) licensing under ORC 5104. Type A homes (7-12 children) require full licensing; Type B homes (1-6 children) require certification. County zoning resolution allows Type B homes as permitted use in residential districts; Type A homes require conditional use approval.

Home businesses in Franklin County may receive limited customer visits but must not create traffic that disrupts residential character. Columbus typically limits to occasional appointments, no more than one client at a time, with no on-site parking generation beyond normal residential levels.

Home occupations are permitted in Franklin County residential zones as accessory uses under Columbus Zoning 3332.21 and similar suburban codes. Operations must be secondary to residential use, conducted indoors, and have no external evidence of business activity. No outside employees and limited client visits are standard rules.

Columbus STR code CC 4117 limits occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional, with maximum typically capped by parking and septic/sewer capacity. Dublin and Westerville follow similar two-per-bedroom standards. Franklin County has no countywide STR occupancy limit but defers to municipal codes and Ohio Building Code (OBC 310) for habitable space minimums.

STR parking rules follow the zoning code of the municipality where property is located. Columbus CC 4117 requires one off-street parking space per bedroom for short-term rentals. Dublin, Upper Arlington, and Westerville generally prohibit on-street overnight guest parking. Unincorporated Franklin County requires two off-street spaces for single-family dwellings under county zoning.

Franklin County imposes no annual night caps on short-term rentals. Columbus CC 4117 does not cap total rental nights for permitted STRs, though non-owner-occupied permits face stricter density rules in some zoning districts. Bexley limits non-owner-occupied STRs to 90 rental days per year. Dublin prohibits STRs under 30 days entirely in residential zones, effectively capping stays at 0 nights.

STRs in Franklin County must follow local noise ordinances of the municipality where property is located. Columbus quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM under CC 2329; Dublin, Westerville, and Upper Arlington generally 10 PM to 7 AM. Unincorporated areas fall under ORC 2917.11 disorderly conduct for unreasonable noise. STR hosts typically receive warning before permit action for repeated noise complaints.

Columbus CC 4117 requires Franklin County STR operators inside the city to carry minimum 300,000 dollars liability insurance specifically covering short-term rental use. Airbnb Host Guarantee and AirCover (1 million dollars) typically satisfy this requirement. Unincorporated Franklin County has no county-level insurance mandate but homeowners should confirm their policy covers commercial use.

Franklin County requires short-term rental operators to register with the County Auditor for lodging tax collection but does not issue a separate county STR license. Columbus requires annual STR permit registration through Department of Building and Zoning Services. Other Franklin County municipalities (Dublin, Westerville, Bexley, Upper Arlington) have varying registration requirements tied to their zoning codes.

Franklin County imposes 5 percent lodging tax on all transient stays under 30 days (authorized by ORC 5739.024 and Franklin County Resolution). Columbus adds 5.1 percent city bed tax inside city limits. Plus Ohio state sales tax 5.75 percent and Franklin County sales tax 1.25 percent (total 7.5 percent state/county sales). Total STR tax burden in Columbus is approximately 17.6 percent.

Franklin County does not directly license short-term rentals. Most STRs are in Columbus, which requires a short-term rental permit under Columbus City Code 4117. Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and other suburbs have individual STR rules ranging from outright bans to registration. Unincorporated Franklin County areas have minimal STR regulation but must comply with county zoning and lodging tax collection.

Franklin County has no countywide cap on the number of pets per household. Most townships limit residential households to 3 to 5 dogs over 3 months of age before a kennel license is required under ORC 955.04.

Intentionally feeding deer and waterfowl is prohibited or restricted by Ohio Division of Wildlife regulations. OAC 1501:31-15-11 bans deer feeding in counties with chronic wasting disease surveillance zones and during the hunting season. Feeding bears, coyotes, and raccoons is discouraged and can trigger nuisance-attractant enforcement.

Ohio's Dangerous Wild Animal Act (ORC 935) prohibits private ownership of big cats, bears, non-human primates, large constrictor snakes, crocodilians, and similar species throughout Franklin County. The 2012 law followed the Zanesville incident and is enforced by ODA.

Beekeeping in unincorporated Franklin County is allowed subject to Ohio Department of Agriculture registration under ORC 909.02. All hives must be registered annually with the State Apiarist regardless of hive count. Township zoning may impose setbacks.

Franklin County has no breed-specific legislation. Ohio repealed statewide pit-bull targeting in 2012 (HB 14), replacing it with a behavior-based dangerous and vicious dog framework under ORC 955.11. Individual dogs are designated after incidents, not by breed.

Ohio ORC 955.22 requires all dogs in Franklin County to be confined on the owner's premises, securely tethered, or on a leash under reasonable control when off-premises. Franklin County Animal Control and the Sheriff enforce the running-at-large statute countywide.

Franklin County unincorporated areas permit poultry and livestock on agricultural-zoned parcels without restriction per ORC §519.21. Residential-zoned properties are subject to township-level restrictions which vary by township.

Holiday lighting and seasonal displays are broadly permitted in Franklin County with no permit required for residential properties. Most cities exempt temporary holiday displays from sign regulations. Inflatable decorations, lights, and yard figures are allowed 60 days before and 30 days after the holiday in most jurisdictions.

Garage sale signs in Franklin County are permitted on private property with owner permission. Right-of-way placement on public property and utility poles is generally prohibited. Most cities require signs removed within 24 hours of sale end. No permit required for typical garage sale signage.

Political signs in Franklin County are protected by the First Amendment per Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Cities cannot regulate political signs more strictly than other temporary signs. Columbus (Code 3379.03) allows temporary signs up to 6 square feet in residential zones with no permit required.

Franklin County lot coverage limits vary by zone. Columbus R-2 single-family allows 40 percent max building coverage. Impervious surface limits typically 60-65 percent including driveways and patios to support stormwater management in Scioto and Olentangy watersheds.

Franklin County residential height limits typically 35 ft or 2.5 stories. Columbus Port John Glenn International Airport (CMH) airspace restrictions apply within 5 miles requiring FAA Form 7460-1 for structures over 200 ft. Accessory structures limited to 15 ft.

Franklin County setbacks vary by township and municipality. Columbus R-2 zoning requires 25 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear setbacks. Unincorporated townships typically require 40 ft front, 10 ft side, 30 ft rear in rural residential districts.

Unincorporated Franklin County does not require solicitor permits, but most municipalities do. Columbus (Code 523) requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit from the Department of Public Safety (20 dollar fee) and carry ID. Religious and political canvassing is exempt under First Amendment protections.

No Soliciting signs must be honored by commercial solicitors in most Franklin County cities. Columbus (Code 523.09) makes it unlawful to solicit at any residence displaying a legible No Soliciting sign. Ignoring the sign is a minor misdemeanor. Religious and political canvassing is constitutionally exempt but customary practice honors signs.

Franklin County has NO rent control. Ohio ORC §5321.19 explicitly preempts local rent regulation statewide. Landlords may raise rent without cap at lease renewal with 30 days written notice. Columbus considered rent stabilization 2022 but preemption blocks enactment.

Unincorporated Franklin County does not maintain a countywide rental registration program. Columbus adopted a rental registration ordinance in 2023 (Chapter 4559) requiring landlords to register units, but this applies only within Columbus city limits. Suburbs like Worthington, Upper Arlington, and Dublin set their own rules.

Franklin County follows Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 for landlord-tenant relations. Ohio is not a just-cause eviction state, and Franklin County has not adopted just-cause protections. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice without stating a reason under ORC 5321.17.

Franklin County operates MS4 stormwater program under Ohio EPA NPDES permit. Franklin County Engineer and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District enforce stormwater rules. Projects disturbing 1+ acre require SWP3 and construction permit.

Franklin County requires erosion and sediment control per Ohio EPA Rainwater and Land Development Manual. Projects over 1 acre need SWP3 with silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized entrances. Franklin SWCD reviews all construction plans.

Franklin County grading permits required for earth moving over 100 cubic yards or any work changing drainage patterns. Franklin County Engineer issues grading permits for unincorporated areas. Columbus requires grading permit for any excavation over 50 cubic yards.

Franklin County flood hazards concentrated along Scioto River, Olentangy River, Big Walnut Creek, and Alum Creek. FEMA FIRM panels updated 2019. Floodplain development requires permit through Franklin County Engineer or municipal floodplain administrator. NFIP participation mandatory.

Franklin County HOAs assess regular dues and special assessments under authority of recorded declaration and ORC 5312.11. Assessments become automatic liens on owner property; unpaid assessments may be foreclosed after proper notice. Ohio HB 199 (2018) strengthened HOA lien procedures but required clearer disclosure. Late fees and interest capped by declaration; court may reduce unreasonable charges.

Franklin County HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) enforce CC and R design standards for exterior changes, additions, colors, fences, and landscaping. Under ORC 5312.03, declarations may require owner applications before exterior modifications. ARC decisions must be consistent with declaration and cannot be arbitrary or discriminatory. Homeowners retain right to satellite dishes and solar panels under federal/state law despite ARC restrictions.

Franklin County HOAs in planned communities operate under Ohio Planned Community Law (ORC 5312) and condominiums under ORC 5311. Boards must hold annual meetings, provide at least 10 days written notice, maintain meeting minutes, and allow owner attendance. Quorum, voting, and election rules are set in the community declaration and bylaws filed with Franklin County Recorder.

Franklin County HOA CC and R enforcement follows ORC 5312 and recorded declaration. Associations must enforce uniformly to avoid waiver and selective enforcement defenses. Violation notices typically provide cure period (10 to 30 days) before fines or legal action. Ohio recognizes laches defense if association delays enforcement. HOAs cannot enforce rules conflicting with state or federal law.

Franklin County HOA disputes may be resolved through internal appeal, mediation, arbitration, or litigation in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. ORC 5312.09 requires associations to maintain dispute procedures. Some declarations mandate mediation or arbitration before litigation. Ohio does not have a state-level HOA ombudsman. Attorney fees typically follow declaration; prevailing party fees common.

Franklin County does not impose a countywide juvenile curfew, but most municipalities have adopted curfews under ORC 2151.21. Columbus (Code 2329.01) sets curfew at 11 PM for minors under 13 and midnight for ages 13-17, with school night variations. Exceptions apply for work, school events, and travel with parents.

Franklin County Metro Parks are closed from sunset to sunrise except where posted. Columbus Recreation and Parks facilities close at 11 PM daily (Code 921.07). Entering parks after hours is a fourth-degree misdemeanor under trespassing laws. Exceptions for permitted events, fishing access, and designated overnight areas.

Franklin County has no dark-sky ordinance. Columbus Code §3321.11 requires shielded fixtures in new commercial development and parking lots to minimize glare. No IDA dark-sky certified communities in Franklin County due to urban light dome from metropolitan area.

Franklin County light trespass complaints handled through municipal code enforcement or civil nuisance action. Columbus Code §3321.11 caps light spillover at 0.5 footcandle at residential property lines. Neighbor disputes over porch and security lighting common in dense urban neighborhoods.

Franklin County follows federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and Ohio Department of Health lead regulations (OAC 3701-30, 3701-32) for pre-1978 housing. Renovators disturbing more than 6 square feet interior or 20 square feet exterior painted surface must be EPA lead-safe certified. Columbus and Franklin County Public Health operate lead hazard control programs and respond to child blood lead elevation reports.

Franklin County elevators are inspected and licensed by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance under ORC 4105 and OAC 4101:5. Annual state inspection required; certificate of operation must be posted in each car. Columbus and Franklin County do not perform local elevator inspections. Private residential elevators (single-family) exempt from state inspection but must still meet ASME A17.1 code at installation.

Franklin County pest control follows Ohio Department of Agriculture pesticide rules under ORC Chapter 921. Property owners must address rodent, bedbug, and mosquito infestations under Franklin County Public Health sanitation code. West Nile virus mosquito abatement is active county-wide.

Franklin County scaffold installation follows Ohio Building Code OAC 4101:1 and OSHA 1926.451 standards. Commercial scaffolds over 10 feet require permits through Franklin County Economic Development and Planning or the local municipal building department depending on jurisdiction.

Franklin County enforces property maintenance standards through the International Property Maintenance Code and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3767 (nuisance abatement). The Franklin County Land Bank (Central Ohio Community Improvement Corporation) acquires and rehabilitates blighted properties, with over 3,000 properties addressed since 2012.

Vacant lots in Franklin County must be maintained under the adopted 2017 IPMC standards: grass under 12 inches, no accumulated debris, no standing water. Owner responsible for maintenance regardless of residence. Columbus charges a 300 dollar vacant property registration fee under Code 4557.

Ohio has no statewide sidewalk snow clearing mandate. Franklin County cities set individual rules. Columbus (Code 905.01) requires property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Most suburbs have similar 12-48 hour windows.

Franklin County property maintenance code (adopted 2017 IPMC) requires trash containers to be kept in the rear or side yard, screened from public view, except on collection day. Bins must have tight-fitting lids to prevent pest access. Most suburbs have adopted similar IPMC-based rules.

Franklin County does not regulate garage sales at the county level. Individual cities set limits: Columbus allows up to 4 garage sales per year per residence, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. No permit required in most jurisdictions. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.

Recreational drone operators in Franklin County must register with the FAA (drones over 0.55 pounds) and follow 14 CFR Part 107 and recreational rules under 49 USC 44809. Portions of Franklin County fall within John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) Class C airspace, requiring LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet AGL.

Commercial drone operators in Franklin County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. CMH Class C airspace authorization mandatory via LAANC or DroneZone for commercial operations. Operations over people, at night, or beyond visual line of sight require waivers under 14 CFR 107.39, 107.29, and 107.31.

Franklin County does not require garage sale permits. Individual cities typically do not require permits either, though most limit the number of sales per year. Columbus allows 4 sales per year per residence without permit (Code 3389.03). Grove City, Dublin, and Hilliard have similar no-permit policies with annual limits.

Franklin County food truck zones regulated by jurisdiction. Columbus permits vending in designated zones including Mobile Food Vending Pilot areas downtown. Minimum 150 ft from brick-and-mortar restaurants in some zones. Private property vending with owner consent generally permitted.

Franklin County food trucks need Mobile Food Service License from Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) at approximately 300 dollars annually. Columbus requires separate Mobile Food Vendor license at 350 dollars. Fire inspection required for propane units.

Franklin County residents receive solid waste service through the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), which operates the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill in Grove City. Individual cities and townships contract with private haulers (Rumpke, Waste Management, Local Waste) for weekly curbside pickup. SWACO sets countywide policies on what may be landfilled.

Bin placement rules in Franklin County are set by individual municipalities and haulers, not SWACO. Most jurisdictions require carts placed at the curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before pickup and removed by end of collection day. Carts must sit 3 feet from obstructions with handles facing the house.

SWACO operates a countywide single-stream recycling program. Accepted materials: paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, plastic bottles and jugs (numbers 1, 2, 5), and glass bottles. Not accepted: plastic bags, styrofoam, food-soiled items, or items smaller than 3 inches. Franklin County reached 50 percent recycling rate in 2022, highest in Ohio.

SWACO operates two bulk drop-off facilities in Franklin County: the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill (3851 London Groveport Road, Grove City) and the Jackson Pike Transfer Station. Residents pay tipping fees by weight. Haulers typically include 1-2 bulk items per week in curbside service; larger items require special pickup or direct haul.

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.

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.

Cannabis dispensaries in Franklin County are licensed by the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control under ORC 3780. Local jurisdictions may regulate zoning and location. Columbus allows dispensaries in commercial zones with distance buffers from schools, churches, parks, and daycare centers (500-1,000 feet typical).

Ohio Issue 2 (November 2023) legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21-plus, including home cultivation of up to 6 plants per individual or 12 per household under ORC 3780.29. Franklin County follows state law. Plants must be grown in a secure, enclosed area not visible from public spaces.