When it comes to building tiny houses, Ohio is one of the states with strict regulations. However, just because building and zoning laws might be more stringent, it doesn't mean that building your dream tiny home is impossible!
Are Tiny Houses Legal in Ohio?
Tiny houses are not prohibited in Ohio. However, building regulations are not always straightforward for tiny houses. Ohio requires a minimum square footage of 950 square feet, which is not the standard for tiny homes.
Ohio has its own building code set in place since 2017. This building code is based on the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), the second updated edition. This document does not include the appendix of the 2018 edition, which includes specific regulations for tiny homes.
However, mobile tiny homes on wheels are sometimes an exception to these restrictions. This is because mobile tiny homes on wheels are often classified as recreational vehicles, rather than traditional single-family homes.
Mobile tiny homes on wheels fall under the category of "travel trailers" or "park models," defined in section 4517.01 of Ohio's Revised Code on Motor Vehicles as "a recreational vehicle that is not self-propelled and that does not exceed an overall length of forty feet."
However, the specifications of the vehicle will determine the classification of your tiny home on wheels under Ohio's motor vehicle laws. A tiny home on wheels might also be classified as a travel trailer, a mobile home, or a park model, each having different regulations. Understanding the regulations for your tiny home on wheels can be a bit complex.
The general confusion among Ohio residents about the permitability of their tiny homes and where they can be built is a major reason why the tiny house movement is not as popular as in other places.
Tiny House Laws in Select Important Counties in Ohio: Local Zoning Ordinances
Each county has the authority to modify the state's building code to meet its specific needs.
Some of Ohio's 88 counties have implemented vague state-wide building code modifications and created more favorable conditions for non-traditional dwellings like tiny houses. Here are a few counties and the ordinances they have established.
Preble County, Ohio
To cater to renters in the Cedar Hill Tiny Village, Preble County has proposed specific state-wide definitions and particularly defined tiny houses. Their ordinance defines tiny houses as recreational vehicles with a footprint smaller than or equal to 500 square feet. This aids both landowners in the village as well as others in the area who wish to live tiny.
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Unlike other counties in Ohio, Cuyahoga County allows accessory dwelling units with proper permits. However, these accessory dwelling units cannot be used as the primary residence and can only be used as secondary units.
Tiny House Laws in Select Important Cities in Ohio: Local Zoning Ordinances
Independent cities also have the authority to establish their own laws and appendices to the state's code. Many cities in Ohio have laws that restrict living in tiny houses, while others are more accommodating - here are some specific examples.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus prohibits the use of tiny houses as permanent residences. The city of Columbus and surrounding suburbs maintain building code and/or zoning regulations that categorize tiny homes out of the realm of legally considered dwellings. This stems from tiny houses being typically built smaller than what is allowed by Ohio regulations.
New Paris, Ohio
New Paris is one of the most tiny house-friendly cities in Ohio. In 2021, Mayor Kathy Smallwood proposed an ordinance defining tiny houses and allowing their construction within city limits.
According to the proposed ordinance, a tiny house would be defined as a recreational vehicle with a footprint smaller than or equal to 500 square feet and could be used as a single-family dwelling.
Cleveland, Ohio
Unfortunately, regulations in Cleveland restrict tiny houses. The minimum square footage requirement for any residential structure is 950 square feet, and tiny homes are also not exempted.
No local ordinances have been created to counter this rule, taking into consideration the smaller size of tiny homes and their unique construction requirements.
Building a tiny house in Ohio may come with challenges due to varying regulations across counties and cities. It's important to research and understand the specific rules and permits in your desired location. With the right knowledge and planning, you can make your tiny house dream a reality in the Buckeye State.
