Bolthole Index

Hardin County, Ohio

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hardin County, Ohio

43Index Score / 100
#62 of 88 in Ohio

Unincorporated Hardin County, Ohio does not require a county residential structural-code building permit, but township zoning certificates and Ohio's residential code can still govern a new home12. Zoning is set by individual townships, with published regulations for nine of them3. Septic permits come from the Kenton-Hardin Health Department for every address, city or not4.

At a glance

Building permit
No county residential structural-code permit; township zoning may still apply1
Zoning
Set by townships; the county lists regulations for nine named townships, and Ada and Forest villages zone themselves356
Septic permit
Required through the Kenton-Hardin Health Department7
RV living
Rules vary; Cessna requires a conditional-use permit after 30 days outside an approved RV park8
Tiny homes
Township rules control; Cessna applies district uses and dwelling-size minimums9
Minimum home size
Varies locally; Hale Township A-1 sets 800 sq ft for a house and 600 sq ft for a mobile home10
Owner-builder
No county-specific exemption confirmed; ask which certified building department has jurisdiction11

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Hardin County Regional Planning Commission

Countywide infrastructure planning and coordination with township zoning officers

(419)674-2215

mark.doll@hardincountyohio.gov

One Courthouse Square, Suite 130, Kenton, OH 43326

Health department

Kenton-Hardin County Health Department

Household sewage treatment system site evaluations, permits and follow-up inspections

419-673-6230

khhd@hardinhealth.org

175 W. Franklin St., Suite 120 Kenton OH 43326

Roads & driveways

Hardin County Engineer's Office

County-road driveway and right-of-way permit form, house-number requests and county road questions

(419) 674-2222

hardineng@hardincountyohio.gov

1040 W. Franklin Street, Kenton, Ohio 43326

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 14, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Hardin County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Hardin County, Ohio?

Ordinary residential construction in unincorporated Hardin County does not need a county structural-code building permit, but township zoning approval can still gate a dwelling1. Ohio places detached one-, two- and three-family dwellings within the Residential Code of Ohio, enforced by the certified residential building department having jurisdiction2. We could not confirm which certified building department serves each Hardin County parcel, so ask the township zoning officer who it is before construction. We also could not confirm a county-specific owner-builder exemption; where a certified department has jurisdiction, an owner-builder must submit plans and wait for approval before covered work begins12. Inside the Village of Ada, new construction needs a village zoning certificate13. Septic approval is separate everywhere4.

Who handles Hardin County building permits and zoning?

Hardin County Regional Planning directs countywide infrastructure projects and works with township zoning officers14. Reach Regional Planning at One Courthouse Square, Suite 130, Kenton, OH 43326, by phone at (419)674-2215 or by email at mark.doll@hardincountyohio.gov14. The county publishes township regulations, but the townships administer them rather than one county zoning office3. Contact the parcel's township zoning officer for its district, allowed use, dimensional standards, zoning certificate and current fee. Buck Township leaves its zoning-certificate fee to a trustee resolution15, and Hale Township requires two scale drawings with a non-farm application, with the zoning officer acting within 30 days16. The Hardin County Engineer's Office handles house-number requests and county-road driveway permits1718.

Does Hardin County have zoning?

Hardin County has no single countywide zoning ordinance; the county page lists township regulations for Blanchard, Buck, Cessna, Dudley, Goshen, Hale, Pleasant, Taylor Creek and Jackson Townships, and does not say that list is complete19. Inside villages, Ada and Forest have their own zoning56. Blanchard, Buck, Dudley, Goshen, Hale and Taylor Creek each publish the same eight district types, from A-1 Agricultural through mobile-home park, commercial, industrial, flood plain and mineral extraction2021. Pleasant Township's resolution was amended in January 202622. Standards differ by township. Blanchard's A-1 district allows one new residential lot with at least 200 feet of road frontage and 2 acres23. Buck's A-1 sets front setbacks 100 feet from the road centerline and 40 feet at the side and rear for non-farm homes24. Cessna's A-1 requires 80 feet front and side and 40 feet rear25. Heights are generally 35 feet in Buck and Cessna's A-1, R-1 and R-2 districts, but 15 feet in Cessna's mobile-home park district26. Agricultural buildings in Cessna skip the zoning certificate but still file an application for setback and size review27.

How do septic permits work in Hardin County?

The Kenton-Hardin Health Department permits household sewage systems in Hardin County28. Start with its site and soil evaluation before fixing the house location; submit the application and $320 fee at least 48 hours before the evaluation7. Before permit issuance, provide a county-engineer address, recorded survey and an installer-prepared scaled drawing for approval4. The packet states a $424 installation permit, valid for one year or until installation and approval, and suspends installation from December 1 through March 14. An off-lot discharging system needs an Ohio EPA NPDES permit before the local sewage permit, so off-grid does not mean unpermitted sanitation28. A follow-up inspection is required within 12 months after installation29. Because 0% of mapped soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency30. Confirm current fees with the department because the cited packet was updated in 20227.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Hardin County?

Hardin County has no confirmed countywide private-land RV rule, so ask the parcel's township zoning officer before relying on an RV during construction. In unincorporated Cessna Township, an RV used as a residence for more than 30 days outside an approved RV park requires a conditional-use permit, renewed annually8. Cessna does not regulate "tiny homes" as a named use; a tiny home treated as a dwelling must be allowed in its district and meet the floor-area minimum31. That minimum is 800 square feet for a single-family dwelling in A-1 or R-1 and 600 square feet for a mobile-home dwelling9. Hale Township uses the same 800 and 600 square-foot minimums in A-110. Other townships may differ32.

Building a home in Hardin County: the steps, in order

  1. Identify the parcel's township, municipality and zoning district; ask the local zoning officer about allowed use, setbacks, height, zoning certificate and current fee32.
  2. Ask which certified residential building department has jurisdiction and what plan approval it requires under Ohio's residential code33.
  3. For a farm building, get a local determination: Ohio's exemption from the building code requires a county or township zoning inspector to issue a certificate that the structure is for agriculture34. In Cessna Township, agricultural buildings skip the zoning certificate but still need a setback-and-size application27.
  4. Apply to the Kenton-Hardin Health Department for the septic site and soil evaluation before fixing the house location7.
  5. Obtain the county-engineer address and recorded survey, then have the installer submit the scaled sewage drawing4.
  6. Send deeds, parcel splits, surveys and subdivision plats to the Engineer's Tax Map Department for approval when applicable35.
  7. Obtain the septic installation permit and any county-road driveway permit before work, then arrange the septic follow-up inspection41829.

What should you check before buying land in Hardin County?

Confirm the township, municipality and zoning district first, because Hardin County's published local rules do not establish one uniform countywide answer36. Put septic feasibility in the purchase contingency: 0% of mapped soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, even though 100% of county land is at a slope of 15% or less3037. Ask the health department whether a private-water-system permit is needed; its packet makes that determination conditional and lists a $392.90 permit fee when required38. Confirm county-road access with the Engineer's Office because driveway installation or work along a county road requires its permit1817. In Hale and Buck Townships, a zoning certificate must be presented before initial gas, electric, water or sewer service3940. Hale also identifies a floodplain and drainageway district, but the available excerpt does not supply the complete development specifications, so ask the township before building in mapped flood-prone land41.

Watch-outs

  • A rule from one Hardin County township is not a countywide rule; verify the parcel's township, municipality and zoning district before designing the project36.
  • The septic packet suspends installations from December 1 through March 1, so winter timing can delay a build7.
  • A Hale Township zoning certificate becomes void if construction does not begin within 6 months16.

Sources

  1. Hardin County OH - Township Zoning Regulations (2026 county census)
  2. Ohio Building Code, Rule 4101:1-1-01, quoted and re-checked
  3. Prosecutor – Township Law – Hardin County Ohio, quoted and re-checked
  4. Process for Obtaining Sewage Treatment System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Village of Ada: Village of Ada - Planning Commission & Zoning Ordinance (Hardin County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Village of Forest: Codified Ordinances of Forest, OH - Part Eleven Planning and Zoning Code, Chapter 1105 General Provisions (Hardin County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Process for Obtaining Sewage Treatment System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  8. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Hale Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Section 3791.04 | Submission of plan - approvals - prohibition - fine (Ohio statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4101:8-1-01, Residential Code of Ohio Administration, quoted and re-checked
  13. Village of Ada: Village of Ada - Planning Commission & Zoning Ordinance (Hardin County), quoted and re-checked
  14. Hardin County Regional Planning Commission (hardincountyohio.gov)
  15. Buck Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Hale Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Hardin County Engineer's Office (hardincountyohio.gov)
  18. Application for Permit Driveway Installation and/or Work Along Hardin County Roads, quoted and re-checked
  19. Prosecutor – Township Law – Hardin County Ohio, quoted and re-checked
  20. Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Hale Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Prosecutor – Township Law – Hardin County Ohio, quoted and re-checked
  23. Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Buck Township Zoning Regulations, District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025, quoted and re-checked
  26. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025, quoted and re-checked
  27. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025, quoted and re-checked
  28. Process for Obtaining Sewage Treatment System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  29. Process for Obtaining Sewage Treatment System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Cessna Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  32. Township Law, quoted and re-checked
  33. Section 3781.10 | Board of building standards - powers and duties, quoted and re-checked
  34. Section 3781.061 | Exemption for building or structure used in agriculture, quoted and re-checked
  35. Engineer – Tax Map and Ditch Maintenance, quoted and re-checked
  36. Prosecutor – Township Law – Hardin County Ohio, quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Process for Obtaining Sewage Treatment System Permit, quoted and re-checked
  39. Hale Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  40. Buck Township Zoning Regulations, Utility Services, quoted and re-checked
  41. Hale Township Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked

Written October 14, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Hardin County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleHardin CountyLogan CountyWyandot CountyMarion CountyUnion CountyAllen CountyHancock County
Building permitLimitedRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredLimitedLimited
County zoningYesYesNot publishedYesNoYesNo
Septic permitsKenton-Hardin Health Dept.County Health DistrictCounty Public HealthMarion Public HealthCounty Health Dept.County Public HealthCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Hardin County in Ohio

43
County map
Hardin County highlighted among the Ohio counties · colored by Index score

How Hardin County scores

Seclusion23100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency30100% ev.
Admin Boringness5490% ev.
Durability84100% ev.
Property Autonomy35100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$193kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$9,197Land / acre
37.7"Annual rain
0.3% of yrsSevere drought
3.5 / yr (+3.4)Mid-century 100°F days
11.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.46" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.8×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,282Home insurance / yr
1.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.23%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
91,563People within 30 min
7,073,646People within 2 hr
44,101Radius comparison (15 mi)
64.6People / sq mi
0.8%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
9%Wooded land
62.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
51°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hardin County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Village of Alger · Blanchard Township · Buck Township · Cessna Township · Dudley Township · Village of Dunkirk · Goshen Township · Hale Township · Jackson Township · Kenton · Liberty Township · Lynn Township · Marion Township · McDonald Township · Village of McGuffey · Village of Mount Victory · Village of Patterson · Pleasant Township · Village of Ridgeway · Roundhead Township · Taylor Creek Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Hardin County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Hardin County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning coverage across Hardin County, aggregated from township zoning materials listed on the county's official website.

    • The county page lists zoning regulations for Blanchard, Buck, Cessna, Dudley, Goshen, Hale, Pleasant, Taylor Creek, and Jackson Townships.
    • The county page does not itself establish zoning coverage for every incorporated municipality or identify a single county-administered zoning ordinance.
    • Applicable requirements depend on the township or other local jurisdiction in which the property is located.
    “Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations —Updated 2025 Buck Township Zoning Regulations Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of township and municipal zoning within Hardin County; the county page identifies multiple township zoning regulations, while the cited Buck regulation is administered by Buck Township.
      “Township Policies: NOTE: The listed township officials may not be accurate in the linked documents, please see the Directory of Hardin County Township Officials for the most up to date information.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Countywide aggregate of local land-use regulation; the county publishes separate township zoning regulations, including those for Blanchard, Buck, and Cessna Townships.
      “Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations —Updated 2025 Buck Township Zoning Regulations Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Hardin County townships and municipalities, with the cited official examples establishing township-level variation rather than a single county-administered ordinance.
      “Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations —Updated 2025 Buck Township Zoning Regulations Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025 Dudley Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025 Goshen Township Zoning Regulations Hale Township Zoning Regulations Amended Pleasant Township Zoning Resolution Adopted 1.26.26 Taylor Creek Township Zoning Regulations Jackson Township Zoning Regulations”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    County-hosted publication directory for local zoning regulations in Hardin County; the listed regulations are administered by the respective townships, not by the county as a single countywide zoning ordinance.

    • The page lists zoning publications for Blanchard, Buck, Cessna, Dudley, Goshen, Hale, Pleasant, Taylor Creek, and Jackson Townships.
    • The directory does not establish that these are the only Hardin County townships or municipalities with zoning regulations.
    • District boundaries and detailed controls must be determined from each township's zoning text and official zoning map.
    “Township Policies: [...] Blanchard Township [...] Buck Township [...] Cessna Township [...] Dudley Township [...] Goshen Township [...] Hale Township [...] Pleasant Township [...] Taylor Creek Township [...] Jackson Township”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Official publication of local zoning regulations and district information for Hardin County; the county page identifies township zoning regulations but does not establish a single countywide zoning-district map or ordinance.
      “Township Policies: [...] Blanchard Township Zoning Regulations —Updated 2025 [...] Cessna Township Zoning Regulations—Updated 2025”
    • Published (with conditions) — Published local zoning-district materials aggregated on the official Hardin County website.
      “That, for the purposes as stated in Section A, Title and Preamble, Blanchard Township, HardinCounty, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Household sewage treatment systems in Hardin County served by the Kenton-Hardin Health Department.

    • The health department operates under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29 requirements.
    • Off-lot discharging systems additionally require an Ohio EPA NPDES permit before the local health department may issue a sewage permit.
    “For an off-lot discharging system the OEPA must issue a NPDES permit before the local health department can issue a sewage permit.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of household sewage treatment systems in Hardin County within the Kenton-Hardin General Health District.

    • A homeowner must submit a Site Inspection Application and the $320 site-evaluation fee at least 48 hours before the evaluation inspection.
    • The health department evaluates soil and site conditions under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29 and determines whether the site qualifies for a soil-absorption or discharging system.
    • For an off-lot discharging system, Ohio EPA must issue an NPDES permit before the local health department can issue the sewage permit.
    • A county-engineer-issued address and recorded property survey must be submitted before the sewage permit is issued.
    • The installer’s completed scaled drawing must be approved, modified, or rejected by the health department under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-29.
    • The sewage-system installation permit fee stated in the packet is $424.
    • The permit is valid for one year from purchase or until the system is installed and approved by the Kenton-Hardin Health Department.
    • A follow-up system inspection is required within 12 months of installation.
    • Sump pumps, floor drains, water softeners, and downspout discharges must not be connected to the septic system.
    • Sewage-system installation is suspended by Board of Health order from December 1 through March 1.
    • The packet is identified as updated January 13, 2022; current fees and contact details should be confirmed with the health department.

    site evaluation fee: 320 USD (Must accompany the Site Inspection Application.) · minimum advance submission time: >= 48 hours (Before the scheduled evaluation inspection.) · sewage system installation permit fee: 424 USD · permit validity: 1 year (From purchase date or until installation and approval, whichever occurs first.) · follow-up inspection deadline: <= 12 months (After installation.) · installation suspension period: December 1 through March 1 (By order of the Board of Health.)

    “No person shall install a new or replacement STS or alter an existing STS without an installation or alteration permit issued by the board of health.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New household sewage treatment systems in Hardin County.
      “Upon approval of the scaled drawing from the installer and the fee paid of $424, a “Sewage System Installation Permit” will be issued.”
    • Required — New household sewage treatment systems in Hardin County.
      “Upon approval of the scaled drawing from the installer and the fee paid of $424, a “Sewage System Installation Permit” will be issued.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Household sewage treatment installation in Hardin County.

    • A site/soil evaluation is required before the permit process can continue.
    • A follow-up system inspection is conducted within 12 months of installation.

    follow-up inspection deadline: 12 months after installation

    “A follow-up required system inspection will be conducted within 12 months of installation as part of the permit operation and management.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installed household sewage treatment systems in Hardin County.
      “A follow-up required system inspection will be conducted within 12 months of installation as part of the permit operation and management.”
    • Required — New sewage-treatment-system installations in Hardin County.
      “A follow-up required system inspection will be conducted within 12 months of installation as part of the permit operation and management.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-lot discharging sewage systems in Hardin County.

    • The Ohio EPA must issue a NPDES permit before the local health department can issue a sewage permit.
    • The health department must still review and issue the local sewage permit.
    “For an off-lot discharging system the OEPA must issue a NPDES permit before the local health department can issue a sewage permit.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private water systems associated with household sewage-treatment installations.

    • A private water system permit is issued if needed from the installer's approved scaled sewage drawing.
    • The first water sample for bacteria is included in the stated fee.

    private water system permit fee: 392.9 USD (first water sample included to check for bacteria)

    “The health department will draw up a private water system permit, if needed, from the installer’s approved scaled sewage drawing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water systems and wells associated with sewage-treatment permitting in Hardin County.
      “The health department will draw up a private water system permit, if needed, from the installer’s approved scaled sewage drawing. The “Private Water System Permit” fee is $392.90. (first water sample included to check for bacteria).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Deeds, parcel splits, surveys, and subdivision plats in Hardin County.

    • The county engineer's Tax Map Department is the identified county office for approval of these materials.
    “Tax Map: All Deeds, parcel splits, surveys and subdivision plats are approved at this office.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Deeds, parcel splits, surveys, and subdivision plats presented to the Hardin County Engineer’s Tax Map Department.
      “Tax Map: All Deeds, parcel splits, surveys and subdivision plats are approved at this office.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway installation or work along Hardin County roads.

    • The permit application applies to work along or across county roads.
    • The applicant must maintain traffic, minimize disturbance, comply with county-engineer instructions, and notify the County Engineer's Office before starting work.
    • The permit is for the work only; the permittee must contact utility companies regarding utility cables before digging.
    “Permit to perform aforesaid work under the conditions of this application is hereby granted.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning in Hardin County is administered at the township level (e.g., Hale and Cessna Township zoning regulations posted on the county site); it is not a single countywide ordinance and coverage varies by township.

    Hardin County OH - Township Zoning Regulations ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Ohio rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, manufacture, equipment, alteration, or addition of buildings subject to Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including industrialized units, statewide.

    • Plans or drawings, specifications, and data must be submitted before beginning the work.
    • Submission is made to the municipal, township, or county building department having jurisdiction.
    • If no certified municipal, township, or county building department certified for nonresidential buildings has jurisdiction, submission is made to the superintendent of industrial compliance.
    • If no certified municipal, township, or county building department certified for residential buildings has jurisdiction, the owner is not required to make the submission described in division (A)(1).
    “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Electrical and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning work performed as contracting within an Ohio county; the statute authorizes, but does not itself impose, county licensing rules.

    • A board of county commissioners may adopt licensing rules by resolution for electrical and HVAC contractors not required to hold a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license.
    • County rules may be enforced in unincorporated areas and in municipalities that contract with the county for enforcement.
    • A county rule may require examinations, technical-skill demonstrations, fees, and additional licensing requirements.
    • A county board may accept a valid and unexpired Chapter 4740 license for construction, replacement, maintenance, or repair of one-, two-, or three-family dwellings or incidental accessory structures.
    • The statute does not establish a statewide owner-builder electrical or HVAC contractor-license exemption; county and municipal rules must be checked for the specific location.
    “Each board of county commissioners may adopt, by resolution, rules establishing standards and providing for the licensing of electrical and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning contractors who are not required to hold a valid and unexpired license pursuant to Chapter 4740. of the Revised Code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner undertaking residential construction governed by the Residential Code of Ohio in Hardin County or elsewhere in Ohio.
      “If no municipal, township, or county building department is certified by the Board of Building Standards for residential buildings in accordance with section 3781.10(E) of the Revised Code has jurisdiction, the owner is not required to make submission of construction documents, seek approvals, request inspections, or obtain certificates of occupancy required in this Chapter.”
    • Conditional — An owner-builder constructing, erecting, altering, or equipping a building covered by Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06, including residential buildings, where a certified municipal, township, or county building department has jurisdiction.
      “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
    • Conditional — An owner performing contractor-regulated construction, improvement, or renovation on the owner's own primary residential building in Ohio.
      “(F) "Construction project" means a construction project involving a building or structure subject to Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code and the rules adopted under that chapter, but not an industrialized unit or a residential building as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Detached one-, two-, and three-family residential construction in Hardin County, subject to enforcement by the certified residential building department having jurisdiction and to the stated code exceptions.

    • The Ohio Building Code applies to buildings and structures generally, while detached one-, two-, and three-family dwellings and their accessory structures are within the scope of the Residential Code of Ohio.
    • Agricultural buildings incident to agricultural land use are excepted when the stated retail-trade limitation is satisfied.
    • Manufactured homes constructed under 24 CFR Part 3280 are excepted from the Ohio Building Code scope, subject to the stated occupancy-change exception and other applicable rules.
    • Residential occupancy requires a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion issued by the residential building official.
    “Detached one-, two-, or three- family dwellings, structures accessory to those dwellings, one-, two-, and three-family dwellings used as models, or those single family dwellings with five or fewer persons receiving care in a supervised environment but capable of self-preservation with or without limited verbal or physical assistance are within the scope of the “Residential Code of Ohio for One-, Two-, or Three-Family Dwellings”.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Ohio residential buildings in areas served by a building department certified to enforce the state residential building code, including new construction and repair or alteration of existing residential buildings.
      “The rules governing residential buildings are uniform requirements in any area with a building department certified to enforce the state residential building code”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential building construction in Hardin County under Ohio's statewide residential building-code framework.
      “The board shall incorporate those rules into separate residential and nonresidential building codes.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings and classes of buildings regulated under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3781, including residential and nonresidential buildings and industrialized units.
      “The board of building standards shall formulate and adopt rules governing the erection, construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance of all buildings or classes of buildings specified in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code, including land area incidental to those buildings, the construction of industrialized units, the installation of equipment, and the standards or requirements for materials used in connection with those buildings. The board shall incorporate those rules into separate residential and nonresidential building codes.”
    • Adopted — Ohio's statewide residential and nonresidential building codes governing covered building construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance.
      “The board shall incorporate those rules into separate residential and nonresidential building codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work subject to Ohio building-code enforcement after certificate of plan approval, and inspections initiated after complaints, accidents, or natural disasters.

    • Inspections are directed after a certificate of plan approval has been issued, or after a complaint, accident, or natural disaster.
    • The building official identifies special conditions affecting inspection timing and schedules inspection times mutually agreed upon by the building official and owner.
    • Special inspections required under section 1704 of rule 4101:1-1-01 are excepted from the stated scheduling rule.
    • Certified inspectors inspect work within the limits of their certification and the approved construction documents.
    “Once a certificate of plan approval has been issued in accordance with rule 4101:1-1-01 or 4101:8-1-01 of the Administrative Code, or upon receipt of a complaint or occurrence of an accident or natural disaster, the building official directs necessary inspections and investigations to determine whether the work which has been performed and the installations which have been made are in conformity with the approved construction documents.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    General rules adopted by a city or village planning commission, platting commissioner, or village legislative authority for plats and subdivisions within its jurisdiction.

    • The rule applies to municipal or village planning authorities operating under Ohio Revised Code section 711.09.
    • The statute limits, rather than establishes, the local minimum lot area; local zoning and other subdivision rules may impose additional requirements where authorized.

    maximum local minimum lot area: <= 4800 square feet (The rule concerns city or village planning-authority subdivision rules under section 711.09.)

    “but shall not impose a greater minimum lot area than forty-eight hundred square feet.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Township zoning regulation of setback building lines for agricultural buildings or structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres in qualifying platted subdivisions or qualifying areas of fifteen or more contiguous lots.

    • The local regulation must arise under a township zoning resolution or amendment.
    • The subdivision or area must meet the statutory qualification in section 519.21(B).
    • The statute does not provide a statewide numeric setback distance.
    • Township zoning may not regulate agriculture, agricultural buildings or structures, or dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres under division (B).

    lot size lower threshold: > 1 acre · lot size upper threshold: <= 5 acres

    “not greater than five acres by: set back building lines;”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Township zoning regulation of height for agricultural buildings or structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres in qualifying platted subdivisions or qualifying areas of fifteen or more contiguous lots.

    • The local regulation must arise under a township zoning resolution or amendment.
    • The subdivision or area must meet the statutory qualification in section 519.21(B).
    • The statute does not provide a statewide numeric height limit.
    • Township zoning may not regulate agriculture, agricultural buildings or structures, or dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres under division (B).

    lot size lower threshold: > 1 acre · lot size upper threshold: <= 5 acres

    “Buildings or structures incident to the use of land for agricultural purposes [...] height;”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Ohio and regulated under Chapter 4781 of the Revised Code and implementing rules.

    • A manufactured home generally may not be occupied until the inspector issues the inspection seal.
    • The inspection seal must be paid for when the permit is issued.
    • A temporary occupancy permit may provide the applicable exception under Rule 4781-7-01(C).
    • The home must meet Ohio manufactured-home installation standards; local ordinances and other regulations may also apply to site placement.
    “Except as provided in paragraph (C) of this rule, no manufactured home shall be occupied until the inspector has issued the inspection seal.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Disposal of sewage where an existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewer is accessible and available.

    • The sewer connection may not conflict with an areawide waste-treatment plan, approved regional sewage-service and treatment plan, or connection ban.
    • The receiving disposal system must have or be expected to have capacity to collect and treat the sewage.
    • For an existing structure, any part of the structure generating waste must be within 300 feet of the nearest sanitary-sewer right-of-way boundary.
    • For a proposed structure outside a larger common plan, any lot property line must be within 300 feet.
    • For two or more proposed structures, the threshold is 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures, up to 5,000 feet.
    • The director may grant an exemption when technical, financial, environmental, legal, or physical barriers prevent connection and the alternative will not adversely affect human health or the environment.
    • When a sewer later becomes accessible and available, a non-public or non-regional disposal system must generally be abandoned and connection made within three years unless the director authorizes another timeframe.

    existing structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured to the nearest boundary of the sanitary-sewer right-of-way.) · proposed structure sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Measured from any property line of the lot.) · multiple proposed structures threshold: 200 feet multiplied by the number of proposed structures (Maximum distance is 5,000 feet.) · connection deadline after accessibility becomes available: 3 years (Unless an alternative timeframe is authorized by the director.)

    “Connection into existing publicly owned or regional sanitary sewers is required for the disposal of sewage when said sewers are accessible and available.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    County zoning authority under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 303, including county rural zoning commissions, county boards of commissioners, and county boards of zoning appeals.

    • The rule limits county zoning powers; it does not establish an unrestricted exemption from township zoning.
    • Division (B) permits limited regulation in specified platted subdivisions or areas of fifteen or more contiguous lots: agriculture on lots of one acre or less; agricultural buildings or structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres by setback, height, and size; and dairying or animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres when at least 35 percent of subdivision lots meet the stated development condition.
    • Division (B) confers no county power to regulate agriculture, agricultural buildings or structures, and dairying or animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres.
    • Division (C) separately limits county power to prohibit qualifying farm markets, certain agricultural energy facilities, biologically derived methane gas production within the stated output limits, and agritourism, while allowing specified health-and-safety regulations.

    agricultural buildings or structures county-zoning exemption: > 5 acres (Division (B) states that county zoning has no power to regulate agriculture, buildings or structures, and dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres) · subdivision development threshold for specified husbandry regulation: >= 35 percent of lots (lots must be developed with at least one building, structure, or improvement subject to real-property taxation or the manufactured/mobile-home tax) · biologically derived methane gas output limit: <= 17060710 British thermal units (or five megawatts, or both)

    “Division (B) of this section confers no power on any county rural zoning commission, board of county commissioners, or board of zoning appeals to regulate agriculture, buildings or structures, and dairying and animal and poultry husbandry on lots greater than five acres.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings or structures in Ohio, including those in Hardin County, when the statutory conditions are met.
      “Whenever a county zoning inspector under section 303.16 of the Revised Code, or a township zoning inspector under section 519.16 of the Revised Code, issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections 3781.06 to 3781.20 , 3781.40 , or 3791.04 of the Revised Code.”
    • Conditional — Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land, and a specific building or structure declared by a county or township zoning inspector to be used in agriculture.
      “issues a zoning certificate that declares a specific building or structure is to be used in agriculture, such building is not subject to sections”
    • Available (with conditions) — Qualifying parcel divisions processed under rules adopted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 711.133.
      “Rules adopted under this section shall exempt from the approval requirements of this section parcels of land to be used only for agricultural”
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings or structures incident to agricultural use of the land in Ohio.
      “incident to the use for agricultural purposes [...] provided those buildings or structures are not used in the business of retail trade.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp located within a one-hundred-year flood plain.

    • In a municipal corporation, the permit is obtained from the municipal corporation under its floodplain-management ordinance.
    • In an unincorporated area, the permit is obtained from the board of county commissioners under the county floodplain-management resolution adopted under Revised Code section 307.37.
    • When development occurs on a site where a recreational vehicle or portable camping unit is or will be located, the owner and operator must jointly obtain the permit, except that for a temporary park-camp the temporary park-camp owner must obtain it.
    • Municipal and county permit fees are not regulated by the director of health.

    statutory effective date: 2012-09-10

    “No person shall cause development to occur within any portion of a recreational vehicle park, recreation camp, combined park-camp, or temporary park-camp that is located within a one-hundred-year flood plain in an unincorporated area unless the person first obtains a permit therefor from the board of county commissioners of the county in which the development is to occur in accordance with the flood plain management resolution of the county adopted under section 307.37 of the Revised Code.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Construction documents and inspections required to be submitted to the Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance.

    • The certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion will not be issued until applicable fees are paid.
    • The schedule includes a $275 processing fee for structural, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm, and sprinkler scopes; plan-examination fees vary by scope and area or device count.
    • One initial plan review and up to two resubmission plan reviews are included; additional resubmissions cost $100 each.
    • Additional inspections cost $150 per inspection; reinspections cost $150.
    • Certificates of occupancy or completion cost $65, except existing-building certificates issued under rule 111.4 have no fee.
    • The rule was effective January 1, 2019 and was last updated July 14, 2026.

    structural processing fee: 275 USD · certificate of occupancy or completion fee: 65 USD (No fee for existing-building certificates issued under rule 111.4)

    “The fees for examination and processing of construction documents when required to be submitted to the division of industrial compliance, except medical gas piping systems and temporary structures, shall be in accordance with Table B1.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Construction-document submissions and inspections handled by certified municipal, township, or county building departments in Ohio.
      “Fees for construction documents submitted to and inspections made by certified building departments shall be in accordance with the locally adopted fee schedule.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of buildings subject to Ohio Revised Code section 3781.06.

    • Before beginning construction, the owner must submit plans, drawings, specifications, and data to the municipal, township, or county building department having jurisdiction, subject to the statutory exceptions where no certified department has jurisdiction.
    • No owner may proceed until the plans and specifications are approved or the industrialized unit is inspected at the point of origin.
    • Plans must comply with Chapters 3781 and 3791 and applicable rules.
    • Approval becomes invalid if work has not commenced within twelve months; one additional twelve-month extension may be granted if requested at least ten days before expiration and accompanied by a fee not exceeding $100.
    • If work is delayed or suspended for more than six months, approval becomes invalid; two six-month extensions may be granted, each with a fee not exceeding $100.
    • A certified building department or the superintendent must review submitted plans.
    • Conditional approval may allow construction only up to the point of an unresolved objection.

    initial approval deadline: <= 30 days (Failure to approve or disapprove within thirty days is treated as an adjudication order denying issuance of a license.) · commencement period after approval: 12 months (One extension of twelve months is available under the stated conditions.)

    “No owner shall proceed with the construction, erection, alteration, or equipment of any building until the plans or drawings, specifications, and data have been approved as this section requires, or the industrialized unit inspected at the point of origin.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Roadside camping at designated Ohio state forests along public roads maintained by the division of forestry.

    • Permitted only at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons.
    • The chief of the division of forestry must authorize the applicable season.
    • Only self-contained camping units meeting Rule 1501:3-3-04 are permitted unless restroom facilities are available.
    • Vehicles must be parked sufficiently far off the roadway not to present a hazard and may not block roads, trails, or gated access areas.
    • Other restrictions in Rule 1501:3-3-06 apply.
    “Roadside camping is permitted at designated state forests, along public roads maintained by the division of forestry, during certain legally established hunting seasons as authorized by the chief of the division of forestry.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and placement of recreational vehicles in Ohio-licensed campgrounds and temporary campgrounds.
      “Recreational vehicles or portable camping units shall be parked only on sites that have been verified as complying with plans approved by the director, or in the case of a temporary campground, by the licensor;”
    • Prohibited — Camping in Ohio state forests outside areas, sites, or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or an authorized agent.
      “No person shall camp in a state forest except in areas, sites or campgrounds designated by the chief of the division of forestry or authorized agent.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County commissioners may adopt zoning resolutions regulating building, structures, land uses, and districts or zones in unincorporated territory statewide.

    • The authority is exercised by resolution and must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • The authority applies to unincorporated territory of the county.
    • The statute begins with the exception phrase “Except as otherwise provided in this section,” so the limitations in ORC Chapter 303 apply.
    • For nonresidential property only, the county may regulate height, bulk, number of stories, size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, and population density.
    • Agricultural uses and agricultural buildings are subject to the limitations in ORC 303.21; the statute also contains limitations for public utilities, railroads, telecommunications towers, alcoholic-beverage sales, oil and gas drilling, and permanently sited manufactured homes.
    • Activities regulated under ORC Chapters 1513 and 1514 may be regulated only in the interest of public health or safety, and Chapter 1514 activities must be provided for as permitted or conditional uses as specified by ORC 303.02.
    “the board of county commissioners may regulate by resolution, in accordance with a comprehensive plan”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County commissioners may adopt and enforce local residential building regulations in unincorporated areas and may operate certified county building departments that enforce state residential and nonresidential building codes, accept and approve plans, and conduct inspections.

    • Local residential building regulations may be enforced within the unincorporated area or within districts established in the unincorporated area.
    • A local residential building regulation may not differ from the state residential building code unless it addresses subject matter not addressed by that code or is adopted under ORC 3781.01.
    • An existing structures code must concern subject matter not addressed by, and may not conflict with, the state residential building code.
    • County building departments may enforce state codes only for the types of buildings and subject matters for which they are certified.
    • Certification permits enforcement authority, plan approval, and inspections; the certification application identifies whether it covers residential or nonresidential buildings and whether residential certification covers new construction only or also repair and alteration.
    • The board may adopt flood-hazard, Lake Erie coastal-erosion, and drainage regulations, subject to the statutory limits and exceptions in ORC 307.37.
    • Local regulations, codes, or amendments require public hearings at not fewer than two regular or special board sessions; they take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption.
    • Regulations adopted under ORC 307.37 generally do not affect buildings or structures existing, or under construction, before adoption, except as provided for an existing structures code.
    • The state residential building code is effective as a uniform requirement in areas with a building department certified to enforce it.
    “The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings as defined in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Ohio boards of county commissioners adopting and enforcing local residential building regulations in unincorporated county areas, including districts established within those areas, and administering state building codes when certified.
      “The board of county commissioners may adopt local residential building regulations governing residential buildings”

Inside cities and towns in Hardin County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    The entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio.

    • Legitimate agricultural uses on lots greater than five acres and agricultural structures are generally excepted, but agricultural structures must conform to required setback lines.
    • The resolution applies to agriculture uses on lots of one acre or less and to certain agricultural buildings and structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres.
    • A recreational vehicle used as a residence for more than thirty days outside an approved recreational-vehicle park requires a conditional-use permit; the permit must be renewed annually.
    • No dwelling unit in an A or R District may be below the listed minimum floor areas: 800 square feet for single-family dwellings in A-1 and R-1; 600 square feet for mobile-home dwellings in A-1 and R-1; 800 square feet for single- and two-family dwellings in R-2; 650 square feet for multiple-family dwellings in R-2; and 600 square feet for mobile-home dwellings in R-MHP.

    minimum dwelling floor area, A-1/R-1 single-family: 800 sq ft · minimum dwelling floor area, A-1/R-1/R-MHP mobile home: 600 sq ft · recreational vehicle residential occupancy before conditional-use permit: <= 30 days (Outside an approved recreational vehicle park; annual permit renewal required)

    “The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to the entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio.

    • The regulations apply to the entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township.
    • Agricultural land and agricultural structures on lots greater than five acres are generally exempt from restrictions, except agricultural buildings or structures must conform to required setback lines.
    • The resolution does not specify or regulate the type or location of materials or distributing equipment of a public utility.
    • Agricultural uses on lots of one acre or less are subject to the resolution.
    • Agricultural buildings and structures on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres are subject to provisions including setback lines, building height, and building size.
    • Conditionally permitted uses require a Conditional Use Permit by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
    • The districts are shown on the original Zoning District Map, which accompanies and is an internal part of the resolution.
    • The document states that amendments were adopted September 24, 2025 and enacted October 24, 2025.

    district A-1 minimum size for new district: No Minimum · district R-1 minimum size for new district: 30 acres · district R-2 minimum size for new district: 20 acres · district R-MPH minimum size for new district: 10 acres · district C-1 minimum size for new district: 22500 square feet · district I-1 minimum size for new district: 5 acres · district FP minimum size for new district: No Minimum · district ME minimum size for new district: 15 acres

    “The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to the entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio [...] That, for the purpose as stated in Section A, title and Preamble provision is hereby made for the establishment of eight Zoning Districts within Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio. A-1 Agricultural District R-1 Low Density Residential District R-2 Medium Density Residential District R-MPH Mobile Home Park District C-1 General Commercial District I-1 General Industrial District FP Flood Plain District ME Resources and Mineral Extraction District”
    10 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Hale Township unincorporated territory.
      “Hale Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District; R-2 Medium Density Residential District; R-MHP Mobile Home Park District; C-1 General Commercial District; I-1 General Industrial District; FP Flood Plain District; and ME Resource and Mineral Extraction District”
    • Published (with conditions) — The entire unincorporated land area of Dudley Township, Hardin County, Ohio.
      “The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to the entire unincorporated land area of Dudley Township, Hardin County, Ohio. [...] That, for the purposes as stated in Section A, Title and Preamble, Dudley Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District; R-2 Medium Density Residential District; R-MHP Mobile Home Park District; C-1 General Commercial District; I-1 General Industrial District; FP Flood Plain District; and ME Resource and Mineral Extraction District -- all as shown on the Official Zoning District Map which accompanies and is an internal part of this Resolution.”
    • Published (with conditions) — The entire unincorporated land area of Blanchard Township, Hardin County, Ohio.
      “Blanchard Township, HardinCounty, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts—A-l Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — Buck Township zoning under its township zoning resolution.
      “Buck Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — Dudley Township zoning under its township zoning resolution.
      “Dudley Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — Goshen Township zoning under its township zoning resolution.
      “Goshen Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — Hale Township zoning under its township zoning resolution.
      “Hale Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — Pleasant Township zoning regulations published by the county prosecutor's official township-law page.
      “Amended Pleasant Township Zoning Resolution Adopted 1.26.26”
    • Published (with conditions) — Taylor Creek Township zoning under its township zoning resolution.
      “Taylor Creek Township, Hardin County, Ohio is hereby divided into eight zoning districts -- A-1 Agricultural District; R-1 Low Density Residential District;”
    • Published (with conditions) — The unincorporated area governed by Cessna Township's zoning resolution in Hardin County, Ohio.
      “establishment of eight Zoning Districts within Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio. [...] R-1 Low Density Residential District 30 Acres [...] C-1 General Commercial District 22,500 sq. ft.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units in Hale Township A-1 and R districts.

    • The cited schedule continues beyond the excerpt and other zoning districts may have separate requirements.

    A-1 single-family minimum floor area: 800 sq ft · A-1 mobile-home minimum floor area: 600 sq ft

    “No dwelling unit in an "A" or "R" District shall have a floor area less than the following: Minimum Floor Area Per Dwelling Unit Zoning District (Sq. Ft.) A-1 800 - Single-family dwellings 600 - Mobile home dwellings”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    New residential lots in the A-1 Agriculture District of unincorporated Blanchard Township.

    • One lot from an original tract may qualify if it has at least 200 feet of road frontage, at least 2 acres, and meets all other zoning restrictions.
    • Additional lots require the seller to have 40 or more acres in the same tract for each permit.
    • Lots are counted against original tracts existing on the stated adoption date.

    minimum road frontage: >= 200 feet · minimum lot size: >= 2 acres · additional-lot original tract size: >= 40 acres (for each additional building permit)

    “Has a minimum 200 feet of road frontage, and 2. Has a minimum size of 2 Acres, and 3. Meets all other restrictions in this Code of Zoning Regulations.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum yard or setback requirements in the unincorporated area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, under the A-1, R-1, R-2, and R-MHP zoning districts.

    • A-1 requires front 80 feet from the road right-of-way, side 80 feet from the property line, and rear 40 feet from the property line.
    • R-1 requires front 80 feet from the road right-of-way, side 25 feet from the property line, and rear 40 feet from the property line.
    • R-2 has sewer-dependent setbacks: with central or group sewers, front 25 feet, side 10 feet, and rear 25 feet; without central or group sewers, front 80 feet, side 25 feet, and rear 40 feet.
    • R-MHP requires front 15 feet from the road right-of-way, side 15 feet from the property line, and rear 20 feet from the property line.

    R-1 front setback: 80 feet (from the road right-of-way) · R-1 side setback: 25 feet (from the property line) · R-1 rear setback: 40 feet (from the property line) · R-2 front setback with central or group sewers: 25 feet (with central or group sewers) · R-2 side setback with central or group sewers: 10 feet (with central or group sewers) · R-2 rear setback with central or group sewers: 25 feet (with central or group sewers) · R-2 front setback without central or group sewers: 80 feet (without central or group sewers; measured from the road right-of-way) · R-2 side setback without central or group sewers: 25 feet (without central or group sewers; measured from the property line) · R-2 rear setback without central or group sewers: 40 feet (without central or group sewers; measured from the property line) · R-MHP front setback: 15 feet (from the road right-of-way) · R-MHP side setback: 15 feet (from the property line) · R-MHP rear setback: 20 feet (from the property line)

    “Front: twenty-five (25) ft. where central or group sewers are provided, or eighty (80) ft. where central or group sewers are not provided, measured from the road right-of-way. Side: ten (10) ft. where central or group sewers are provided, or twenty-five (25) ft. where central or group sewers are not provided, measured from the property line. Rear: twenty-five (25) ft. where central or group sewers are provided, or forty (40) ft. where central or group sewers are not provided, measured from the property line.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and mobile homes in Buck Township zoning districts.
      “100 ft. from the centerline of road. 40 ft. for non-farm homes & mobile homes on individual lots. 40 ft. for non-farm homes & mobile homes on individual lots.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Mobile-home park lots in Hale Township.

    • The standard applies to each mobile-home park lot.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent (including accessory buildings, garages and porches)

    “Each mobile home dwelling, including accessory buildings, garages and porches, shall not cover more than fifty (50) percent of each mobile home park lot.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building heights in the unincorporated area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, under the A-1, R-1, R-2, and R-MHP zoning districts.

    • A-1, R-1, and R-2 each limit height to two and one-half stories or 35 feet.
    • R-MHP limits height to 15 feet.
    • The 35-foot standard therefore does not apply to every residential zoning district.

    A-1 maximum height: 35 feet (two and one-half stories maximum) · R-1 maximum height: 35 feet (two and one-half stories maximum) · R-2 maximum height: 35 feet (two and one-half stories maximum) · R-MHP maximum height: 15 feet

    “MAXIMUM HEIGHT: Two and one-half stories or 35 ft. in height [...] MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 15 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home used as a dwelling unit in unincorporated Cessna Township, Hardin County, where the use is otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning district.

    • The resolution does not use the term “tiny home”; this claim applies the resolution’s dwelling-unit minimum floor-area rules to a tiny home that is treated as a dwelling unit.
    • No dwelling unit in an A or R District may be below the listed minimum floor area.
    • Minimum floor areas are 800 square feet for single-family dwellings in A-1 and R-1, 600 square feet for mobile-home dwellings in A-1 and R-1, 800 square feet for single-family and two-family dwellings in R-2, 650 square feet for multiple-family dwellings in R-2, and 600 square feet for mobile-home dwellings in R-MHP.
    • A building must be a permitted use in its district or receive the required conditional-use approval.

    A-1 single-family minimum floor area: 800 square feet · A-1 mobile-home minimum floor area: 600 square feet · R-1 single-family minimum floor area: 800 square feet · R-1 mobile-home minimum floor area: 600 square feet · R-2 single-family and two-family minimum floor area: 800 square feet · R-2 multiple-family minimum floor area: 650 square feet · R-MHP mobile-home minimum floor area: 600 square feet

    “No dwelling unit [...] shall have a floor area less than the following:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of a recreational vehicle as a residence in unincorporated Cessna Township, Hardin County.
      “more than thirty (30) days [...] without obtaining a conditional use permit.”
    • Limited — A tiny home used as a dwelling unit in the unincorporated area of Cessna Township, Hardin County.
      “The provisions of this Resolution shall apply to the entire unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio [...] No dwelling unit in an “A” or “R” District shall have a floor area less than the following: Zoning District Minimum Floor Area Per Dwelling Unit (Square Feet) A-1 800-Single Family Dwellings 600- Mobile Home Dwellings R-1 800-Single Family Dwellings 600-Mobile Home Dwellings R-2 800-Single Family Dwellings and Two Family 650-Multiple-Family Dwellings R-MHP 600-Mobile Home Dwellings”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Initial gas, electricity, water, or sewer utility service to a building or mobile home in Buck Township.

    • A Buck Township Zoning Certificate must first be presented to the utility company or electrical supplier.
    • This is a Buck Township rule, not a countywide utility-connection rule.
    “No public utility company or supplier of electrical service shall supply initial utility services (gas, electricity, water, sewer) to any building or mobile home located within the confines of Buck Township until such time as a Zoning Certificate is presented”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Initial gas, electricity, water, or sewer service to buildings or mobile homes in Hale Township.
      “No public utility company or supplier of electrical service shall supply initial utility services (gas, electricity, water, sewer) to any building or mobile home located within the confines of Hale Township until such time as a Zoning Certificate is presented to such public utility or electrical service company which indicates that the building to be serviced has been officially approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural land uses and agricultural buildings or structures in the unincorporated land area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, Ohio.

    • For lots greater than five acres used for legitimate agricultural purposes, the resolution does not impose restrictions on the agricultural use or agricultural buildings or structures, except that agricultural buildings or structures must comply with required setback lines.
    • Agricultural uses on lots of one acre or less remain subject to the resolution.
    • Buildings and structures incident to agricultural use on lots greater than one acre but not greater than five acres remain subject to the resolution, including setback lines, building height, and building size.

    unrestricted agricultural-lot threshold: > 5 acres (Legitimate agricultural purposes; agricultural buildings and structures must conform to required setback lines.) · agricultural uses subject to resolution: <= 1 acres · agricultural buildings subject to identified controls: more than 1 acre through 5 acres (Includes setback lines, building height, and building size.)

    “Nothing in this Resolution shall impose restrictions on lots greater than five (5) acres, with respect to land used for legitimate agricultural purposes, or with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, remodeling, or extension of agricultural buildings or structures except that such agricultural buildings or structures shall conform to required setback lines”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings in the unincorporated area of Cessna Township, Hardin County, under the Cessna Township Zoning Regulations.
      “d. Agriculture Buildings- Zoning certificates shall not be required for agricultural buildings, such as barns, silos and outbuildings, however a permit application must be completed to ensure that the buildings comply with setback and size regulations.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Hale Township's FP Flood Plain and Drainageway District.

    • The district is intended to address storm-water channels, abnormal high-water flows, flood heights, loss of life, and property damage.
    • The cited excerpt does not provide the complete Chapter 3 floodplain specifications.
    “The FP Flood Plain & Drainageway District is designed to meet the need of storm water channels to carry abnormal flows of water in time of high water & flooding; to prevent encroachments into the districts which will unduly increase flood heights & damage; & to prevent the loss of life & excessive damage to property in the area of greatest flood hazard.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Buck Township zoning-certificate, zoning-amendment, conditional-use, and variance applications.

    • Filing fees are determined by resolution of the Buck Township Board of Township Trustees; the cited regulation does not state the dollar amounts.
    “Each written application for a Zoning Certificate, Zoning Amendment, Administrative Appeal, Conditional Use Permit or Variance shall be accompanied by filing fees which are to be determined by resolution of the Board of Township Trustees.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Zoning Certificate applications for non-farm buildings and structures in Hale Township.

    • Applications must include two copies of a scale drawing, lot location and existing zoning/use, building location/size/height, intended use, and dwelling-unit count if applicable.
    • The zoning officer acts within 30 days.
    • A certificate becomes void if construction does not begin within six months.
    • Agricultural buildings, including barns, silos, and outbuildings, do not require a zoning certificate.

    zoning officer action deadline: 30 days · certificate construction-start deadline: 6 months

    “Application for a Zoning Certificate shall be made in writing to the Board of Township Trustees, or their authorized agent. Each written application shall include the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Buck Township zoning-certificate applications for non-farm buildings and structures.
      “Application for a Zoning Certificate shall be made in writing to the Board of Township Trustees, or their authorized agent.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Ohio, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Hardin County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Short-term rentals

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for ordinary residential buildings in Hardin County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Hardin County, Ohio

Is Hardin County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Hardin County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 91,563 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics (37.7″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Hardin County, Ohio?

Hardin County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kenton-Hardin Health Department (under Ohio Department of Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Hardin County, Ohio?

Land in Hardin County runs about $9,197 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hardin County?

Hardin County gets about 37.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.3% of years.

How remote is Hardin County?

A representative private-land location has about 91,563 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,073,646 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Hardin compares in Ohio

Compare side-by-side →See all 88 Ohio counties ranked →