Commercial Zoning Clearance

WHAT IS ZONING CLEARANCE?

Zoning clearance determines if an application is in conformance with the provisions of the Zoning Code or as permitted by a variance, special permit, or decision from an appeal.

Zoning clearance is required and should be obtained prior to:

  • construction or alteration of any building or structure
  • establishment, change, or modification in the use of any building, structure, or land
  • adding new impervious surfaces
  • parking lot alterations and additions
  • installation of dumpsters, mechanical equipment, and aboveground utility equipment
  • installation of external graphics

Zoning clearance is often performed in conjunction with the plan review process for building permits and is one of the regulatory agencies that participates in the One Stop Shop plan-review process.

 

HOW TO OBTAIN ZONING CLEARANCE

There are three options for obtaining Zoning Clearance:

Building Permits: When a scope of work is contained within an existing building/structure, zoning clearance can typically be granted as part of the building permit review process, in correlation with review by the Building Division (BuildingPlanReviewInfo@columbus.gov).

Final Site Compliance Plan (FSCP): When a project includes exterior alterations to a site, the most common process to obtain zoning clearance is through the FSPC review process, which is coordinated through the Site Engineering section (EngineeringInfo@columbus.gov). The FSCP incorporates reviews by all applicable departments/divisions, dependent on the scope of work.

Zoning Clearance Only: For minor exterior site alterations that do not require review by other departments or divisions, a zoning clearance only review can be utilized. If a project submitted for zoning clearance only is determined to require review by other departments/divisions, then the application may be escalated to a FSCP submittal. Zoning clearance only reviews can be submitted digitally through ZoningInfo@columbus.gov or by providing hard copies at the Building and Zoning Services Customer Service Center at 111 N Front St. Please refer to the Department’s fee schedule to determine the fees associated with the zoning clearance reviews.

 

PRELIMINARY ZONING REVIEWS

Preliminary Site Compliance Plan (PSCP) reviews are offered through Site Engineering (EngineeringInfo@columbus.gov). The PSCP review is a free review that includes all departments and divisions that will be included in the Final Site Compliance Plan review process. Culminating in a virtual meeting between the applicant and reviewers, PSCP submittals and meeting dates are coordinated directly with Site Engineering.

Alternatively, a Preliminary Zoning Review can be applied for using the Zoning Review Form located in the Document Library. Preliminary Zoning Reviews may be submitted digitally through ZoningInfo@columbus.gov or by providing hard copies at the Building and Zoning Services Customer Service Center at 111 N Front St. Please refer to the Department’s fee schedule to determine the fees associated with the Preliminary Zoning Review submittal. Preliminary reviews do not result in any form of approval or zoning clearance, and comments can only be provided based on the completeness of the application materials.

 

CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS/APPROVAL

Some properties lie within historic districts or within overlays or special zoning districts that require approval for improvements or changes to the exterior of a building or property, before zoning clearance can be issued. Most of these processes are coordinated by the Development Department’s Division of Planning (PlanningInfo@columbus.gov).

 

GRAPHICS PERMITS

Graphics permits are required for all external signs that are illuminated, signs that encroach into the right-of-way, as well as non-illuminated sign with an aggregate area of 10 SF or greater. Graphics permits may only be pulled by a sign erector that is licensed with the City of Columbus. The current list of licensed sign erectors can be found here: https://ca.columbus.gov/ca/GeneralProperty/PropertyLookUp.aspx?isLicensee=Y&TabName=APO. Under License Type in the drop-down menu select "Sign Erector Gen" or “Lim Sign Erector”, leave the other fields blank and click search to generate a list of all licensed sign erectors with the City of Columbus.

 

CUSTOMER INQUIRIES

Staff is available for consultation at the Building and Zoning Services Customer Service Center at 111 N Front Street during its regular business hours. Alternatively, you can request information and seek consultation by e-mail at ZoningInfo@columbus.gov.

 

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