Building a Pole Barn in Johnstown: Permits and Pitfalls

Thinking about adding a pole barn to your Johnstown property? It is a great way to gain storage, a workshop, or hobby space, but the rules can be tricky here. Between village limits, township zoning, and county permits, small mistakes can turn costly fast. This guide walks you through permits, size limits, agricultural paths, and the pitfalls to avoid so your project adds value without headaches. Let’s dive in.

Check your jurisdiction first

Before you sketch floor plans, confirm where your property sits. If you are inside the Village of Johnstown, the Village Planning and Zoning Department sets the rules and issues zoning approvals. Start with the village’s Planning and Zoning page for maps and contacts to confirm your parcel and district boundaries. If you are outside village limits, your township’s zoning resolution applies. Township rules can be different and sometimes stricter, as Liberty Township notices show with larger setback expectations for accessory structures.

• Village of Johnstown zoning and forms are posted on the village’s Planning and Zoning page. Visit the Planning and Zoning page.
• Township examples and BZA cases show how setbacks are enforced. See a Liberty Township BZA notice.

Design Review Districts also exist in parts of the village. If you are in a design area, expect rules about appearance and placement.

Know the village size limits

If your property is inside Johnstown and zoned residential, accessory buildings have strict caps. The code limits the total area of all detached accessory structures to the greater of 30 percent of your home’s living area or 576 square feet, and it caps height at 24 feet. Accessory buildings must sit at least five feet from lot lines and cannot extend in front of the primary home. These limits mean many popular barn sizes are too large for typical in‑village lots. Review the village rules for accessory structures in Section 1171.03. See Johnstown’s accessory structure standards.

If you need more space, two paths are common. Larger buildings are generally allowed on parcels zoned Agricultural within the village, subject to district standards like five-acre minimum lot area and higher height limits. Review the AG district standards. You can also explore a variance or other zoning relief when available, but approvals are not guaranteed.

County building permit comes after zoning

In most cases, building permits are issued by the Licking County Building Code Department. The county requires proof of local zoning approval before it will accept a building permit application. Plan on submitting an application, your zoning certificate, and two complete sets of construction plans and specifications. Some projects will need drawings by an Ohio‑licensed architect or engineer, especially larger or nonresidential buildings. Check the county’s permit and plan requirements.

Agricultural use can change requirements

Ohio law treats agricultural buildings differently if they are used for bona fide farming. Under Ohio Revised Code 3781.061, a building that your zoning inspector certifies as agricultural is exempt from certain sections of the building code. Do not assume this applies to you. You need written confirmation from the zoning inspector about agricultural use before you rely on an exemption. Read the agricultural exemption statute.

Inside the village, the Agricultural district has its own standards and typically allows larger structures when the lot and use qualify. If you are pursuing agricultural status, coordinate early with the zoning office.

Other approvals to plan for

Septic, wells, and plumbing

If you plan to add a bathroom, sink, or any plumbing, contact the Licking County Health Department early. Private water systems and sewage systems need permits, site evaluations, and inspections. Site soils can drive your design and cost. Start with Environmental Health at LCHD.

Driveways and drainage

New or modified driveways and culverts often need approval from the township or the County Engineer. Drainage and right‑of‑way details must meet county specs. If moving dirt or adding a new access, build in time for this permit. See the county’s subdivision improvement regulations reference.

Utilities and electrical

A new barn with power can require a service upgrade. Coordinate with your utility provider and expect electrical permits and inspections through the building department.

Fire and commercial use

Larger or nonresidential uses sometimes involve fire‑department coordination. The building department advises contacting the local fire department for commercial submittals. Review county guidance.

Design districts and HOAs

Design Review Districts and private covenants can limit size, materials, and placement even when zoning allows a barn. Confirm these rules before you order materials.

Avoid these costly pitfalls

• Building before you have zoning and permits. This can lead to stop‑work orders, fines, or removal.
• Assuming you qualify for the agricultural exemption without written confirmation. Confirm under ORC 3781.061.
• Overlooking septic or well needs when adding plumbing. Fixing this late can be expensive. Contact LCHD early.
• Misreading village versus township rules. Jurisdiction determines what size you can build. Verify with the village Planning and Zoning page.
• Skipping a boundary survey and missing easements. Property line mistakes are a leading cause of enforcement actions. Learn why surveys matter.

Your step‑by‑step checklist

1. Confirm your parcel’s jurisdiction and zoning district. Start with the Village Planning and Zoning page or your township office. Find village zoning info.

2. Pull the zoning rules for your district and note size, height, and setback limits for accessory structures. Browse Johnstown’s code library.

3. Order a boundary survey and prepare a stamped site plan with distances to property lines, septic, well, driveway, and easements. Why this step prevents problems.

4. Meet the Zoning Inspector or Township Zoning Officer to obtain a zoning certificate. You will need it for the building permit. Confirm county submittal requirements.

5. Submit your building permit application with two sets of plans. Ask if engineered plans are required. See county permit guidance.

6. If adding plumbing or water, start your septic and well review with LCHD. If adding a driveway, contact the township or County Engineer. Coordinate early with your utility about electrical service. Visit LCHD Environmental Health.

7. If your barn exceeds local limits, consider alternatives such as an AG‑zoned lot or a variance where allowed. Understand the BZA process. Review variance procedures.

8. Keep complete records of approvals, inspections, and plans. These documents support resale and protect you if questions arise later.

Who to contact

• Village of Johnstown Planning and Zoning for zoning districts, certificates, and Design Review Districts. Go to Planning and Zoning.
• Licking County Building Code Department for building permits, plans, and inspections. Phone: 740-349-6671. View permit info.
• Licking County Health Department, Environmental Health for septic, well, and plumbing. Get forms and contacts.
• Your township zoning office for unincorporated parcels. Liberty Township’s public notices are a good example of accessory structure cases. See a Liberty BZA notice.

Make your barn add value

Think about how the barn fits your property and future resale. Choose a size that aligns with your lot and home, and place it to protect views and yard use. If you plan a finished interior, document permits and inspections so buyers can trust the work. Clean records and smart siting help your barn become a selling point instead of a sticking point.

Ready to map out your project or evaluate how a pole barn could affect resale? Let’s talk about strategy, siting, and what local buyers expect. Connect with Angel Perez to get tailored guidance for your property goals.

FAQs

Do you need a permit for a pole barn in the Johnstown area?

• Yes. You typically need a zoning certificate first, then a building permit through Licking County’s Building Code Department. Township parcels follow township zoning, while village parcels follow village zoning.

What size pole barn can you build inside the Village of Johnstown?

• In residential districts, detached accessory structures are capped at the greater of 30 percent of your home’s living area or 576 square feet in total exterior area, with a maximum height of 24 feet and minimum five-foot setbacks from lot lines.

How does the Ohio agricultural exemption work for barns?

• If the zoning inspector issues a certificate stating the building is for agricultural use, certain building code sections do not apply. You must have this designation in writing for the exemption to apply.

When do you involve the Health Department for a pole barn?

• Any project that includes plumbing, a bathroom, or a water connection should involve the Licking County Health Department early for septic and well permits and inspections.

What if your plan exceeds local size or setback limits?

• Explore options such as locating the barn on an AG‑zoned parcel, applying for a variance when available, or modifying the design to comply. Approvals are case specific and not guaranteed.