Columbus City Zoning Code

Title 34 of the Columbus City Codes must be known and cited as the “2024 Zoning Code” or this “Title”.

This 2024 Zoning Code is adopted in accordance with the authority established in the Columbus City Charter and Article XVIII, Section 3, of the Ohio Constitution which grants municipalities the legal authority to adopt land use and control regulations.

This 2024 Zoning Code is enacted to preserve and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, to enable appropriate and orderly development, and to ensure social and economic stability within the various zones established by the provisions of this Title. More specifically this Title is adopted to achieve the following objectives:

A. Provide standards for orderly growth and development, and guide and control the use of land to provide safe, harmonious, attractive, and sustainable communities;

B. Enhance the appearance of the City and promote high-quality design;

C. Preserve and enhance the character and vitality of the mixed-use corridors and centers, and preserve the quality of life in adjacent residential neighborhoods;

D. Incorporate sustainability practices and ensure climate resiliency;

E. Promote economic growth and the creation of jobs; and

F. Facilitate the appropriate location of community facilities, institutions, transportation, and parks and recreation areas.

Certain parcels with 2024 Zoning Code district designations fall under the design review authority of commissions charged with historic preservation and architectural review as defined in Chapter 3116 (Historic Preservation and Architectural Review), Chapter 3117 (Historic Resources Commission), and Chapter 3119 (Historic Architectural Review Districts Purpose and Organization). These commissions include the German Village Commission, Historic Resources Commission, Italian Village Commission, and Victorian Village Commission. The process for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for parcels located within the jurisdictional authority of these commissions remains as provided for in Title 31. Additionally, these commissions will maintain their authority to review proposals for demolition of existing structures located within their respective jurisdictions. Design features regarding building scale and design elements including building height and setback are subject to the application of Council-adopted design guidelines, as outlined in Title 31. Parcels with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation which are located within the jurisdiction of one of these commissions are also exempt from certain design standards of this 2024 Zoning Code as provided in Article E (District Regulations); Article F (Supplemental District Standards); and Article G (Citywide Standards).

A. As provided in Chapter 3304 (Applicability of Title 33 to the 2024 Zoning Code), specific provisions of Title 33 will apply to the 2024 Zoning Code.

B. Administrative processes for obtaining a certificate of zoning clearance, and if applicable, a Variance or Special Permit shall be governed by the provisions in Title 33, unless provided in this 2024 Zoning Code or in a Rule or Regulation promulgated by the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services. Specifically, the provisions of Chapter 3305 (Zoning Administration, Enforcement and Penalties) and Chapter 3307 (Board of Zoning Adjustment; Appeals and Variances) apply to the zoning district designations found in this 2024 Zoning Code.

C. Chapter 3387 (Prohibited Uses), Chapter 3390 (Temporary Uses), and Chapter 3392 (Junk, Impound, and Salvage Yards) will apply, as necessary, to prohibit or regulate certain uses on parcels zoned to zoning districts in the 2024 Zoning Code.

D. Certain parcels with 2024 Zoning Code district designations were previously within the East Franklinton District and continue to be within the design and demolition review authority of the East Franklinton Review Board as outlined in Chapter 3323 (East Franklinton District). The process for obtaining a Certificate of Approval (COA) for parcels located within the jurisdiction of the East Franklinton Review Board will remain as provided in Title 33. Building height, setback, and other building scale and design elements are subject to the application of Council-adopted design guidelines, as outlined in Chapter 3323 (East Franklinton District). Parcels falling within the jurisdiction of the East Franklinton Review Board are also exempt from certain design standards of this Title as noted in Article E (District Regulations); Article F (Supplemental District Standards); and Article G (Citywide Standards).

E. Certain parcels with 2024 Zoning Code district designations fall within the design review authority of the University Impact District Review Board as outlined in Chapter 3325 (University District Zoning Overlay). The process for obtaining a Certificate of Approval (COA) for parcels located within the jurisdiction of the University Impact District Review Board will remain as provided in Title 33. Building height, setback, and other building scale and design elements are subject to the application of Council-adopted design guidelines, as outlined in Chapter 3325 (University District Zoning Overlay).

Parcels falling within the jurisdiction of the University Impact District Review Board are also exempt from certain design standards of this Title as noted in Article E (District Regulations); Article F (Supplemental District Standards); and Article G (Citywide Standards).

F. Pursuant to Division 3310.01(C), provisions of Title 33 shall not apply to a property that is rezoned into a zoning district of this 2024 Zoning Code, unless specifically provided for in Title 33 or this 2024 Zoning Code.

G. The Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services may adopt any rules or regulations necessary in order to administer this 2024 Zoning Code.

No minimum vehicular parking requirements are in place for those zoning districts outlined in Chapter E.20 (Mixed-Use Zoning Districts). Development proposals, including changes of use, for parcels located within these districts are, however, subject to the requirements of Division E.20.030.E. and Chapter 4310 (Parking Impact Study), including potential mitigation requirements.

The provisions of this 2024 Zoning Code are considered to be severable; if a court of competent jurisdiction holds a provision or part of a provision unconstitutional, that decision will not automatically invalidate the remainder of a provision or any other provisions or part thereof.