Notwithstanding other provisions of this title, in any residential district, fences, walls, hedges, or other plantings may be permitted in any required yard, provided that nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of three feet and ten feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets, within a triangular area formed by the intersecting lines at points ten feet distant from the point of intersection as measured along the lot property lines and for intersecting alleys and alley approaches onto streets the triangular area formed by the intersecting lines at points five feet distant from the point of the intersection as measured along the property lines. On a corner lot in commercial or industrial districts, no portion of a building or other obstruction to vision between three and ten feet above the centerline grade level, except a post or column, shall occupy the space within a triangular area formed by the intersecting lines at points five feet distant from the point of intersection as measured along the lot property lines.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2410), 1997)

(Ord. No. 351, § 1(Exh. A), 10-3-2016)

A.

Up to twelve chicken hens (Female Gallus gallus domesticus) may be kept on a premises subject to the following requirements and subject to all other applicable provisions of the Columbus Municipal Code:

1.

The chicken hens must be kept on a single-family parcel. Chicken hens are prohibited on any multi-dwelling parcel.

2.

No male chickens (roosters) shall be permitted.

3.

The owner must obtain an annual permit from the city clerk.

a.

The fee for this permit shall be twenty-five ($25.00) and shall be nonrefundable.

b.

The fee for this permit may be periodically adjusted by resolution duly adopted by the city council.

4.

The chicken hens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof chicken house that is thoroughly ventilated, of sufficient size to admit free movement of the chicken hens, designed to be easily accessed, cleaned, and maintained by the owners, be at least two square feet per chicken hen in size and the coop and enclosure cannot be more than twelve feet at its peak in height.

5.

No chicken house, outdoor chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall at any time be located closer than ten feet to any public right-of-way, sidewalk, or neighboring property line.

6.

The chicken hens shall be shut into the chicken house at night, from sunset to sunrise.

7.

During daylight hours the adult chicken hens shall have access to the chicken house and, weather permitting, shall have access to an outdoor enclosure on the subject property, adequately fenced to contain the chicken hens and to prevent access to the chicken hens by predators.

8.

Stored feed must be kept in a rodent- and predator-proof container.

9.

It is unlawful for the owner, custodian, or keeper of any chicken hen to allow the animal(s) to be a nuisance to any neighbors, including but not limited to: noxious odors from the animals or their enclosure and noise of a loud and persistent and habitual nature.

10.

No chicken hen(s) shall be allowed to run at large in the city. No owner or keeper shall allow or permit any chicken hen(s) to be at large off the owner's or keeper's property. Any chicken hen(s) found to be running at large in the city or on private property in violation of this section shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be impounded in the animal shelter. Any impounded chicken hen shall not be released to the owner until the owner has paid an impoundment fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per chicken hen per day or any part of a day. Any chicken hen not reclaimed by the owner within seventy-two hours of impoundment shall be deemed abandoned and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in a manner deemed appropriate by the animal control officer.

11.

No chicken house, chicken enclosure, or chicken hen shall be located in a front yard.

12.

No chicken hens shall be slaughtered within view of adjacent property or the public.

13.

Changes to the standards contained in this section shall require any permit holder to comply with any new standard, regulation, or condition and no notice to a permit holder is required prior to enforcement of any new standard beyond that required for adoption of a new or revised ordinance.

14.

A chicken house required under this section must meet the setback requirements of the zoning district in which the chicken house is located.

15.

Chicken hens shall not be permitted in areas where prohibited by subdivision covenants.

16.

A violation of this section is a municipal infraction with civil penalties as specified in Section 7-1-4150 and 7-1-4151,

B.

If the person holding the permit issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.96.015 refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the regulations promulgated by the city of Columbus, or any law governing the protection and keeping of such animal, the city may revoke the permit upon providing written notice to the owner.

(Ord. No. 345, 3-3-2014; Ord. No. 369-2024, § 1, 4-1-2024)

"Accessory buildings and structures" means any building or structure which is subordinate to the principal building; contributes to the reasonable and necessary comfort, convenience and needs of the occupants of the principal building. This includes detached garages; carports; canvas carports; sheds; gazebos; playhouses and other detached buildings and structures.

Accessory buildings and structures may be located in any zoning district in accordance with this section.

Accessory buildings and structures must be constructed in conjunction with or after the principal building and use is constructed and established.

Accessory buildings and structures are prohibited in front yards, except for structures that are customarily found in front yards such as flag poles and minor landscape structures.

Accessory buildings and structures shall not be located closer than five feet to the principal building.

Accessory buildings and structures shall not exceed the height requirements in the applicable zoning district.

Accessory buildings and structures side and rear yard setback requirements:

Side yard: Accessory buildings and structures ten feet in height or less shall have a minimum side yard setback of two feet from the property line. For every foot of height taller than ten feet add an additional one foot of required setback from the property line. Example: fourteen (14) foot structure requires a six-foot setback; two-foot minimum setback + (14ft - 10ft.) = 6 ft. setback.

Rear yard: Accessory buildings and structures ten feet in height or less, with the exception of garages, shall have minimum rear yard setback of two feet from the rear property line. For every foot of height over ten feet add an additional one foot of setback requirement from the rear property line. (See example calculation under side yard). Garages may be located five feet from the rear property line unless the garage doors open to an alley in which case there shall be a minimum ten-foot setback requirement from the rear property line.

No accessory buildings and structures shall be located in a recorded easement without the written approval of the agency who has jurisdiction over the easement. If approval is granted the accessory building or structure shall be constructed in such a manner as to be readily and easily movable (ie: constructed on skids and not on a concrete or permanent foundation.)

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2411), 1997)

(Ord. No. 351, § 1(Exh. A), 10-3-2016)

In any district, more than one structure housing a permitted and customary accessory use may be erected on a single lot or tract of land, provided that yard and other requirements of this title shall be met for each structure as though it were on an individual lot.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2412), 1997)

Home occupations shall be permitted with the intention of permitting uses which in the opinion of the approving body will not adversely affect the public safety, health and general welfare and uses permitted in the district of which it is a part. Criteria for approval of a home occupation shall include, but may not be limited to the following:

A.

There shall be no structural alteration to accommodate the occupation.

B.

Only members of the immediate family who reside within the dwelling unit shall be engaged in any occupation conducted within such dwelling.

C.

The home occupation may be advertised by a nameplate or nonilluminated sign not to exceed two square feet that is attached to the main door or suspended in a window.

D.

No materials or mechanical equipment shall be used which shall be detrimental to the residential use of such residence or adjoining residences because of vibration, noise, odor, interference with radio or television reception or other factors.

E.

No occupation shall be permitted, which in the opinion of the approving body, will detract from the residential character of the neighborhood.

F.

Only one vehicle related to the occupation may be kept at the premises.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2413), 1997)

The height limitations contained in any district regulations do not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, chimneys, water tanks, ventilators, elevator housing, grain elevators, or other agricultural buildings, except where prohibited by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2414), 1997)

Every building hereafter erected or moved shall be on a lot adjacent to a public street, or with access to an approved private street, and all structures shall be located on lots as to provide safe convenient access for servicing, fire protection and required off-street parking.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2415), 1997)

The temporary special use of public property shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 17.72, Public Lands, and Institutions, and requires a temporary special use permit from the city. Temporary special uses for community or non-profit events are permitted uses in public zones with a special use permit obtained from the city.

Temporary commercial uses specifically listed are allowable in AO, HC, CBD, and LI zoning districts. Temporary commercial uses listed as permitted conditional uses shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 17.84, conditional uses.

If a use operates at more than one location, only one permit shall be required provided that the property owner of any additional site has consented in writing. The permittee may not change to a location different from that which has been stated on the application and approved upon issuance of a permit without approval from the zoning officer.

A.

Group 1 temporary uses: Consists of temporary uses of the property continuing for less than seventy-two hours.

1.

Clear sight vision for ingress and egress shall be provided.

2.

All approaches and access must be approved by the public works department.

3.

A temporary sign not exceeding twenty-four square feet and eight feet in height shall be allowable but may not remain in place once the temporary use permit has expired. At no time shall any portion of the temporary commercial use operation or any sign extend into the public right-of-way, this includes signs, banners, flags and awnings.

4.

Dependent on the proposed commercial activity the zoning officer may determine that a traffic circulation and parking plan is needed to accompany the application for temporary use prior to the permit being issued.

5.

Applications are approved by the zoning officer and the zoning officer may have conditions associated with the permit to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

B.

Group 2 temporary uses: Consists of temporary uses of the property continuing for more than seventy-two hours but less than thirty days.

1.

Clear sight vision for ingress and egress shall be provided.

2.

All approaches and access must be approved by the public works department.

3.

A temporary sign not exceeding twenty-four square feet and eight feet in height shall be allowable but may not remain in place once the temporary use permit has expired. At no time shall any portion of the temporary commercial use operation or any sign extend into the public right-of-way, this includes signs, banners, flags, and awnings.

4.

Dependent on the proposed commercial activity the zoning officer may determine that a traffic circulation and parking plan is needed to accompany the application for temporary use prior to the permit being issued.

5.

Applications are approved by the zoning officer and the zoning officer may have conditions associated with the permit to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

C.

Group 3 temporary uses: Consists of temporary uses of property continuing for more than thirty days but less than ninety .

1.

Clear sight vision for ingress and egress shall be provided.

2.

All approaches and access must be approved by the public works department.

3.

A temporary sign not exceeding twenty-four square feet and eight feet in height shall be allowable but may not remain in place once the temporary use permit has expired. At no time shall any portion of the temporary commercial use operation or any sign extend into the public right-of-way, this includes signs, banners, flags, and awnings.

4.

Dependent on the proposed commercial activity the zoning officer may determine that a traffic circulation and parking plan is needed to accompany the application for temporary use prior to the permit being issued.

5.

Applications are approved by the zoning officer and the zoning officer may have conditions associated with the permit to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

D.

Group 4 temporary uses: Consists of commercial uses that exceed ninety days not to exceed one year and that generally operate seasonally and annually and are mobile.

1.

Clear sight vision for ingress and egress to the property shall be provided.

2.

The proposed commercial activity shall require that a traffic circulation and parking plan accompany the temporary use application prior to the permit being issued.

3.

A temporary sign not exceeding twenty-four square feet and eight feet in height shall be allowable but may not remain in place once the temporary use permit has expired. At no time shall any portion of the temporary commercial use operation or any sign extend into the public right-of-way, this includes signs, banners, flags, and awnings.

4.

Applications are approved by the zoning officer and the zoning officer may have conditions associated with the permit to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 307 § 3, 1999; Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2416), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018; Ord. No. 362, § 2(Exh.A), 12-6-2022; Ord. No. 365-2023, § (Exh. A), 3-20-2023)

Outdoor lighting of trees, bushes, fountains, swimming pools, or grounds or residences shall not illuminate or be reflected upon any adjacent property.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2417), 1997)

A.

All salvage dealers, or other persons accumulating, depositing or storing salvage within the Columbus area when the accumulating, depositing or storing thereof shall be without a building or not within a building, either now stored, deposited or accumulated, or hereafter so deposited, stored or accumulated, shall fence surrounding materials with a sight obscuring fence at least six feet high, sufficient to enclose such materials from public view from outside the enclosure.

B.

Campers, camping trailers, motor homes, recreational vehicles, snowmobiles and boats may be parked and stored in rear, side or front yards; however, it is unlawful to occupy any such campers, camping trailers, motor homes, manufactured homes or recreational vehicles, for living or sleeping purposes for more than thirty (30) consecutive days.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2418), 1997)

(Ord. No. 351, § 1(Exh. A), 10-3-2016)

When a lot faces more than one street the front yard setbacks shall apply to the side with the shorter lot boundary along a street. Side setbacks shall apply to the longer lot boundary.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2419), 1997)

No zoning permits shall be issued or uses permitted (except temporary special uses) in any public right-of-way, or any street or alley right-of-way proposed in the 1997 Columbus Master Plan or subsequent growth policy.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2420), 1997)

A.

Fences, walls and hedges in any district may be located on lot lines provided such fences, walls and hedges do not exceed eight feet in height in commercial and industrial zones and six feet in height in all other zones; except that visibility at intersections must be maintained as specified in Section 17.96.010.

B.

It is unlawful for any person to erect any barbed wire, other sharp fencing materials, or electrically charged fences in the city of Columbus, except for AO, RE and AP districts. When electrically charged fences are used, such fence shall be posted with warning signs at intervals not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) feet where such fences are adjacent to public rights-of-way.

C.

Height, for purposes of this chapter, shall be defined as the vertical distance from the top rail, board or wire to the ground on the low side of the fence, wall or hedge.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2421), 1997)

Where a district boundary line as established on the official zoning map divides a lot which was a single ownership and of record at the time of the enactment of this title, the use thereon and district requirements applying to the least restricted portion of such lot under this code shall be considered as extending to the entire lot, the use so extended shall be deemed to be conforming.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2422), 1997)

No public or private swimming pool in any district shall be located in any required front yard; however, if not more than six feet in height, such use may be located in any required side yard or rear yard. In addition, all subsurface swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence, building or wall.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2423), 1997)

Every part of a required yard or court shall be open and unobstructed by any building or structure from its lowest point upward, except as follows:

A.

Balconies, canopies, chimneys, cornices, eaves, or other similar features may extend into a required side yard setback area not more than three feet and may extend into a required rear or front yard setback not more than five feet.

B.

Open, unwalled, uncovered decks, entrance landings, handicap ramps, steps and patios may extend into a required setback area as follows:

Patios are permitted in any required yard. Definition of patio for this purpose is "an area consisting of natural or manmade material which is constructed at grade level and intended for use as an outdoor living area."

Open unwalled, uncovered decks, entrance landings, handicap ramps and steps; six feet in total height or less may extend into a required side yard setback area not more than four feet and may extend into a required front yard setback area not more than ten feet and may extend into a required rear yard setback not more than five feet.

C.

Handicap Ramps: If the required setbacks can not be met, handicap ramps are permitted in the required setback areas, but must, in the opinion of the zoning officer, be the minimum intrusion necessary to construct a functional handicap ramp. In situations where the setbacks can not be met the application for a permit shall include an accompanying written statement explaining the reasons for the placement of the handicap ramp. The application shall also require a written statement from a physician verifying the need for the handicap ramp and when it has been determined that the handicap ramp is no longer needed it shall be removed.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2424), 1997)

(Ord. No. 351, § 1(Exh. A), 10-3-2016)

Any person desiring to use any premises or to erect, construct or alter any new or existing building or structure for use as a bar, tavern, lounge, or any commercial establishment which serves alcoholic beverages as a primary or accessory use shall first make application for conditional use permit. No building, structure or premises shall be used for retail alcoholic beverage sales unless a distance of six hundred (600) feet between property lines measured in a straight line, is maintained from any school playground, public park, public recreation area, church or other public buildings.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2425), 1997)

Whenever any building work is being done contrary to the provisions of this title, the zoning officer shall order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any person engaged in doing or causing such work to be done, and any such person shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the zoning officer to proceed with the work.

(Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.2426), 1997)