What are the rules? Five things Wooster residents should know
Living in Wooster means enjoying small-city charm with a few rules mixed in. Whether you're planning a yard sale, building a backyard shed or just wondering how high your grass can grow, it's helpful to know the local guidelines before making a move.
These five questions come up often, and the answers from city ordinances can help avoid confusion, delays or even fines.
Here's what you need to know.
In Wooster, if lawn grass grows higher than 10 inches the city can have it mowed and bill the owner for the service.
How high can the grass grow before it needs to be mowed?
In Wooster, grass and weeds are considered a nuisance if they exceed 10 inches in height. Property owners are required to mow or remove vegetation taller than 10 inches. If the city issues a notice and the property owner fails to comply, the city may have the grass cut and bill the owner for the work done.
Do you need a permit to hold a garage sale?
The City of Wooster requires anyone planning a garage, yard or rummage sale to obtain a zoning certificate.
Yes. Temporary garage, yard and rummage sales require a zoning certificate under Accessory and Temporary Use regulations. Most garage sales are limited in duration and subject to zoning rules. If you're planning such a sale, check with the zoning administrator to confirm whether the event requires a certificate, but don’t assume it’s free and permit-free.
Can you park an RV in your driveway?
A motorhome can be parked in a homeowner's driveway in Wooster, but it must meet certain requirements.
Yes, with restrictions. Under accessory-use rules, you can park an RV in your driveway as long as it meets general setback and yard maintenance requirements. However, if the RV exceeds defined limits (e.g., its length or height), you may need a zoning certificate and possibly a building permit,
Do you need a permit to put up a fence, barn or shed?
Wooster residents need permits to place fences over three feet tall and barns and decks.
Yes, for most structures:
Fences: A zoning certificate is required for fences, walls and hedges except for small decorative segments (under 20 feet long and 3 feet tall).
- Fences must respect setback and visibility rules at driveways and sidewalks
Barns and sheds: A zoning certificate is needed to build most accessory structures like sheds, barns, decks and porches.
- Some minor repairs or replacements qualify for exemptions, especially if the original certificate is available.
How many pets can you keep at home?
Wooster’s code doesn’t specify a numeric limit for household pets like dogs and cats. However, pet owners must follow general rules − pets must be controlled (e.g., leashed in parks) and nuisance behaviors must be avoided. For poultry, livestock and more exotic animals, check the zoning code or contact the city to verify limits.
