Applicable Codes

Overview
Zoning Code
Building Code for 1-, 2-, and 3-family Dwellings
Building Code for all other Uses
Ohio Fire Code
Property Maintenance Code

Overview

Depending on how your property is zoned and how you are proposing to use your property, different local and state requirements may apply. Property uses could include buildings and how those buildings are used, with statewide building codes setting minimum requirements. Additionally, there are requirements on how properties are to be maintained including a local property maintenance code, a statewide fire code, and other state requirements that may apply.

This webpage is not exhaustive of all of these requirements a property owner must be aware of, but it does provide a fundamental road map to explore those requirements.

Zoning Code

The zoning code is Part 11 of the Codified Ordinances of Worthington, Ohio. The Division of Planning can assist you in understanding some of the less common provisions like subdivisions and nonconforming uses, and such.

A property owner who is planning a project will typically need to understand the following about their property.

1) The zoning district. The Worthington GIS can help you determine what district your property is in.

2) Based on that information, the Permitted and Conditional Uses for that district can generally be found in Chapter 1147 .

3) The dimensional requirements, including setback information, can generally be found in Chapter 1149 .

4) Sign requirements can be found in Chapter 1170 .

5) Off street parking requirements can be found in Chapter 1171.

6) Other special provisions may apply to residential uses in Chapter 1173 and commercial and industrial uses in Chapter 1175 .

7) Fencing requirements can be found in Chapter 1180 .

Depending on your zoning district, and where in the City the property is located, additional requirements may apply. Additional information not typically needed by most property owners include seeking variances from the zoning code, needing a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Architectural Review Board, or needing a Conditional Use Permit from the Municipal Planning Commission. These more complicated subjects are best understood by visiting the Division of Planning page.

Building Code for 1-, 2-, and 3-family Dwellings

The State of Ohio has two statewide building codes, and the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio applies only to 1-, 2-, and 3-family dwellings. Worthington adopts this code through Chapter 1305 of the Codified Ordinances of Worthington, Ohio.

The building code, through referenced standards, also adopts the 2017 Ohio Plumbing Code and the 2017 National Electrical Code.

The building code is based upon the 2018 International Residential Code and most provisions apply across the United States.

Building Code for all other Uses

The State of Ohio has two statewide building codes, and the 2017 Ohio Building Code applies to all use groups except 1-, 2-, and 3-family dwellings. Worthington adopts this code through Chapter 1301 of the Codified Ordinances of Worthington, Ohio.

The building code, through referenced standards, also adopts the 2017 Ohio Mechanical Code, the 2017 Ohio Plumbing Code, the 2017 Ohio Fire Code, the 2017 National Electrical Code, the 2016 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Code, and the 2016 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

The building, mechanical, and plumbing codes are based upon the 2015 International Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, and most provisions apply across the United States and many parts of the world.

Ohio Fire Code

The State of Ohio has adopted a statewide fire code and although the Division of Building Regulation does not directly enforce this code, the building code has many references to the fire code that designers need to take into account for some projects. So consider this another referenced standard embedded into the building code.

The 2017 Ohio Fire Code, is administered by the Division of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and is adopted through Chapter 1501 of the Codified Ordinances of Worthington, Ohio.

Property Maintenance Code

Worthington has adopted a property maintenance code through Chapter 1311 of the Codified Ordinances of Worthington, Ohio and includes the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code.

Applicable Codes

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