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.
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...
See how Westerville's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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