Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion in Columbus, OH?

Short answer: We could not confirm from an official source whether an ADU or garage conversion needs a permit in Columbus, OH; check with City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) before you start.

Last verified: 2026-10-19 · Confidence: low · Status: Unverified, confirm locally

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.

Unverified, confirm locally Confidence: low

Unverified: We did not find an official Columbus statement on ADUs or garage conversions; room additions and garages need a permit with plan review.

Note: Unverified, confirm locally.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the 2026 Columbus fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/14/bzs/fee-schedule/2026-combined-development-related-fee-schedule.pdf · All verified Columbus permit fees

Where to apply

City of Columbus Building and Zoning Services (Citizen Access Portal / 111 N Front St)

Permitting authority: City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS). Historic districts, area commissions and special zoning districts may need extra approvals. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: unverified · Confidence: low

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