Downtown Commission

The Downtown Commission was formed in 1997 with the adoption of the Downtown District chapter (CC 3359) of the Columbus Zoning Code. Adoption of the code resulted in all of Downtown's 4,000 plus parcels being combined into a single zoning district where most uses are permitted pending design review. A major update to the district and a set of companion Design Guidelines were adopted by City Council in July 2013.

The Downtown Commission functions as the district's development review body-serving as the Development Commission, Board of Zoning & Adjustment, and Graphics Commission for the downtown. The Commission evaluates applications based on their compliance with the provisions of CC 3359 and the Downtown Design Guidelines. The Commission also considers city adopted plans and policies for the downtown and related applicable regulatory requirements.

Apply for a COA

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for the Downtown Commission can be submitted through the Citizens Access Portal. Here, you will be able to submit any related files for your application and provide a brief description of the work being done. 

The Citizens Access Portal can be found here: https://ca21.columbus.gov/Permits/Default.aspx

• If you already have a Citizens Access Portal account, feel free to use your existing account.
• If you do not have an account, you will have to register for a Citizens Access Portal account.

We are happy to assist along the way if needed. Automated emails will be sent out as the application is being processed. For assistance, email dc@columbus.gov

Meeting Information

Meetings are generally held on the 4th Tuesday of each month-with the exception of November and December-at the City of Columbus, 111 N. Front Street, Hearing Room (Room 204) at 8:30 a.m.

Business meetings are not held monthly. They are held on an as-needed basis only, as determined by the Downtown Commission. 

*Meeting dates and locations are subject to change or cancellation. Please contact the Planning Division for confirmation. 

Contact

dc@columbus.gov

Resources

Calendar and Meeting Materials