The purpose of the East Franklinton District (the District) is to provide for development consistent with the urban character of the neighborhood by establishing use, development and performance standards that reflect its urban, mixed use character and to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of the residents and businesses of this district through design review. For those properties within the geographic boundaries of the District as described in Section 3323.03 that have a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the provisions of this Chapter shall be applied in the form of an overlay keeping with the standards of the 2024 Zoning Code.

The District is established to meet the following objectives:

A.

Implement the vision, recommendations, policies and standards of the East Franklinton Creative Community District Plan (the East Franklinton Plan or the Plan), as amended;

B.

Preserve, stabilize and improve the East Franklinton neighborhood through a design review process;

C.

Encourage a dense, walkable and mixed-use development pattern that is sensitive to and complements existing development, consistent with adopted plans, standards and guidelines;

D.

Promote preservation and/or conservation of existing contributing buildings and ensuring new buildings are sensitive to their context in the built environment;

E.

Facilitate an increased presence and integration of the arts and related cultural and arts-related support uses and businesses, as well as design, technology, research, institutional, office and retail uses;

F.

Promote expansion of the housing supply by supporting a broad variety of housing product options to support a mixed income neighborhood;

G.

Establish the East Franklinton Review Board (the Review Board) to regulate changes to the built environment through the issuance of a Certificate of Approval; and

H.

Promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

The District is the area indicated on the official zoning map and bounded as follows:

A.

Beginning at the point where the eastern right-of-way boundary of State Route 315 intersects with the northern right-of-way boundary of I-70;

B.

Thence easterly to the intersection of the northern right-of-way boundary of I-70 and the northern bank of the Scioto River;

C.

Thence easterly along the northern bank of the Scioto River to its intersection with the western boundary of the Downtown District;

D.

Thence northerly along the western boundary of the Downtown District;

E.

Thence westerly along the southern boundary of the Downtown District until it intersects with the eastern boundary of State Route 315;

F.

Thence southerly until the place of the beginning.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning given herein. For parcels and properties with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the definitions contained within the 2024 Zoning Code prevail in the event of a conflict.

A.

Agriculture: The commercial practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food, in this case in an urban neighborhood. Agriculture can also involve small animal husbandry and beekeeping.

B.

Artist: Person(s) working in all art forms and mediums, including, but not limited to, painters, sculptors, authors, screenwriters, play writes, film makers, dancers, potters, weavers, jewelers, exhibitors, printers, costumers, musicians and photographers.

C.

Artisan Food and Beverage Production: On-site production of food and beverage products, involving small batch processing. Typical uses include coffee roasting, ice cream, bakery, candy, and other food stuffs, and alcoholic beverage manufacturing. This may include on-site sales and consumption.

D.

Artisan Manufacturing: On-site production of goods by hand manufacturing, involving the use of hand tools and small-scale, light mechanical equipment. Typical uses include woodworking and cabinet shops, ceramic studios, jewelry manufacturing and similar types of arts and crafts or very small-scale manufacturing uses that have no negative external impacts on surrounding properties. Welding is also permitted.

E.

Artist Work or Sales Space: Floor space devoted to the production, showing or sale of art, such as art galleries and artist studios. This includes space for work-only (visual studio, performing rehearsal), sale-only (gallery, store, theater, etc.), or a combination of work and sale space.

F.

Board Staff: A reference to city staff assigned to support the East Franklinton Review Board.

G.

Certificate of Approval: "Certificate of Approval", "Certificate" or "COA" means a certificate issued by the East Franklinton Review Board to an applicant stating that the proposed construction, alteration or demolition of a structure, site improvements per an approved site plan, architectural feature or graphic pursuant to the application filed therefor is appropriate under the terms of this Chapter pertinent thereto and consistent with the design characteristics, guidelines and standards affecting same or due to unusual and compelling circumstances or substantial economic hardship does not require such consistency; and that, therefore, a permit can be issued therefor.

H.

District: "District" when used in this Chapter, shall mean the East Franklinton Zoning District, unless otherwise stated.

I.

East Franklinton Plan: "East Franklinton Plan" or the "Plan" reference the East Franklinton Creative Community District Plan, adopted by Columbus City Council on November 12, 2012 and as subsequently amended.

J.

Live/Work Space: A dwelling unit that is also is used for non-residential uses such as, but not limited to, the production, showing and sale of art, both visual and performing arts, office uses, and related uses.

K.

Mixed Use Buildings: Buildings in which a mix of permitted uses is included in the same building.

L.

Review Board: "Review Board" shall mean the East Franklinton Review Board.

M.

Overlay: "Overlay" when used in this Chapter, shall mean the East Franklinton Overlay that includes all of those parcels with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation located within the geographic boundaries of the District as described in Section 3323.03.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

A.

Except for those parcels with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the standards of the District shall apply to all uses, changes to land or development, construction or exterior renovations, demolition, site improvements and/or graphics on properties located wholly or in part within the district boundaries. More specifically, the standards shall apply to:

1.

The placement, demolition, construction or reconstruction of a building or structure is subject to these standards and requirements, except as applied to non-conforming buildings as provided in Chapter 3391 and except as applied to routine maintenance. Facade renovations or exterior renovations are not considered reconstruction of a principal building, but still require a Certificate of Approval.

2.

The construction or installation of a new parking lot, graphic, exterior lighting, fence or other accessory structure is subject to all the applicable provisions herein. Standards do not apply to the re-striping or reconfiguration of existing parking lots.

B.

Those parcels located within the geographic boundaries of the District with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation are hereby designated as being within the East Franklinton Overlay and will be indicated on the official zoning map. For those parcels located in the East Franklinton Overlay, the 2024 Zoning Code shall govern. Wherever there is a conflict between this Chapter and the 2024 Zoning Code as applied to parcels within the East Franklinton Overlay, the 2024 Zoning Code shall prevail.

C.

In addition to being subject to the standards of this District, historic buildings listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Places (Chapter 3117) fall under the jurisdiction of the Historic Resources Commission. In such cases the Review Board's action, including staff review, of an application shall take place after review and final action by the Historic Resources Commission or Historic Preservation Office in instances of staff review. Such action shall be conveyed to the Review Board in writing by the preservation office. This section is not intended to prohibit coordinated and parallel consideration of proposals, particularly conceptual review.

D.

Rezonings and all variances shall be submitted to the Review Board for review and recommendation, prior to consideration by the applicable body.

E.

Where the District does not address a required standard and it is otherwise contained in the Zoning Code, the Zoning Code standard shall be followed.

F.

In cases where the standards of this District or conditions placed by the Review Board on a Certificate of Approval are in conflict with the Plan, the standards or conditions shall govern.

G.

Wherever there is a conflict between this chapter and the remainder of the Zoning Code, this chapter shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

A.

Creation, Terms, Membership and Officers.

1.

Creation. The Review Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council.

2.

Organization. Unless otherwise specified, as soon as convenient after the members of the Review Board are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council, the Review Board shall meet and organize by the election of a chairperson and secretary.

3.

Initial Terms. When the Review Board is first constituted, one member shall be appointed for an initial term of one year; three members shall be appointed for an initial term of two years; and three members shall be appointed for an initial term of three years. All subsequent terms shall be for a period of four years.

4.

Membership. At least four members of the Review Board shall reside or own a business or property in Franklinton. Among the professions that shall be represented on the Board, one member shall be engaged as a developer or realtor with experience in the sale or management of urban properties; one member shall be an architect, landscape architect or urban planner; one member shall be a design professional or contractor with historic rehabilitation experience; and one member shall be a lawyer with land use experience. One member of the board shall be recommended by the Franklinton Area Commission as its representative and one member shall be recommended by the Franklinton Board of Trade as its representative. A member may represent more than one required role.

5.

Nomination Process. Candidates for seats on the Review Board shall be recommended by the Development Department to the Mayor's Office for review and approval before submittal to City Council for final action. The Franklinton Area Commission and Franklinton Board of Trade shall each submit two candidates for consideration by the city in fulfilling each organization's seat on the Board. The Development Department will review and select one of the nominees for submittal to the Mayor's Office.

6.

Term. A member whose term has concluded may continue to temporarily serve on the Review Board until the member's appointment is renewed or is officially concluded through the appointment of a replacement member for that seat, provided that such temporary service shall not extend for more than 120 days after the conclusion of a member's term.

7.

Removal. By a majority vote of the Review Board, a member of the board may be removed from service for missing four consecutive meetings or a total of five meetings in one calendar year.

8.

Pay. Members shall serve without compensation.

9.

Officers. The Review Board shall elect a chair and vice-chair each year at an organizational meeting each January. At that same meeting, the board shall review the list of Staff Approvable Items and vote to ratify, expand or modify the list (see Section 3323.13, Certificate of Approval- Staff Review).

10.

Bylaws. The Review Board shall establish a set of bylaws for the conduct of its business.

B.

Proceedings. The Review Board shall adopt rules of procedure providing for regular and special meetings, provided that those rules do not conflict with this Chapter. Such rules shall not be deemed operative until reviewed and approved by the City Attorney or designee. The Board members shall take official action only by a vote of a majority of the Board members voting on the question on the table during a public meeting at which there is a quorum. A quorum exists when a majority of the Board members appointed to and serving on the Review Board are physically present at the meeting. All board meetings shall take place in a publicly accessible building and shall be open to the public. A record of proceedings shall be maintained and available for public inspection. Notices of all regular board meetings shall be published no less than 20 days prior to the meeting in the City Bulletin. Notice of special meetings shall be published no less than five days prior to the meeting in the City Bulletin or a newspaper of general circulation.

C.

Duties. The Review Board shall have the following duties:

1.

Design Review. The Review Board shall hear and decide applications for Certificates of Approval. A Certificate of Approval is issued by the board in accordance with the standards of this Chapter, East Franklinton Plan and guidelines as approved by City Council. The board shall conduct such review for any projects requiring a Certificate of Approval as outlined in Section 3323.11, Certificate of Approval - Required. Project review may include preliminary consideration of conceptual or interim proposals.

Design review shall be based upon the following considerations:

a.

Compliance with the provisions and standards of this Chapter.

b.

Consistency with adopted development standards and design guidelines that are part of the East Franklinton Plan.

c.

Consistency with other adopted plans, guidelines and policies.

d.

The parcel's 2024 Zoning Code district designation, as applicable;

e.

Other code and regulatory requirements as may be applicable.

In granting a Certificate of Approval, the Review Board may impose reasonable requirements and conditions regarding the location, dimensions, character, access, building materials, and other features of the proposed uses or structures to carry out the intent and purpose of Chapter 3323, East Franklinton District, and to otherwise safeguard the public health, safety and welfare.

For parcels with an East Franklinton District (EFD) designation, the Review Board may modify applicable development and performance standards of this district as necessary in reviewing and approving a site plan, building, structure, graphic or other related improvement under its jurisdiction.

For parcels with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the Review Board maintains design review and demolition authority only.

For all parcels within the District, parking standards regulated by Chapter 3312 and the 2024 Zoning Code shall not be modified by the Review Board.

The Review Board may delegate final review of minor items to a subcommittee of the Board or to the city staff. In so doing, the board should provide clear direction regarding its expectations for final resolution of such design issues. Subcommittee meetings shall be subject to public notice provisions and a written record of the deliberations shall be provided to the board.

2.

Public Plan Review. Within its jurisdiction, the Review Board shall review and provide a recommendation to City Council regarding adoption for any public plan, including but not limited to neighborhood plans, streetscape plans, park plans, bicycle and pedestrian plans, and major street, parking and circulation plans.

3.

Design Guidelines. The Review Board may recommend approval or disapproval to City Council of design guidelines or amendments thereto for use in reviewing applications that come before the board, including staff approvals.

4.

Zoning Change, Variance, Special Permit or Temporary Use. With the exception of those council-initiated amendments in Section 3310.02(B) of this Zoning Code, the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services shall promptly transmit a copy of agendas or notices as issued for public hearing related to rezoning, special permits, variances, and zoning appeals, regarding property located wholly or partially within the East Franklinton District to the chairperson of the East Franklinton Review Board as a matter of information and for comments and advice. In addition, the city clerk shall include such chairperson on the council's mailing list for agendas. However, the Review Board shall be responsible for confirming that the mailing lists contain the currently appropriate name and address for proper notification. Failure of notification shall not constitute grounds for denial of a requested action or reversal of a prior decision; however, such failure may be a cause for postponement if appropriate.

5.

Amendments. Amendments to CC 3323, East Franklinton District, may be prepared by the city or initiated by the Review Board.

6.

Review of Public Art. The Review Board shall consider proposals for the placement of public art, as defined in Chapter 3114, Columbus Art Commission, and provide a non-binding recommendation to the art commission as provided for herein.

D.

Appeals of Staff Decisions. Within 30 days of a decision by the city staff regarding a Certificate of Approval, any person directly affected by said decision may file an appeal to the Review Board.

E.

Appeals of Review Board Decisions. Within 30 days of a decision by the Review Board regarding a Certificate of Approval, any person directly affected by said decision may file an appeal to the Board of Commission Appeals, as provided for in Chapter 3118.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2185-2013, § 1, 10-7-2013; Ord. No. 0998-2021, § 2, 6-21-2021; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Editor's note— It should be noted that § 2 of Ord. No. 2185-2013, adopted October 7, 2013, provides "The Department of Development is directed to conduct an evaluation of the district in three years from the effective date of Ordinance 1508-2013 and to propose any amendments for consideration by the East Franklinton Review Board, Franklinton Area Commission, Development Commission and City Council."

A.

General. The following activities require a Certificate of Approval as defined in section 3323.09(C)(1), Design review:

1.

Any exterior construction activity requiring a building permit, including new construction, reconstruction, expansion, alteration or rehabilitation of buildings or structures;

2.

Site work requiring a permit, such as installation of parking lots, landscaping, plaza or similar improvements;

3.

Any alteration to a building requiring a Demolition Permit;

4.

Any graphics requiring a permit as provided by the Graphics Code and all graphics plans;

5.

Any activity requiring a Certificate of Zoning Clearance;

6.

Any activity requiring a Special Permit;

7.

Encroachment into the public right-of-way (Approval by the Department of Public Service is required for encroachments and access points into the public right-of-way. A Certificate of Approval for these actions does not constitute City approval.); and

8.

Location and design of public parks.

The Department of Building and Zoning Services shall not issue a Certificate of Zoning Clearance, any permit for construction, graphics permit, demolition permit or other permit for projects requiring a Certificate of Approval in the District or Overlay, unless:

1.

The Review Board or its designee has issued a Certificate of Approval; or

2.

On appeal, as provided herein, the Review Board's denial of a certificate has been reversed; or

3.

Demolition is necessary in order to comply with an emergency order issued pursuant to Title 41, Columbus Building Code.

The Department of Building and Zoning Services shall void any permit or approval issued prior to a required Certificate of Approval.

Any construction, alteration, work, action, or site improvement not in compliance with, or contrary to that specifically approved in the Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Zoning Clearance shall be a violation of this code.

B.

Development Plan. The Review Board may consider a Development Plan for a parcel or parcels that are proposed for a mix of uses, buildings or tax parcels that require master planning as a single development site. The Development Plan may delineate permitted uses, site plan, configuration of buildings and development sites, phasing, development standards, circulation and parking, landscaping and buffering, graphics and related site improvements. The Review Board may approve a single Certificate of Approval for the Development Plan and the individual components of the development or may require the submittal of subsequent COAs as deemed approved by the Board.

C.

Change in Use. The establishment, change, modification or expansion of a use requires a Certificate of Zoning Clearance and a Certificate of Approval.

D.

Interior Changes. The Review Board does not have review authority over interior improvements or alterations to buildings and structures that are not establishing, changing or expanding a use.

E.

Single- and Two-Family Buildings and Accessory Buildings. Exterior changes to existing single- and two-family units and accessory buildings do not require a Certificate of Approval unless such change is an expansion or addition that extends the front elevation. Such expansions require a COA from the Review Board. The construction of a new single- or two-family building shall require a COA from the Review Board. The construction of a new accessory building shall require a COA from the city staff.

F.

Routine Maintenance. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a property owner from conducting routine maintenance, which shall include replacement of roofs and siding, as well as HVAC units provided that required setbacks are met. Such maintenance does not require a COA.

G.

Exterior Colors. A change of exterior colors of any existing building or structure does not require a COA.

H.

Demolition Permits. Except in cases of public emergency as determined by the Chief Building Official or by court order, no permit for the demolition of a building or structure within the East Franklinton District shall be granted without the approval of the Review Board through issuance of a Certificate of Approval. No certificate shall be issued unless:

1.

A replacement use has been reviewed and approved by the board, and Historic Resources Commission (HRC) approval has been issued, if applicable, or

2.

If no replacement structure or use is proposed, a plan detailing how the property will be maintained has been reviewed and approved by the board, and HRC if applicable.

In instances where buildings proposed for demolition are of historic significance the Review Board may condition issuance of a Certificate of Approval for demolition upon the filing of a building permit application for a replacement use or structure consistent with an approved COA issued by the board. Historic significance is demonstrated by listing on the Columbus or National Registers of Historic Places or eligibility for such listing, following an evaluation by the Columbus Historic Preservation Office or a historic preservation professional.

In cases where the Review Board has issued a COA for demolition of a historically or architecturally contributing building, the board may require the applicant to document the building prior to its demolition. Such documentation standards should be established in consultation with the Historic Preservation Officer. Copies of the documentation should be delivered by to the Historic Preservation Office, Columbus Landmarks Foundation and the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

A.

Authorization. As provided for herein, certain specified development projects may be reviewed and approved by city staff for issuance of a Certificate of Approval in place of the Review Board. In undertaking these responsibilities, the staff shall use the same principles, standards and guidelines as provided for herein and consistent with the Review Board's record in applying these principles, standards and guidelines.

B.

Projects Subject to Staff Approval. The following projects are subject to staff review in place of the Review Board. If in the staff's professional opinion applications submitted for these types of projects are sufficiently complex or raise issues of concern, the staff shall forward said applications to the board for their consideration; nothing in this chapter shall preclude the city staff from seeking advice from the board chair in making this determination.

1.

Replacement of existing graphics, such as sign faces, without enlarging or changing the graphic.

2.

The replacement of exterior elements to existing non-residential structures, including, but not limited to, siding and windows, provided that the building elevations are not altered to accommodate the replacement elements nor that the gross floor area of the structure is not increased.

3.

Changes of use that do not alter existing buildings or structures or other site components. All other changes of use are to be considered by the Review Board.

4.

Parking reductions for historic preservation as determined by the standards set forth in section 3323.25.

The Review Board at its discretion may establish on an annual basis a list of additional development or project types that may be submitted to the staff for their approval.

C.

Certificate Issuance, Reporting and Appeals. Upon approving the above noted development projects, the staff shall immediately issue a Certificate of Approval to the applicant and report such issuance to the Review Board at its next regular meeting. Staff denials are appealable to the board, as provided for herein. Such appeals shall be filed within 30 days of receipt of a notification regarding the denial.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 0998-2021, § 3, 6-21-2021)

A.

General. The following provisions apply to applications for and issuance of Certificates of Approval, as defined herein. The Board shall also adopt rules of procedure outlining in further detail the requirements for submission of applications and issuance of certificates. Such rules and procedures shall be posted on the city website.

B.

Process. The following steps summarize the general process for obtaining a certificate.

1.

Filing an Application. Anyone seeking a certificate shall file a complete application with Review Board staff using an application form provided by the city. Applications must be accompanied by required supporting materials, as noted in subsection C. Applicants are encouraged to meet with board staff prior to submitting an application to review and discuss the proposal.

2.

Scheduling the Application. The Review Board staff shall review the submittal and determine whether it sufficiently meets submittal requirements. Applicants will be contacted regarding missing information. Complete applications shall be scheduled to be heard by the board at the next scheduled meeting.

3.

Review Board Consideration. The Review Board shall consider each complete application at a scheduled and duly noticed public meeting. The board shall approve, approve with conditions or disapprove the application. Disapprovals shall require a statement of facts that serve as the basis for the disapproval. Applicants may request a tabling of their application.

4.

Certificate Issuance. The Review Board staff shall issue written notice of the board's decision. Applications that are approved or conditionally approved shall receive a written certificate reflecting the approval; conditions shall be met or documented as required by the Board prior to issuance of the certificate.

5.

Stamping Building, Graphics or Other Development Plans. Board staff shall review and stamp building, graphics or other development plans as submitted to the city once said plans are fully in compliance with an approved certificate or permit.

6.

Conceptual Reviews. Applicants requesting conceptual review of a proposal by the board may request of board staff the scheduling of said review at the next scheduled meeting. Conceptual plans may be brought to the meeting for discussion.

C.

Application Materials. The Review Board shall establish the submittal requirements, deadlines and related administrative rules governing the application process. At a minimum, a Certificate of Approval and the materials submitted for review shall include:

1.

Site Plan. A site plan drawn to scale that reflects existing conditions and changes thereto, including all new improvements and landscaping sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this chapter and all other applicable zoning code provisions.

2.

Building Plans and Materials. Exterior elevations and drawings of all buildings and structures, drawn to scale, and exterior material samples sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this chapter.

3.

Graphics. Full color design of individual graphics with a building elevation or site plan indicating location, drawn to scale, and material samples sufficient to demonstration compliance this chapter and all other applicable graphics code provisions.

Submittal requirements for Staff Approvals shall be established by the Development Department.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013)

The East Franklinton District is divided into the following two sub-districts and the East Franklinton Overlay, as described in Figure 3323.17. The East Franklinton Plan establishes the land use policies for each sub-district.

A.

Arts and Innovation Sub-District. Beginning at the point where the northern bank of the Scioto River intersects with the western boundary of the Downtown District, thence northerly along the western bank of the Downtown District until it intersects with the centerline of West State Street, thence westerly until the centerline of West State Street intersects with the centerline of South Mill Street, thence south until the centerline of South Mill Street intersects with the centerline of West Chapel Street, thence westerly until the centerline of West Chapel Street intersects with the centerline of South Gift Street, thence southerly until the centerline of South Gift Street intersects with the centerline of West Rich Street, thence easterly until the centerline of West Rich Street intersects with the centerline of May Avenue, thence southerly until that line intersects with the northern bank of the Scioto River, thence easterly until the place of the beginning.

B.

Dodge Park Sub-District. Beginning at the point where the eastern right-of-way boundary of State Route 315 intersects with the centerline of Culbertson Street, thence easterly until the centerline of Culbertson Street intersects with the centerline of South Mill Street, thence southerly until the centerline of South Mill Street intersects with the centerline of West Chapel Street, thence westerly until the centerline of West Chapel Street intersects with the centerline of South Gift Street, thence southerly until the centerline of South Gift Street intersects with the centerline of West Rich Street, thence easterly until the centerline of West Rich Street intersects with the centerline of May Avenue, thence southerly until that line intersects with the northern bank of the Scioto River, thence southerly until the northern bank of the Scioto River intersects with the northern right-of-way boundary of I-70, thence westerly until the northern right-of-way boundary of I-70 intersects with the western right-of-way boundary of State Route 315, thence northerly until the place of the beginning.

C.

East Franklinton Overlay. Beginning at the point where the eastern right-of-way boundary of State Route 315 intersects with the centerline of Culbertson Street, thence northerly along the eastern right-of-way boundary of State Route 315 until it intersects with the southern boundary of the Downtown District, thence easterly along the southern boundary of the Downtown District until it intersects with the centerline of West State Street, thence westerly along the centerline of West State Street until it intersects with the centerline of South Mill Street, thence northerly along the centerline of South Mill Street until it intersects with the centerline of West Culbertson Street, thence westerly until the place of the beginning.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

A.

Policy. The East Franklinton Plan establishes broad land use policy to direct future development and redevelopment.

B.

Land Use Categories. The East Franklinton District provides for the following use categories. The detailed list of uses is not intended to be exhaustive nor to be an inclusive listing. The Director of the Department of Development or designee has the authority to decide if an unlisted use is of similar enough character and nature to warrant inclusion into the District, overlay, or a sub-district.

1.

Permitted Uses. Permitted uses shall be allowed by right. Certificates of Approval are required to be issued by the Review Board as provided for herein.

2.

Accessory Uses. Accessory Uses means a subordinate use, building or structure located on the same lot with and of a nature incidental to the principal use, building or structure. Certificates of Approval are required to be issued by the Review Board as provided for herein.

3.

East Franklinton Overlay. Land use within the East Franklinton Overlay must follow use regulations for the Urban Core (UCR) district as defined and set forth in the 2024 Zoning Code, Chapter E. Mixed-Use Districts; specifically, Section 34.E.20.100 Use Table and Section 34.E.20.110 Pre-Existing Use unless otherwise allowed by City Council as a use variance.

4.

Prohibited Uses. Prohibited uses are not permitted in the East Franklinton District unless otherwise allowed by City Council as a use variance.

C.

Land Use Table. The following table classifies land uses by category.

Table 1. Land Uses

Key:

PU = Permitted Use

AU = Accessory Use

NP = Not Permitted (Prohibited Uses)

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

A.

Dimensional Standards. The following table summarizes applicable dimensional standards. The East Franklinton Overlay is exempt from the dimensional standards in this Section and will instead be subject to the Urban Core (UCR) standards of the 2024 Zoning Code.

Table 2. Dimensional Standards

Note: Minimum front yard setback for buildings of zero (0) feet can be adjusted to accommodate footers and other construction considerations.

B.

Development Standards. By reference herein, the Development Standards of the East Franklinton Plan shall be applied by the Review Board and staff in consideration of applications for Certificates of Approval. The following standards shall also apply:

1.

All buildings shall front on a public street unless otherwise approved by the Review Board.

2.

The provisions of Chapter 3321 General Site Development Standards shall apply as appropriate, but in cases of conflict the standards of this chapter shall govern.

C.

Lighting Standards. The height of a light fixture when located within twenty-five (25) feet of a residential use shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet above grade. In all other locations the height of a light fixture shall not exceed twenty-eight (28) feet.

D.

Graphics. Graphics standards are as follows:

1.

Within the District graphics that require a permit as determined by Chapter 3375, require the issuance of a Certificate of Approval from the Review Board prior to issuance of a graphics permit by the Department of Building and Zoning Services.

2.

Graphics are subject to the provisions of Chapter 3375 and Chapter 3381. Whenever there is a conflict between the graphics code and this Chapter, this Chapter shall govern.

3.

Nonconforming graphics are defined and regulated by the provisions of Section 3381.08, Nonconforming Graphics.

4.

In addition to signs prohibited in Chapter 3375, the following types of signs shall not be permitted: off-premise signs, billboards, signs with flashing lights or bare bulbs, rotating signs, pole signs, automatic changeable copy signs, and roof signs.

E.

Parking Lot Circulation. Parking standards in the Plan and Chapter 3312, Off-Street Parking and Loading, and the applicable standards of Chapter 3323 as provided for herein, shall apply in the District. In addition, the following standard shall apply. In cases of conflict, the standard provided below shall govern.

Parking, stacking and circulation aisles are not permitted between the principal building and a street right-of-way line. This standard does not apply to existing buildings unless they are expanded by fifty (50) percent or more in gross floor area.

F.

Landscaping and Screening. Parking standards in the Plan and Chapter 3312, Off-Street Parking and Loading, and the applicable standards of Chapter 3323 as provided for herein, shall apply in the District. In addition, the following standards shall apply. In cases of conflict, the standards provided for below shall govern.

1.

Interior landscaping. The interior of any parking lot containing ten parking spaces or more shall be landscaped with shade trees.

2.

Parking setback and perimeter landscaping. Landscaping and/or screening in the parking setback area shall be required to buffer automobile and pedestrian areas and uses; to provide headlight screen; to provide adequate visibility and safety; and to avoid the illegal use of said area for parking.

a.

The lot area between the right-of-way and the parking setback line shall be screened with landscaped plant material and/or a wall or fence and shall not be paved except for approved walkways, bikeways, driveways, graphics, and other approved amenities and site elements. Note: Vision clearance will be reviewed per Chapter 3312.

b.

In addition, any portion of a parking lot abutting any public street shall be screened for headlights on the perimeter adjacent to the public street.

3.

Parking lot screening shall conform to the following standards:

For any buffering or headlight screening, screening shall be provided in a landscaped area at least four feet in width and shall be a total height of no less than three feet above the parking lot grade and to an opacity of not less than 75 percent. For screening with plantings, the opacity shall be determined when plants are in leaf.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 46, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 0998-2021, § 4, 6-21-2021; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

The Columbus Art Commission (Chapter 3115) has statutory authority over the design and placement of all works of art to be acquired by the city, placed on land owned or leased by the city, or placed anywhere in the public right-of-way. The Review Board shall review and offer a non-binding recommendation regarding the placement of public art in the District that falls under the jurisdiction of the Art Commission. Advisory recommendations shall be forwarded by staff in writing to the Art Commission for their consideration. Outside of the Art Commission's jurisdiction, art that is an exterior component of a building or structure, or an exterior element of a site plan shall fall under the Certificate of Approval process as provided for herein.

(Ord. No. 1508-2013, § 1, 7-22-2013)

In recognition of the development pattern associated with the District, and in an effort to preserve the character of the neighborhood while supporting a walkable, mixed use urban environment, the required number of off-street parking spaces shall be reduced in the Arts and Innovation and Dodge Park sub-districts in the following manner:

1.

A fifty (50) percent reduction will be applied to the required parking in Section 3312.053 for:

a.

Any use within a historic building or structure that qualifies for a fifty percent reduction;

b.

Any use within a non-contributing addition or expansion to a historic building or structure, where the historic building or structure qualifies for a fifty percent reduction and where the non-contributing addition or expansion is less than twenty percent (20%) of the overall gross floor area of a qualifying structure, and/or

c.

An outdoor patio or dining area not in excess of 250 square feet that is accessory to a primary use within a historic building or structure that qualifies for a fifty percent reduction.

2.

To qualify for a fifty (50) percent parking reduction, a historic building or structure shall meet the following criteria:

a.

The building or structure shall be forty (40) years old or greater; and

b.

For building elevations that are visible from the public right-of-way or a private street the following shall be true: no wall or portion of a wall shall be removed, the building footprint shall not be altered, and the window and door openings shall not be altered; and

c.

At least seventy-five (75) percent of the overall building footprint shall not altered.

3.

A one-hundred (100) percent reduction will be applied to the required parking in Section 3312.053 for:

a.

Any use within a historic building or structure that qualifies for a one-hundred percent reduction;

b.

Any use within a non-contributing addition or expansion to a historic building or structure, where the historic building or structure qualifies for a one-hundred percent reduction and where the addition or expansion is less than twenty percent (20%) of the overall gross floor area of a qualifying structure, and/or

c.

An outdoor patio or dining area not in excess of 250 square feet that is accessory to a primary use within a historic building or structure that qualifies for a one-hundred percent reduction.

4.

To qualify for a one-hundred (100) percent parking reduction, a historic building or structure will meet the following criteria:

The building or structure shall be listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties.

5.

Parcels with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation must follow the parking standards set forth in the 2024 Zoning Code.

(Ord. No. 0998-2021, § 5, 6-21-2021; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)