Ohio Parcel Downloader

1. Navigate to Your Area - Use the map controls to zoom and pan to your area of interest in Ohio
2. Draw a Bounding Box - Click the "Draw Bounding Box" button, then click and drag to select your area
3. Choose Your Format - Select DXF or DWG for CAD software, or KML for Google Earth
4. Download - Click download to receive your parcel data instantly

Why Everyone Should Learn Basic CAD

In our digital age, CAD literacy is becoming as important as spreadsheet skills. Here's why:

• Communicate Visually: A picture is worth a thousand words, but a CAD drawing is worth a thousand pictures. Show contractors exactly what you want.
• Save Money: Create your own site plans instead of paying hundreds of dollars to professionals for simple drawings.
• Avoid Mistakes: Measure twice, build once. CAD lets you plan accurately before any physical work begins.
• Valuable Skill: CAD skills are transferable to many fields and can even become a side income source.
• It's Actually Fun: Once you learn the basics, CAD becomes like a precise drawing game. Many people find it relaxing and rewarding.

Start with QGIS or LibreCAD - in just one hour, you'll be measuring property lines and creating useful maps!

Example 1: Planning a Fence Installation

1. Navigate to your property on the map and draw a box around it
2. Download in DXF format (works with most CAD programs)
3. Open in LibreCAD (free) or your preferred CAD software
4. Use the measure tool to check distances from property lines
5. Draw your proposed fence location (typically 6-12 inches inside your property line)
6. Add dimensions and notes
7. Print or export to PDF for contractors and permits

Common setbacks: Most areas require fences to be 6-12 inches inside property lines. Corner lots often have different rules. Always check local codes!

Example 2: Creating an HOA Site Plan

1. Download your parcel and open in CAD software
2. Add your house outline (measure or trace from aerial photo)
3. Draw existing features: driveway, trees, current landscaping
4. Add your proposed improvement (deck, pool, shed, etc.)
5. Label all distances from property lines
6. Add a north arrow and scale
7. Include a title block with your address and date
8. Export to PDF for submission

HOA tip: Most HOAs want to see setbacks, neighboring properties, and how your project fits the overall lot. The more detail, the faster the approval!

Example 3: Resolving Boundary Questions

1. Download parcels for your entire block
2. Open in Google Earth using KML format
3. Compare property lines with visible features (fences, driveways)
4. Measure distances between features and property lines
5. Screenshot problem areas for discussion
6. If significant discrepancies exist, consult a surveyor

Remember: Fences aren't always on property lines! Many were installed by agreement or estimation. This tool helps identify potential issues before they become disputes.

When working with your parcel data, these common measurements and requirements will help:

Typical Setback Requirements

• Front yard: Usually 25-40 feet from property line (varies widely)
• Side yard: Often 5-10 feet (3 feet for sheds/accessory buildings)
• Rear yard: Typically 10-25 feet
• Corner lots: May have two "front" yards with larger setbacks
• Pools: Usually 10+ feet from all property lines
• Decks: Same as house setbacks if attached, relaxed if freestanding

Understanding Property Dimensions

• Acre: 43,560 square feet (about 209 x 209 feet if square)
• Standard lot: Often 60-80 feet wide by 120-150 feet deep
• Frontage: The width of your property along the street
• Irregular lots: Use CAD area tools to calculate exact square footage

While this tool provides accurate property boundaries, complete property research often requires additional resources. Here's where to find more information:

Local Government Resources

• Property details: Owner name, sale history, tax information
• Building information: Square footage, year built, improvements
• Tax maps: Often show additional details like easements
• Photographs: Exterior photos updated every few years

Public Records

• Deeds: Complete ownership history and legal descriptions
• Easements: Utility, access, and drainage rights
• Plat maps: Original subdivision plans with lot dimensions
• Surveys: Professional surveys if previously recorded

Online Resources

• Google Street View: See fence locations and property features
• Historic aerials: Track property changes over time
• Flood maps: FEMA flood zone determinations
• Zoning maps: Local planning department websites

Parcels are the fundamental units of land ownership. Each parcel represents a legally defined piece of property with specific boundaries, an owner, and typically a tax identification number. In Ohio, these boundaries are maintained at the county level and aggregated from public data sources for statewide access. This free tool connects directly to official public databases, providing instant access to property boundary information across all 88 counties.

Ohio uses two State Plane coordinate systems to minimize distortion across the state:

• Ohio North (EPSG:3734) - For counties north of 40°30' latitude, including Cleveland, Toledo, and Akron
• Ohio South (EPSG:3735) - For counties south of 40°30' latitude, including Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton