Ohio law limits township and county zoning authority over agricultural uses, preserving farming activities on land used primarily for agriculture.
Under ORC 519.21 for townships and ORC 303.21 for counties, zoning authorities cannot prohibit the use of land for agricultural purposes, including the construction of buildings used for agriculture, on lots greater than five acres or in unplatted areas. The exemption protects farms from local zoning that would restrict crop production, animal husbandry, and similar uses. Some restrictions still apply to platted subdivisions and lots smaller than five acres. Agritourism activities receive additional protection under ORC 901.80 with limited civil immunity.
Local zoning enforcement against protected agricultural uses can be enjoined and may result in attorney-fee awards.
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 agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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