RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS*

Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3332

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3332.01 Purpose.

3332.01 - Purpose. The following districts provide an opportunity for development of single, twin-single, three and four unit dwellings, manufactured housing, specific public uses, religious and educational, and accessory uses with specific denoted standards structured to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of the residents in these districts. (Ord. 1877-02 § 1 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.02 R-rural district.

3332.02 - R-rural district. A. The R-rural district permits the following uses: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground, and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A public fire and police station; 8. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir, tower and well; 9. A golf course (other than commercial miniature courses or driving ranges); 10. A nonprofit recreation field and park with accessory shelter house; 11. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.03 R-1 residential district.

3332.03 - R-1 residential district. A. In an R-1 residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower 8. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.05 Area district lot width requirements.

3332.05 - Area district lot width requirements. (A) No building shall be erected or altered except in accordance with this Code; and on a lot with a width measured at the front lot line of no less than: (1) 100 feet in an LRR or RRR area district; (2) 80 feet in an RR area district; (3) 60 feet in an SR area district; or (4) 50 feet in an R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F or R-4 area district; and (5) No principal building or manufactured home, other than in an MHP area district, shall be erected or altered except on a lot with a width measured at the front lot line of no less than 50 feet and only in an MHD area district and in accordance with this Code. (B) Provided, however, that on a terminus or cul-de-sac, curved street or T-turn-around the lot width measured at the front lot line shall be no less than: (1) 80 feet in an LRR or RRR area district; (2) 64 feet in an RR area district; (3) 50 feet in an SR area district; or (4) 40 feet in an R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F, R-4 or MHD area district. (C) And further provided that the lot width measured at the building line shall be no less than as required for the pertinent district in (A)(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) above, respectively. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.06 R-rural area district requirements.

3332.06 - R-rural area district requirements. In an R-rural area district, a single-family dwelling or any other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than five acres in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.07 LRR Area District requirements.

3332.07 - LRR Area District requirements. In an LRR area district, a single-family dwelling or any other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than one acre in area. The LRR classification is provided in order that it may be established where any one of the following conditions exist: (a) Where requested by a majority of the owners of the area where said owners own the greater part of the land in such area. (b) Where the requirement of a minimum lot area of not less than one acre is generally established throughout the area by deed and/or covenant restrictions. (c) Where within the greater part of the area the overburden of the soil above the rock is so thin, or the rock formation is of such character, that such minimum lot area is necessary on the grounds of safeguarding the public health or the health of the occupants. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.08 RRR area district requirements.

3332.08 - RRR area district requirements. In an RRR area district, a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters above the lot grade line of 1,000 square feet and any dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 20,000 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.09 RR area district requirements.

3332.09 - RR area district requirements. In an RR area district, a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters above the lot grade line of 850 square feet and any dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 10,000 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.10 SR area district requirements.

3332.10 - SR area district requirements. In an SR area district, a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters above the lot grade line of 720 square feet, and any dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 7,200 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.11 R-1 area district requirements.

3332.11 - R-1 area district requirements. In an R-1 area district, a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters above the lot grade line of 1,500 square feet, and any dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 7,200 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.12 R-2 area district requirements.

3332.12 - R-2 area district requirements. In an R-2 area district, a single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters of 720 square feet, and any dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 5,000 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.13 R-3 area district requirements.

3332.13 - R-3 area district requirements. In an R-3 area district, a single-family dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 5,000 square feet in area. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.14 R-2F area district requirements.

3332.14 - R-2F area district requirements. In an R-2F area district a single-family dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 6,000 square feet in area; a one-story, two-family dwelling shall be situated on a lot of no less than 3,600 square feet in area per dwelling unit; and a two-story, two-family dwelling shall be situated on a lot of no less than 3,000 square feet per dwelling unit. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.15 R-4 area district requirements.

3332.15 - R-4 area district requirements. In an R-4 area district a single-family dwelling or other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 5,000 square feet in area; a two-family dwelling shall be situated on a lot of no less than 7,200 square feet in area for a one-story, two-family dwelling or 6,000 square feet in area for a two-story, two-family dwelling; and a dwelling containing three or four dwelling-units shall be situated on a lot with an area which equals or exceeds 2,500 square feet per dwelling unit if an interior lot or 1,500 square feet per dwelling unit if a corner lot. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.16 Exception for single- or two-family dwelling.

3332.16 - Exception for single- or two-family dwelling. In an R-rural, LRR, RRR, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F or R-4 area district, a detached single-family dwelling may be erected on any lot that was separately owned and of record on January 14, 1959, the effective date of Ordinance 1540-58, or on any lot in a recorded subdivision that was on record on such date notwithstanding the requirements of CC. 3332.05 through 3332.15, inclusive. In addition to the above, in an R-2F or R-4 area district, a two-family dwelling may be erected on any lot that was separately owned and of record on January 14, 1959, the effective date of ordinance 1540-58, or on any lot in a recorded subdivision that was on record on such date notwithstanding the requirements of CC. 3332.05 through 3332.15, inclusive. (Ord. 1505-86; Ord. No. 0239-2010, § 9, 4-5-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.17 Minimum net floor area computation.

3332.17 - Minimum net floor area computation. The minimum net floor area for living quarters, which is defined in C.C. 3303 and regulated above, shall be computed for the floors above the lot grade line, excluding basement and attic. The second floor in each case qualifying for living quarters shall have access thereto by a permanent, built-in stairway. A room for heating equipment or other utility purpose, outside vestible, open or closed porch, veranda, or attached private garage shall not be included in the computation of the minimum net floor area for living quarters. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.18 Basis of computing area and maximum lot coverage.

3332.18 - Basis of computing area and maximum lot coverage. Area shall be computed based on the following guidelines: A. That portion of a corner lot in excess of seventy-two hundred (7,200) square feet and most distant from the intersecting street abutting the longest dimension of such corner lot shall be considered as an interior lot. B. A lot shall be deemed to extend to the center of any alley adjoining the rear lot line or side lot line of such lot. A lot adjoining alleys on more than one (1) side shall be deemed to extend to the center of only one (1) such alley. C. No dwelling hereafter erected shall occupy alone or together with any other building or roofed structure greater than fifty (50) percent of the lot area; nor shall any manufactured home hereafter erected occupy alone or together with any building or roofed structure greater than fifty (50) percent of the lot area. D. A multiple-dwelling development, as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C., shall be allowed only in an R-4 area district and shall be on a single lot of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or more in area and under one (1) control. The required minimum lot area per dwelling unit may be calculated utilizing the area of the entire development, including community open spaces, parking spaces, and drives other than public streets, which are within the same lot and accessible to all occupants of the entire development, as well as the private individual space accessible directly to an individual building, but excluding any area dedicated to an individual building, but excluding any area dedicated for public purposes. All street and alley arrangements shall be subject to approval by the building services administrator after consultation with the director of public service and/or their designee. E. No yard or other open space provided for any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of these regulations shall again be considered as the yard or other open space for any other building; nor shall any yard or other open space provided for any manufactured home for such purpose again be considered as the yard or other open space for any other manufactured home or building. Fronting (Ord. 1048-88; Ord. 1909-01 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009; Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 46, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.19 Fronting.

3332.19 - Fronting. Each dwelling or principal building shall front upon a public street. However, those dwelling units located in a multiple-dwelling development, as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C., may front upon a private street if such plan is approved by the director after consultation with the Director of Public Service and/or their designee. Such buildings shall be subject to all regulations pertaining to building lines of both fronting and side streets and corner lot requirements. (Ord. 1505-86; Ord. 1272 § 1 (part); Ord. 1909-01 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009; Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 47, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.20 Building lines; definitions.

3332.20 - Building lines; definitions. No building or structure or portion of a building or structure other than an unenclosed balcony or unenclosed ground floor porch and steps from such porch to the ground shall be erected, constructed or extended between a building line and the street property line as established in C.C. 3332.21 and 3332.22, hereinafter set forth. No manufactured home or portion of a manufactured home other than an unenclosed balcony or unenclosed ground floor porch and steps from such porch to the ground shall be erected, constructed or extended between a building line and the street property line as established in C.C. 3332.21 and 3332.22, hereinafter set forth. For the purposes of C.C. 3332.21 and 3332.22, the term "building line" shall mean "required building line" and both shall mean the minimum required building setback from any and all streets, corner lots included, however, see C.C. 3332.22. The term "frontage" as used in subsequent sections shall mean the area on the same side of a street between the two nearest intersecting streets on each side of subject property (alleys not included). An unenclosed front porch or an unenclosed front balcony shall be a porch or balcony that is not enclosed in any way by glass, solid panels or any other material, with the exception of a balustrade or railing not to exceed three feet in height above the floor of such front porch or balcony. A front porch or balcony may be enclosed by screens provided that: (1) the construction is such that the outside air is free to circulate throughout the porch at all times; (2) screen panels cannot be interchanged with glass or other type solid panels; and (3) any additional structural members do not exceed two inches in depth by three inches in width. _____ (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.21 Building lines.

3332.21 - Building lines. In the R-rural, LRR, RRR, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F and R-4 residential districts and the MHD manufactured home development district the building lines are established as follows: Conditions and Amount of Existing Frontage | Minimum Distance from Street Property Line Item A. | Where a building line is established on a recorded plat or by ordinance. | The maximum distance as established by the recorded plat or ordinance B. | Unimproved frontage. | That distance equal to one-half of the designated right-of-way width of the frontage street as shown on the Columbus thoroughfare plan or if the street is not shown thereon, 25 feet. C. | (1) First and only building built at more than 25 feet, or | That distance equal to one-half of the designated right-of-way width of the frontage street as shown on the Columbus thoroughfare plan or if the street is not shown thereon, 25 feet. (2) Unimproved frontage located between a building built at more than 25 feet and end of subject block. D. | (1) First and only building built at less than 25 feet, or | That distance as determined by extending a line which is the same distance from the street property line as the existing building and parallel with the street property line but in no case less than ten feet. (2) Unimproved frontage located between a building built at less than 25 feet and end of subject block. E. | Where a building is to be erected or extended on a subject lot or parcel and there are other buildings in the block, but not contiguous to subject lot or parcel. | That distance as determined where the line, which connects the front of the nearest buildings on either side of subject lot or parcel, bisects the subject lot or parcel, but in no case less than ten feet. But in no case shall the distance be required to exceed that distance equal to one-half of the designated right-of-way width of the frontage street as shown on the Columbus thoroughfare plan or if the street is not shown thereon, 25 feet. F. | Where a building is to be erected or extended on a subject lot or parcel and there are buildings on both of the contiguous lots or parcels. | Average of buildings on contiguous lots or parcels, but in no case less than ten feet. Provided, however, the distance shall not be required to exceed that distance equal to one-half of the designated right-of-way width of the frontage street as shown on the Columbus thoroughfare plan or if the street is not shown thereon, 25 feet. Provisions of this section relating to a building shall apply equally to a manufactured home in an MHD manufactured home development district. (Ord. 1425-90.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.22 Building lines on corner lots—Exceptions.

3332.22 - Building lines on corner lots—Exceptions. (a) Corner Property in Old Subdivisions. Where a building or other structure is to be erected or extended on a corner property and where subject property is 65 feet or less in width so that the required building line cannot be applied equitably along the longer side of the corner lot as determined by the enforcement officer, then the distance of the building line from the property line of the street along the longer side of subject corner lot may be reduced to the following minimum distance: (1) Corner property with a width of not over 65 feet and not under 40 feet - 20 percent of property width. (2) Corner property with a width of less than 40 feet - 20 percent of property width minus two percent for each foot of lesser width than 40 feet. (3) Corner property under 36 feet in width - None. (b) Corner Ownership Containing Two or More Lots. Where the ownership of a corner property has a width of more than 65 feet and contains more than one adjacent lot, one of which is a corner lot, the provisions of subsection (a) above shall not apply. (c) Garage on Corner Property in Old Subdivision. On a corner where the side of the principal building on subject property or ownership may be located nearer than ten feet from the street along the longer side of the corner lot, the garage may be located at the following minimum distance from such street property line and subject to the following minimum distance from such street property line and subject to the following conditions: (1) Corner property with a width of 50 feet or more - 20 percent of property width. (2) Corner property with a width of less than 50 feet but not under 40 feet - ten feet. (3) Corner property with a width of less than 40 feet: If the entrance to garage is on the side facing the street along the longer side of the lot and cannot be relocated conveniently to face the rear end of the lot, build the garage with an inside depth from the entrance doors only to include the customary length of a private passenger automobile, and build the garage as near as permitted to interior side of lot line. Additional length of garage is allowed, provided entrance doors are set back from the street not less than 20 percent of property width. However, where said garage is built to include only the customary length of a private passenger automobile but cannot set back of the building line as required in subsection (a) above, then such garage may be built up to the interior side lot line (notwithstanding the required side yard along such interior lot line) if the wall facing said interior line is of masonry construction and contains no windows and the roof thereof is of fire-resistant materials. Yards (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.023 LRR limited rural residential district.

3332.023 - LRR limited rural residential district. A. In an LRR limited rural residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir, tower and well; 8. A golf course (other than commercial miniature courses or driving ranges); 9. A nonprofit recreation field and park with accessory shelter house; 10. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.23 Front yard established.

3332.23 - Front yard established. The front yard on any lot shall be as established by C.C. 3332.20, notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 3303, Definitions. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.24 Side yard.

3332.24 - Side yard. In an R-rural district or an LRR, RRR, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F or R-4 residential district, each dwelling shall be deemed a separate building, and for each principal or accessory building side yards shall be provided according to the following provisions. In an MHD manufactured home development district only, each manufactured home or dwelling shall be deemed a separate building, and for each principal or accessory building side yards shall be provided according to the following provisions. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.25 Required side yards.

3332.25 - Required side yards. A. Minimum side yard required. The minimum side yard shall be the least dimension between any part of the building or structure and the side lot line, which least dimension shall be as follows: 1. In R-rural, LRR, RRR and RR districts: seven and one-half feet. 2. In all other districts: five feet; 3. On a lot 40 feet wide or less in any district: three feet. 4. Notwithstanding subsections 1 or 2, the required minimum distance of a detached garage or from the interior side lot line shall be three feet. Carports shall be subject to the same restrictions as detached garages. Total combined side yards do not apply. 5. A principal building existing on October 31, 1954 and having side yards that do not comply with the provisions of this section, may be extended along such existing side yard lines, subject to expansion limits in C.C. 3391.05(A)(1)(b). 6. A perimeter yard per Section 3332.285 shall satisfy the minimum side yard requirements for a multiple-dwelling development located in an R-4 residential district. B. Total of combined side yards. The sum of the widths of each side yard shall equal or exceed 20 percent of the width of the lot, provided that not more than the following need be so devoted: 1. In R-rural, LRR, RRR or RR districts: 32 feet; 2. In all other districts: 16 feet; 3. On a lot 40 feet wide or less in any district: six feet. 4. A perimeter yard per Section 3332.285 shall satisfy the total side yard requirements for a multiple-dwelling development located in an R-4 district. (Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.025 RRR restricted rural residential district.

3332.025 - RRR restricted rural residential district. A. In an RRR restricted rural residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir, tower and well; 8. A golf course (other than commercial miniature courses or driving ranges); 9. A nonprofit recreation field and park with accessory shelter house; 10. An adult and child day care center is permitted as an accessory use, when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.26 Reserved.

Columbus City Codes § 3332.27 Rear yard.

3332.27 - Rear yard. Each dwelling, residence or principal building shall be erected so as to provide a rear yard totaling no less than 25 percent of the total lot area. A legally sufficient perimeter yard shall satisfy the rear yard requirement for a multiple dwelling development located in an R-4 residential district. (Ord. 42-87.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.027 RR rural residential district.

3332.027 - RR rural residential district. A. In an RR rural residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir, tower and well; 8. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.28 Obstructions in a required side yard.

3332.28 - Obstructions in a required side yard. For emergency use, fire protection and maintenance, the minimum area required in a side yard must be open from the established grade, or from the finished grade if higher than the established grade, to the sky unobstructed except for: A. Work that is exempt from approval under the Residential Code of Ohio Section 102.10 except for sheds, per Section 3321.15. B. The ordinary projections of windowsills, belt courses, cornices or other ornamental features; C. An open fire escape, which may project up to four feet into an interior side yard; D. For single-unit, two-unit dwellings and manufactured homes only, bay windows, architectural features associated with fireplaces, and other similar elements, which may project into a required side yard no more than three feet provided that they do not, in the aggregate, occupy more than one-third the length of the wall on which they are located and further provided that they project no closer than two feet to any point on a lot line; E. Live vegetation and landscaping; F. Building service equipment; G. Roof overhangs, which may project into a required side yard provided they project no closer than two feet to any point on an interior lot line. (Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.29 Height district.

3332.29 - Height district. The R-rural, LRR, RRR, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F and R-4 residential districts are designated to be in the 35- foot height district. No building or structure therein shall exceed a height of 35 feet. The MHD manufactured home development districts designated to be in the 35-foot height district. No manufactured home, building or structure therein shall exceed a height of 35 feet. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.029 SR suburban residential district.

3332.029 - SR suburban residential district. A. In an SR suburban residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower 8. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.31 Flood plain development.

3332.31 - Flood plain development. No dwelling or other building shall be constructed contrary to the provisions of Chapter 3385, Flood Plain Development. No manufactured home shall be erected contrary thereto. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.32 Combination of lots or portions thereof.

3332.32 - Combination of lots or portions thereof. Whenever only a portion of a recorded lot is proposed as a building site, or whenever two or more portions of two or more recorded lots are proposed to be combined to form a building site, or whenever two or more recorded lots or portions thereof are proposed to be combined to form a building site, the proposed building site as shown on the plot or site plan submitted shall be considered to be a newly created single lot, and such newly created lot shall not be reduced in size, divided, or split if such reduction, division, or split will result in a lot or parcel which would fail to meet any of the requirements of this Zoning Code. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.33 Private access and parking requirements.

3332.33 - Private access and parking requirements. For each dwelling or other principal use provision shall be made for private access and off-street parking facilities as required by Chapter 3312, C.C. Accessory Use in a Residential District (Ord. 1505-86; Ord. No. 1792-2011, § 1(Attach. 1), 12-12-2011)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.033 R-2 residential district.

3332.033 - R-2 residential district. A. In an R-2 residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower 8. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.34 Residential character.

3332.34 - Residential character. An accessory use customarily incident to a use permitted in an R-rural, LRR, RRR, RR, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-2F or R-4 residential district or MHD manufactured home development district shall be permitted in such district, respectively, subject to the limitations stated in this chapter or elsewhere in this Zoning Code, and shall not be such as to infringe upon the residential character of the district. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.35 Accessory building.

3332.35 - Accessory building. A specifically permitted principal use may include such accessory buildings as are ordinarily appurtenant thereto. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.035 R-3 residential district.

3332.035 - R-3 residential district. A. In an R-3 residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower; 8. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.36 Child day care.

3332.36 - Child day care. A child day care center may be an accessory use subject to the requirements of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5104 and the following additional conditions: (a) A center shall be associated with a school or church and be established in a building occupied by the principal use; and (b) As part of the application for a certificate of zoning clearance, the center operator shall submit a transportation plan which describes in text and plan the manner of child loading and unloading, parking and traffic circulation. The director shall consult with the director of public service and/or their designee concerning the safety of such plan and may modify or deny the application for safety reasons. (Ord. 1505-86; Ord. 1909-01 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009; Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 49, 4-5-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.036 MHD manufactured home development district.

3332.036 - MHD manufactured home development district. A. In an MHD manufactured home development district the following uses are permitted: 1. A manufactured home; 2. One single-family dwelling; 3. A religious facility; 4. A school; 5. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 6. A public library; 7. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower; 8. A building or permanent structure within a manufactured home development used exclusively to provide accessory services for residents of the manufactured home development such as a recreation facility 9. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to MHD area district requirements unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.37 Home occupation.

3332.37 - Home occupation. The purpose of this section is to permit a home occupation as an accessory use if it is compatible with the residential character of the neighborhood in which it is located and is conducted so as not to have an adverse effect upon the average neighbor under normal circumstances; to set standards by which to judge the operation of such use; and to prohibit uses which are incompatible with permissible uses in residential districts. A home occupation may be an accessory use in any residential district subject to the following conditions: A. Any home occupation use shall be confined to the principal residence of the individual so engaged; shall be excluded from any yard or accessory building; and, shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary residential use. B. No alteration shall be made in either the internal or external structural form of the residential building or the external appearance for purposes of any home occupation. The removal of partitions or floors, or parts thereof, shall be construed as an alteration of the external or internal structural form and is, therefore, prohibited. C. No evidence of any home occupation shall be visible from off the lot where it is conducted except for no more than one home occupation sign displayed in compliance with C.C. 3376.08(B). D. No more than 20 percent of the livable area of any residence shall be used for a home occupation. E. No person other than a permanent resident of the dwelling unit shall be engaged in or employed at any home occupation within such dwelling unit except that in connection with the practice of a profession which can be practiced only with the assistance of supportive personnel, one person not residing in such dwelling unit may be so employed. Profession is limited herein to architect, attorney, clergyman, dentist, engineer, physician or surgeon. F. No storage of equipment or materials used in a home occupation shall be outside the principal residence. G. No change shall be made in any utility line, meter or service to accommodate a home occupation and utility use shall not unreasonably exceed that normally or previously used at such residence. H. No equipment or process shall be used in any home occupation which emits radiation or creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot used for such home occupation. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference. I. No traffic shall be generated by any home occupation unreasonably greater in volume or different in nature then would otherwise normally occur in the residential neighborhood in which it is located. J. No wholesale or retail business, including the sale or transfer of any firearm, shall be conducted in a dwelling unit. Provisions of this section relating to a dwelling shall apply equally to a manufactured home only in a MHD manufactured home development district or to any dwelling unit permitted in a commercial zoning district. (Ord. 2836-96 § 1; Ord. No. 3006-2018, § 1, 12-3-2018; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.037 R-2F residential district.

3332.037 - R-2F residential district. A. In an R-2F residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. One, two-family dwelling; 3. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 4. A religious facility; 5. A school; 6. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 7. A public library; 8. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower; 9. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.38 Private garage.

3332.38 - Private garage. A private garage in a residential district shall be so located and constructed as to conform to one or more of the following as the case may require: A. A private garage shall not be an accessory use to a lot in a residential district unless such lot is occupied by a dwelling or unless a building permit has been issued for and construction started on a dwelling on such lot; B. When a private garage is built as an accessory use in a terrace or retaining wall on the front side of the lot, such private garage shall not project in front of the terrace or retaining wall more than three (3) feet, and in no case shall it project above the level of the ground (or main) floor of a residence on an adjoining lot; C. A separate private garage building erected in a terrace or retaining wall must be no closer than the required building line to the street line and no closer than the minimum side yard requirement or building line to an adjoining lot line. On a corner lot a separate private garage building shall not be closer than the building line of the side street to such side street; D. An attached or semi-attached private garage shall have such separation from the dwelling as is specified in the Building Code; E. A private detached garage shall not occupy more than forty-five (45) percent of the total rear yard; F. Subject to the limitation of subsection (E.) above, no portion of the lot area devoted to a private garage or a carport shall exceed the greater of: 1. Seven hundred twenty (720) square feet; or 2. One-third (1/3) of the minimum net floor area for living quarters of the dwelling unit or units; and G. No carport or detached private garage building shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height, except for the following: 1. In the university impact district, as defined in Chapter 3325, C.C., in those areas having an architectural review commission as set out in Title 31, or in a district or listed property, as defined in Chapter 3116, C.C., the fifteen (15) foot height limit may be exceeded in order to achieve a compatible roof pitch provided the university impact district review board, the appropriate architectural review commission, or the historic resources commission, as the case may be, finds the increased roof pitch is compatible with the established architectural character of the district. 2. Habitable space expansion above a detached garage cannot result in a building height that exceeds 25 feet. Exception: the alteration of a legally existing private garage for the purpose of establishing habitable space shall not exceed 25 feet in height or the existing height of the garage, whichever is greater. H. A private garage shall be considered attached to the dwelling only when directly attached to habitable space. Any habitable space in an attached garage must connect directly with habitable space in the dwelling. I. Nothing in subsection (H.) above shall prevent habitable space expansion above or within a detached garage building or a breezeway connection between a house and detached garage. The area of the breezeway connection shall be utilized in calculating the percent of total rear yard which may be occupied by a private detached garage as stipulated in subsection E. above, but shall not be subject to the limitations of subsection F. above. J. No maintenance, alteration, repair, reconditioning or reconstruction of, or connected in any way with, a motor vehicle, as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01, registered to anyone other than a resident of the subject premises shall be carried on or conducted in a private garage. K. Provisions of this section relating to a dwelling shall apply equally to a manufactured home in an MHD manufactured home development district. (Ord. 1482-95; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.39 Stables.

3332.39 - Stables. Stables shall be governed by regulation of the department of health. (Ord. 1505-86.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.039 R-4 residential district.

3332.039 - R-4 residential district. A. In an R-4 residential district the following uses are permitted: 1. One single-family dwelling; 2. One, two-family dwelling meeting R-2F standards; 3. A dwelling containing a minimum of three dwelling units and a maximum of four dwelling units; 4. A multiple dwelling development; 5. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, nursery and a truck garden; 6. A religious facility; 7. A school; 8. A public park, playground and recreation facility; 9. A public library; 10. A city approved soil conservation and watershed protection project, and water filter bed, reservoir and tower; 11. A public and parochial college and university (other than trade or business institution); 12. An adult and child day care center as an accessory use when located within a school or religious facility building. B. Each use shall conform to respective area district standards unless otherwise specifically provided. Development Standards (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.40 Motor vehicle service.

3332.40 - Motor vehicle service. No person shall perform any motor vehicle service, work, grade, occupation, or business, including but not limited to the building, alteration, reconditioning or repair of a motor vehicle as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01, or related thereto, on any residential lot or in any private garage. The performance of service to or maintenance of the motor vehicle registered to the resident of such lot thereon shall not constitute a violation of this section. (Ord. 1482-95.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.040 Agricultural and sustainable development standards.

3332.040 - Agricultural and sustainable development standards. A. An agricultural use, farm, field crops, garden, greenhouse, or nursery may be conducted in any residential district contained in this chapter or a district allowing primary residential uses without restriction as to the operation of incidental vehicles and machinery or restriction as to the incidental sale and marketing, including produce stands, of products raised on the premises, provided that: 1. The agricultural use is located on-premises and on a minimum lot area of one (1) acre; and 2. A poultry and livestock building, structure and yard is located on-premises and is located a minimum distance of 100 feet from a lot or street line; and 3. Poultry and livestock for sale are kept in approved enclosures. 4. The agricultural standards comply with the appropriate regulations of the Columbus Health Department. B. A stable may be erected in any residential district contained in this chapter provided that: 1. The stable is located on-premises and on a minimum lot area of five acres; and 2. The stable complies with the appropriate regulations of the Columbus Health Department. C. On lot areas of less than one (1) acre, Produce Stands shall be allowed as an accessory use to the parcel's primary use or the on-site agricultural use in any residential district, subject to the following: 1. The Produce Stand may be in operation during the growing season. The growing season is considered to be the months of April through December. 2. Sales shall be limited to two (2) days per week. 3. Sales shall be limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 4. Only one (1) Produce Stand is permitted per parcel. 5. For parcels that contain a dwelling unit, Produce Stands must be removed from the premises or stored inside a structure at the end of each day 6. For parcels that contain a dwelling unit, one (1) sign that is non-illuminated and with a maximum area of four (4) square feet, may be displayed during the growing season but must be removed from the premises or stored inside a structure at other times of the year. All signs shall comply with zoning code standards of Chapter 3376 On Premises Signs in Residential Districts. 7. For parcels that do not contain a dwelling unit, Produce Stands or Signs do not need to be stored or removed. Furthermore, two (2) signs that are non-illuminated and with a maximum area of four (4) square feet each, may be displayed. 8. The area used for the Produce Stand shall comply with the vision clearance requirements of zoning code Chapter 3321.05 General Site Development Standards. D. Solar energy collection may be conducted in any residential district contained in this chapter, subject to the following: 1. Equipment directly related to the gathering of solar energy shall be exempt from screening requirements. 2. Electricity collected on-site may be distributed off-site for use or sale. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 1029-2021, § 2, 5-24-2021; Ord. No. 1501-2022, § 8, 6-13-2022)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.041 Day care center standards.

3332.041 - Day care center standards. An adult or child day care center shall require a transportation plan, which shall be submitted as part of a zoning clearance application. The plan shall include a written and visual description of the loading and unloading, parking and traffic circulation areas. The director of the department of public service or designee shall review the transportation plan, and may modify or deny the plan for safety reasons. (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 1501-2022, § 9, 6-13-2022)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.41 Rooftop telecommunication installation.

3332.41 - Rooftop telecommunication installation. A rooftop telecommunication installation for receiving or transmitting wireless telecommunications may be erected on any existing legal structure 60 feet or more in height provided that it is in accordance with C.C. 3309.142(C). All support equipment shall be housed in an existing legal structure. (Ord. 90-98 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.043 Manufactured home standards.

3332.043 - Manufactured home standards. A manufactured home shall be designed to meet all the following criteria: A. It shall have a minimum of 720 square feet of net floor area for living quarters. B. Its minimum width shall be at least 20 feet for at least 50 percent of its length and its minimum length shall be at least 20 feet for at least 50 percent of its width. C. It shall contain either a basement of at least 288 square feet; a garage of at least 288 square feet; or a permanently constructed storage building containing at least 100 square feet and attached to a permanent continuous foundation. Garages or storage buildings shall be designed to be compatible with the manufactured home. The director shall determine whether a design is compatible. D. Roofs shall be double pitched at least three feet vertical for 12 feet horizontal or greater and covered with material that is residential in appearance, including: approved wood, asphalt, composition or fiberglass shingles, or standing seam metal roofing. No corrugated aluminum, corrugated fiberglass or metal roofing other than as provided above is permitted. E. Exterior siding shall have a dull finish, not a high-gloss finish, and shall be residential in appearance, including: brick, stone, stucco, clapboard, simulated clapboard such as conventional vinyl or metal siding, wood shingles, shakes or similar material. No smooth, ribbed or corrugated metal or plastic panels are permitted. F. It shall be designed so that it has a front entrance and front facade facing upon a public street. Area District Standards (Ord. 1877-02 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.135 MHD area district requirements.

3332.135 - MHD area district requirements. In an MHD area district a manufactured home, single-family dwelling or any other principal building shall be situated on a lot of no less than 7,200 square feet in area and each manufactured home or single-family dwelling shall have a minimum net floor area for living quarters (as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C.) of 720 square feet. (Ord. 1048-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.195 Building design in a manufactured home development district.

3332.195 - Building design in a manufactured home development district. Each dwelling, manufactured home or principal building in a manufactured home development district shall be designed to meet the following criteria: 1. Its minimum width shall be at least 20 feet for at least 50 percent of its length and its minimum length shall be at least 20 feet for at least 50 percent of its width. 2. It shall contain either a basement of at least 288 square feet, a garage of at least 288 square feet, or a permanently constructed storage building containing at least 100 square feet and attached to a permanent continuous foundation in accordance with Chapter 4177, C.C. Each garage or storage building shall be designed to be compatible with the principal building or manufactured home. The director shall determine whether a design is compatible. 3. All roofs shall be double pitched at least three feet vertical for 12 feet horizontal or greater and covered with material that is residential in appearance, including, but not limited to, approved wood, asphalt, composition or fiberglass shingles but excluding corrugated aluminum, corrugated fiberglass or metal roofing. 4. The exterior siding shall have a dull finish, not a high-gloss finish, and shall be residential in appearance, including, but not limited to: brick, stone, stucco, clapboard, simulated clapboard such as conventional vinyl or metal siding, wood shingles, shakes, or similar material; but excluding smooth, ribbed or corrugated metal or plastic panels. 5. Each dwelling, principal building or manufactured home shall be designed so that it has a front entrance and front facade facing upon a public street. Building Lines (Ord. 1048-88; Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 48, 4-5-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.283 Obstructions in a required rear yard.

3332.283 - Obstructions in a required rear yard. The minimum area required in a rear yard must be open from the established grade, or from the finished grade if higher than the established grade, to the sky unobstructed except for: A. Work that is exempt from approval under the Residential Code of Ohio Section 102.10 except for sheds per Section 3321.15, C.C.; B. The ordinary projections of windowsills, belt courses, cornices or other ornamental features; C. An open fire escape, which may project up to four feet into a required rear yard; D. A private detached garage, in compliance with Section 3332.38, Private garages; E. Live vegetation and landscaping; F. Building service equipment; G. Roof overhangs, which may project into a required rear yard provided they project no closer than two feet to any point on an interior lot line; H. Swimming and wading pools. (Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.285 Perimeter yard.

3332.285 - Perimeter yard. A perimeter yard may substitute for the required side and rear yards in a multiple-dwelling development. Perimeter yard width is determined by computing ten percent of the average lot width. A perimeter yard must be a minimum of ten feet wide but is not required to exceed 25 feet in width. Perimeter yards must be landscaped in accordance with a landscape plan approved as part of the zoning clearance review process. (Ord. 19-01 § 3.)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.287 Reserved.

Columbus City Codes § 3332.289 Prohibited uses and activities.

3332.289 - Prohibited uses and activities. No person in any residentially zoned district as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C., shall store, collect, park, leave, deposit, maintain, reserve, put aside for future use, permit, allow, or suffer to remain on any porch, balcony, roof, or in a yard except in a completely enclosed building or structure, any: (1) Lumber or other building materials except those related to a project for which a current building permit has been issued and is posted on the premises and except firewood for the personal use of the resident in the rear or side yard; (2) Motor vehicle as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01, airplane, boat, shipping container, or trailer except as provided for by Chapter 3312, Off-Street Parking and Loading; (3) Parts of any item listed in (2) above including tires; (4) Equipment or materials used in the construction trade; (5) Machinery or household appliance (not including equipment required for solar energy collection); (6) Junk; (7) Salvage; or (8) Upholstered furniture, mattresses, materials and other similar products not designed, built and manufactured for outdoor use unless such is in an enclosed porch or balcony. For purposes of this section an enclosed porch or balcony shall mean a platform located at and attached to or abutting against the entrance to a building, completely covered by a roof and completely enclosed by fully intact glass and/or fully intact screens. Screens are framed wire mesh or framed plastic mesh used to keep out insects and permit airflow. (Ord. 1482-95; Ord. 960-04 § 1; Ord. No. 1792-2011, § 1(Attach. 1), 12-12-2011; Ord. No. 1501-2022, § 10, 6-13-2022)

Columbus City Codes § 3332.355 Accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

3332.355 - Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). A. Purpose. To allow Accessory Dwelling Units in conjunction with a principal dwelling in residential districts subject to the following provisions regarding allowable number, size, height, and location requirements. Short term rental regulations of Chapter 598 apply to any ADU used for that purpose. An ADU may also be subject to a rental registry upon its implementation. B. General provisions for an ADU. 1. An ADU may be attached or internal to a principal dwelling, or may be in a detached building, and must include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and have a separate and independent means of ingress and egress. 2. One ADU may be added to a lot containing a single-unit dwelling in all residential districts within Chapter 3332, except as specified below for the R-2F and R-4 districts. a. In an R-2F district, one ADU may be added to a lot containing a single-unit or two-unit dwelling. b. In an R-4 district, two ADUs may be added to a lot containing a single-unit, two-unit, three-unit, or four-unit dwelling subject to a maximum of five dwelling units allowed per lot. c. ADUs may be added to any multiple-dwelling development subject to a five percent increase in the maximum number of units allowed per the area district requirements. d. One ADU may be added to a residential lot developed with a nonconforming residential use. 3. An ADU must be clearly accessory and subordinate in scale to the principal dwelling. a. An ADU must not exceed 65 percent of the minimum net floor area of the principal dwelling with which it is associated, or 1,000 square feet, whichever is greater, but in no case shall the ADU exceed the size of the principal dwelling. b. An ADU must not exceed the height of the principal dwelling, or 25 feet. Exception: the internal alteration of a legally existing principal dwelling or accessory building for the purpose of establishing an accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 25 feet in height or the height of the existing building where the ADU is being established, whichever is greater. 4. An ADU is not subject to area district lot width requirements and area district requirements. 5. Lot coverage shall not exceed 65 percent on a lot with an ADU. Lot coverage shall be calculated using C.C. 3332.18(B) where applicable. 6. A home occupation is allowed in an ADU, subject to Section 3332.37, but the size limitation on the usable area may be increased to 50 percent of the livable area. 7. An ADU must be located on the same parcel or lot as the principal dwelling. 8. No additional parking is required for an ADU. 9. ADUs within a multiple-dwelling development are subject to perimeter yard requirements per Section 3332.285. 10. An ADU must comply with a limited overlay development plan per Chapter 3370, except for any limitation on the number of dwelling units or minimum dwelling unit size. The provisions of subsections 1 and 2 above shall apply for the number of permissible ADUs and size requirements. C. Detached ADUs are subject to the additional provisions: 1. Must be located in the rear yard area of the principal dwelling, and must meet the minimum required side yards of the underlying zoning district. Exception: An ADU located above or within a legally established detached garage building may use the same side yards as the garage. 2. Exempt from fronting and rear yard requirements, per C.C. 3332.19 and 3332.27, respectively. 3. One detached ADU may occupy up to 45 percent of the total rear yard of the principal dwelling. Two separate or adjoining detached ADUs may occupy up to 55 percent of the total rear yard. D. The Director is authorized to promulgate Rules and Regulations to establish a process to review ADU applications and plans. (Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3332REDIFetched: 10/27/2026