University Impact District Review Board

Due to the current tech issue facing the City of Columbus, Planning’s online application system for Certificates of Appropriateness is not functioning at this time. Staff is also unable to send or receive emails and our phone tree is not working. The City is working to resolve these issues and we hope to have our automated system running soon. All application deadlines for the upcoming for Historic Preservation and Design Review meetings will be extended.

If you have a time sensitive staff approvable item which you must have reviewed, then you will have to print off a copy of your proposal and include a copy of our paper Application. Please see our Staff Approval List for further information. All submissions must be complete or they will not be processed. Include all relevant drawings, photos, and product cut sheets and drop them off in the “Planning” basket at the security desk at:

Planning Division
111 North Front Street
Columbus Ohio
43215

The board was established as the University Area Review Board (UARB) in 1992 under City Code Section 3372 to preserve, protect and enhance the urban environment and neighborhood characteristics of the University Area and specifically discharge these duties within the University Impact District (UID - see map in Additional Resources). The UARB was renamed the University Impact District Review Board (UIDRB) to better reflect its area of purview as a part of a zoning update in 2017. The enabling code for the UIDRB is found in City Code Section 3325.

The UIDRB is charged: To hear, decide, and take action on all applications for a certificate of zoning clearance and applicable permits or registrations, and when appropriate, issue a certificate of approval thereon; To review applications for a zoning change, variance, or special permit that may cause a stated guideline to apply and to forward comments to the appropriate decision-making body. UARB members serve without compensation and are appointed by the mayor with the approval of council. The University Impact District contains 2,310 tax parcels.

Within the University Impact District (UID), no person shall undertake any work, including the construction or exterior alteration of a building or structure, a change on or to the site, and the installation of a graphic or curb cut, that requires a certificate of zoning clearance, registration certificate, building permit, or installation permit without first obtaining a certificate of approval from the Review Board. A certificate of approval is not required for the razing of a building or for normal exterior maintenance or repair work that does not result in a change in material, design, dimensions, shape, or arrangement.

Note: 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.

Those looking to submit an application for review by the University Impact District Review Board should refer to the Information for Applicants(PDF, 1MB) resource for details on the process. The blank application form is linked below.

Meetings and Calendar

Meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Michael B. Coleman Government Center Hearing Room (111 North Front Street, Room 204) at 4:00 p.m.

Please note: Meeting dates and locations are subject to change or cancellation. You are encouraged to contact the Planning Division for confirmation.

See Meeting Information(PDF, 374KB) for additional information on how to participate or view a meeting as well as requesting meeting accommodations.

Contact

uidrb@columbus.gov

Resources

Calendar and Materials