Residential accessory buildings include greenhouses, sheds, garages, and other standalone structures not connected to the main structure.

When do I need a permit?

  • Accessory buildings larger than 200 square feet require a building permit and plan review.
  • All accessory buildings require certificate of zoning compliance.

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Relevant Building Codes

Ohio Residential Code Toledo Municipal Code Overlay Districts

General Requirements

  1. A maximum of two accessory buildings per lot is allowed.
  2. Structure can occupy up to 30% of the rear yard.
  3. Total combined area of the garage and driveway can occupy up to 50% of the rear yard.
  4. Lots under 12,000 square feet may have a 1, 2, or 3 car garage.
  5. Lots over 12,000 square feet may have a 4 car garage.
  6. Structure must be at least 60 feet from the front property line.
  7. Structure must be at least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines. A maximum of 1 foot of overhang is allowed.
  8. Structure must be at least 10 feet from the main building.
    If the windows and doors are not opposite or parallel to the main building, then a structure may be a minimum of 5 feet from the main building.
  9. Structure must be less than 20 feet tall (average height) and is limited to one story.
  10. Business may not be conducted from a residential accessory structure.
  11. Check for any deed restrictions or easements.

Foundations

  1. Buildings less than 200 square feet: must have a minimum 4" thick stone base
  2. Buildings 201 to 600 square feet: minimum 12" footer depth below grade, minimum width of 12"
  3. Building larger than 200 square feet: full 3 feet depth foundation below grade, minimum width of 12"
  4. ½” φ anchor bolts @ 6’ maximum spacing O/C for anchoring walls to footer
  5. Sill plates directly on concrete slab must be pressure treated lumber

Framing

  1. All framing members in contact with the concrete slab must be pressure treated lumber
  2. Exterior wall studs shall be at least 2 x 4 @ 24” o.c. with double top plate
  3. Door headers shall conform to 2019 Residential Code of Ohio, Table R602.7 (1). For headers in non-bearing walls, a minimum
    of 2 - 2x6 is required for a 1 car door or 2 - 2x12 with ½” plywood sheathing for a 2 car door. Headers in bearing walls require a
    pre-engineered beam.
  4. Rafters shall be according to 2019 Residential Code of Ohio Chapter 8. 2 x 6 rafter ties @ 4’ o.c. maximum may be used.

Other

  1. A side hinge door not less than 2’6” wide by 6’8” high is required from all garages. (2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section
    311.2.1)
  2. Floor surfaces shall be sloped toward the main vehicle entry doorway (2019 Residential Code of Ohio Section 309.2)
  3. Driveways constructed of concrete, asphalt, or other dust free material are required to provide access to a garage, carport or unsheltered parking space from a street or place (TMC 1107.1906)