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.
Columbus, OH
Columbus Fire Code Title 25 incorporates the International Fire Code Chapter 61 governing propane and LP-gas storage. Residential cylinders are limited in si...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The Title 33 Graphics Code ...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no zoning, building, or graphics-code provision specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The Title 33 Graphics Code exem...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Columbus Graphics Code (Title...
Columbus, OH
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Columbus require permits from the Department of Building and Zoning Services when they involve gas-line extensions, electrical w...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance provis...
See how Columbus's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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