About Planning Division
The Planning Division works on a wide variety of projects and programs which are aimed at improving the quality of Columbus’ neighborhoods. Our primary areas of work include:
Annexation: Processing of applications for annexation to the city.
Columbus Citywide Planning Policies: Land use planning and design guidelines for city neighborhoods.
Development Review: The review of rezoning and variance applications for consistency with adopted plan recommendations. (This process is initiated through the Department of Building and Zoning Services)
Historic Preservation and Design Review Areas: The Planning Division serves as staff to eight design review boards, commissions and architectural review commissions that have development related approval authority.
Maps and Apps: Development of maps, data, and applications in support of planning and other development related efforts.
Columbus Art Commission: Staff support for the Columbus Art Commission.
Urban Infrastructure Recovery Fund: Planning for neighborhood based capital improvements.
For more information about each area of work (including contact info), please click the name of the work area above.
Please note that other city departments conduct additional topic specific planning, including parks planning, transportation planning, and utilities planning. Parks planning is conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks, transportation planning is conducted by the Department of Public Service, and utilities planning is conducted by the Department of Public Utilities. Additionally, the Building and Zoning Services Department is responsible for accepting and reviewing applications for development, including permitting, site compliance, zoning clearance, and rezoning and variance requests.