ADU rules in Ohio
Representative cities: Columbus, Cleveland.
ADU permit rule
Permit requiredCase by casecity authority
Fee basis
Columbus minimum permit fee $125; total scales with project valuation and trade permits. Municipal fees vary.
Typical timeline
Residential permits ~10 business days (Columbus BZS).
Setback
—
Area threshold
Not size-exempt
Exempt if
Not exempt
Go / no-go
case-by-case
Ohio’s Residential Code (based on the 2018 IRC) governs construction; ADUs need a building permit plus local zoning approval. Confirm ADU legality with your city (e.g., Columbus BZS).
🧮
Estimate build cost
Model this ADU's construction cost by type, size & finish.
📊
Model rental ROI
Turn the build cost into rent, payback & 20-year cash flow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Ohio?
Per Ohio rules, an ADU is "yes" for a permit and the authority is "city". Ohio’s Residential Code (based on the 2018 IRC) governs construction; ADUs need a building permit plus local zoning approval. Confirm ADU legality with your city (e.g., Columbus BZS). Always confirm with the issuing building department.
How big can an ADU be in Ohio?
Size limits for an ADU in Ohio are set by local zoning — verify with your city building department.
What are the ADU setbacks in Ohio?
Setback rules vary by city in Ohio; confirm with the local planning or building department.
How much does an ADU permit cost in Ohio?
Fee basis: Columbus minimum permit fee $125; total scales with project valuation and trade permits. Municipal fees vary.