Rainwater harvesting is legal in Ohio and permitted in Westerville. Rain barrels up to 55 gallons require no permit. Larger cisterns used for potable water require Ohio Department of Health plumbing inspection.
Ohio has no statewide restrictions on rainwater capture. Westerville encourages rain barrels through stormwater education programs. Barrels should have screened inlets to prevent mosquito breeding and overflow directed away from foundations. Cisterns over 1,500 gallons or connected to indoor plumbing require permits under Ohio Plumbing Code and may require ODH approval for potable use. HOAs may restrict visibility.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Westerville's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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