Photo: Helena Lopes

Does Ohio allow tiny homes?

Are Tiny Houses Legal In Ohio? Tiny houses aren't illegal in Ohio. However, the building laws do not necessarily make it easy to go tiny. They require a minimum of 950 square feet, which is not typical of tiny homes.

thetinylife.com - Ohio Tiny House Builders

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When it comes to tiny house building laws, Ohio is one of those states with stricter regulations. However, just because zoning and building laws might be more restrictive, that does not mean building a tiny house you love is impossible!

Are Tiny Houses Legal In Ohio?

Tiny houses aren’t illegal in Ohio. However, the building laws do not necessarily make it easy to go tiny. They require a minimum of 950 square feet, which is not typical of tiny homes. Ohio has its own building code established in 2017. This building code is based on the International Building Code of 2015, which is the second most updated version of the IBC. This document does not include the appendix the 2018 version does, which includes tiny home-specific allowances. However, tiny houses on wheels are sometimes exceptions to these limitations. This is because tiny houses on wheels are often classified as recreational vehicles as opposed to single-family, traditional dwellings. Tiny houses on wheels often fall under the classification “travel trailer” or “house vehicle,” defined by section 4517.01 of the revised motor vehicle code as “a non-self-propelled recreational vehicle that does not exceed an overall length of forty feet.” However, the specifications of the vehicle will be the deciding factor as to what classification your THOW receives in the motor vehicle laws for the State of Ohio. A tiny home on wheels can also be classified as a motor home, mobile home, or park trailer, which each have different sets of regulations. Knowing the regulations for your tiny house on wheels can get a little muddy. The general confusion among Ohio residents about whether their tiny home is permitted and where they can be built is a key cause for tiny house life not being as popular in the state as it is elsewhere.

Tiny House Laws in Key Ohio Counties: Local Zoning Ordinances

Each county has the freedom to amend the statewide building laws in order to accommodate the needs of their specific county. Several of Ohio’s 88 counties have acted on the chance to amend the vague state building laws and be more accommodating to non-traditional housing like tiny houses. I’ve explored some of the counties and the laws they’ve set out below.

Preble County, Ohio

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To accommodate renters at Cedar Hill Tiny Village, Preble County has taken the initiative to clarify statewide regulations and specifically define a tiny house. Their ordinance defines a tiny house as a recreational vehicle that covers 500 square feet or less. This helps those who rent land in the village as well as others who live in the area and want to go tiny.

Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Unlike other counties in Ohio, Cuyahoga County has specifically allowed accessory dwelling units with proof of the right permits. However, these ADUs cannot be used as a primary residence and must only be used as secondary homes.

Tiny House Laws in Key Ohio Cities: Local Zoning Ordinances

Independent cities also have the power to create their own laws and addendums to the statewide laws. Many cities in Ohio have laws that restrict tiny house living, while others are more inclusive — let’s take a look at some specific examples.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus outlaws the use of tiny homes as permanent dwellings altogether. The city of Columbus and adjacent suburbs maintain building codes and or zoning regulations that exclude tiny houses from being considered legal living spaces. This is due to the fact that tiny houses are typically built smaller than the size allotted by Ohio.

New Paris, Ohio

New Paris is one of the most tiny house-friendly cities in Ohio. In 2021, Mayor Kathy Smallwood suggested that council enact a zoning ordinance to define tiny houses and allow them within city limits. Under the proposed ordinance, a tiny home would be defined as a recreational vehicle covering an area of 500 square foot or less, and can be used as a permanent single-family dwelling.

Cleveland, Ohio

Unfortunately, laws in Cleveland restrict tiny homeowners. The minimum square footage for a residential home of any kind is 950 square feet, and tiny houses are no exception. Local ordinances have not been created to combat this rule and account for the smaller size of tiny homes and their unique construction requirements.