Ohio Rev. Code § 4583.04: Exclusive right of license.

The person owning land on both sides of a stream where a ferry is proposed to be established shall have exclusive right of a license for a ferry at such place. When the opposit banks are owned by different persons, the right to the ferry shall be mutual. If such owner does not apply, the court of common pleas shall grant a license to a person applying for it. If either of the landings is not on a public highway, the consent of the owner of the ground shall be first had in writing.