ADU Rules in Ohio (2026)
ADU rules in Ohio — no statewide ADU law. Regulation is entirely local. Key provisions and city-specific frameworks for accessory dwelling units.
Law Name
Preempts Local Ordinances
No — local rules may be stricter
Has State Law
No — regulation is local
Official Source Could Not Be Reached
The official government source for this jurisdiction could not be reached to confirm or deny a statewide preemption statute. Regulation is local until otherwise confirmed.
Local Control Framework
Ohio does not have a statewide ADU preemption law as of 2026 · Source
ADU regulation is left to local municipalities under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 713 (Municipal Planning and Zoning) · Source
Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron set their own local ADU ordinances · Source
Ohio Legislature has discussed housing supply legislation but comprehensive statewide ADU mandates had not been enacted as of 2026 · Source
Columbus has adopted ADU-friendly zoning provisions allowing backyard cottages and garage conversions · Source
Cincinnati has been updating its zoning code to allow more missing middle housing types including ADUs · Source
Legislative History
2024 — Ohio HB 187 / SB 165 (proposed, not fully enacted as ADU preemption) · Source
Ohio considered several housing supply bills including provisions to allow ADUs and simplify missing middle housing. As of 2026, comprehensive statewide ADU preemption had not been enacted. Some zoning reform provisions were included in broader state legislation. · Source
No statewide ADU-enabling law on record — ADU rules are set by local ordinance. Last verified April 5, 2026. See official source