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Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3375
in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3375.01 Scope and definitions.

3375.01 - Scope and definitions. Chapters 3375 to 3383, C.C. inclusive, hereinafter called the "Graphics Code," are established to regulate private graphics within the city. Within the city, no person shall construct, install, relocate, alter, maintain or remove a graphic regulated by this Graphics Code unless done in accordance with this Graphics Code. Chapters 3375 to 3383 apply to the districts established in this Zoning Code and to the districts established in the 2024 Zoning Code, except as otherwise provided in the 2024 Zoning Code. For parcels and properties with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the provisions contained within the 2024 Zoning Code prevail in the event of a conflict. Chapter 902, C.C., in part, prohibits the display or any other utilization of a private graphic within any public right-of-way. It is not within the scope of this Graphics Code to authorize any graphic to be situated entirely within any public right-of-way. A graphic attached to a building or other approved structural support situated on a lot of record, may extend over a public right-of-way when installed and maintained in conformance with the provisions of this Graphics Code. No property right shall be conveyed to any person, including but not limited to an owner or occupant, upon the granting of a permit allowing a graphic to extend into any public right-of- way. No interest shall be conveyed other than a temporary interest in the airspace, which shall be subservient to the interests of the city or other applicable governmental body. In addition, it is not the intent of this Graphics Code to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way impair or interfere with provisions of other laws or codes, except those specifically repealed by this Graphics Code. However, where this Graphics Code imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this Graphics Code shall prevail. This Graphics Code distinguishes between graphics and signs as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C. A "sign" is a type of "graphic," therefor the term "graphic" shall include the term "sign." A reference to the term "sign" shall not apply to other types of "graphics." For the purposes of this Graphics Code the terms, phrases, words, and their derivatives use herein shall have the meaning given them in Chapter 3303, C.C. The definitions of Chapter 3116, C.C. and Chapter 4101, C.C. shall also apply, except where a conflict occurs, Chapter 3303 C.C. takes precedence. Where not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular include the plural number. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 0357-2009, §§ 8, 12, 4-6-2009; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.02 Statement of purpose.

3375.02 - Statement of purpose. The purpose of this Graphics Code is to promote the general safety and welfare of the citizens of the city by facilitating communication between people and their environment through the establishment of a comprehensive system regulating graphics within this city. The general objectives of this Graphics Code are as follows: A. To require all graphics, including signs, to be properly constructed, installed and maintained; B. To permit public and private signs that are compatible with their surroundings, aid orientation, identify activities, advertise or promote the interests of persons, products or services, express local history and character, allow for freedom of expression, or to serve educational purposes; C. To encourage public and private signs that are appropriate to the zoning districts in which they are located; D. To encourage public and private signs that are readable; E. To reduce competition between public and private signs; F. To reduce visual clutter by controlling the number, size and location of private signs; G. To regulate private signs so that they do not obstruct vision or interfere with the functions of drivers; H. To control private signs located along the Interstate System. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 10, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.03 Applicability.

3375.03 - Applicability. A. This Graphics Code regulates private graphics in general, and specifically private exterior signs, both illuminated and nonilluminated, along with neon graphics and neon outline lighting, both exterior and interior, located within the city. Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted, subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs. B. A graphic regulated by this Graphics Code shall be subject to the construction, installation and maintenance requirements of this Graphics Code and of the Ohio Basic Building Code (OBC), latest edition. An electrical graphic, including but not limited to, an illuminated sign and neon graphics and outline, or effects, lighting, shall be subject to the provisions of the National Electric Code (NFPA 70), latest edition. In addition, a private exterior sign, on-premises or off-premises, shall be regulated by zoning-related standards, including but not limited to time, place and manner of display. C. Any graphic lawfully in existence and in use prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Graphics Code, or to subsequent dates of amendment, which does not conform to the provisions of this Graphics Code, may remain in use; however, such nonconforming graphic shall not be altered, rebuilt, or reconstructed, unless done in conformance to the provisions of C.C.3381.08. D. As established by city council, there are areas within the city where graphics are regulated for special and diverse reasons: 1. C.C.3380.01 provides a mechanism for the creation by city council of an area of special graphics control. Areas of special graphics control shall be limited to any planning overlay, historic, scenic or cultural area so designated by city council. Graphic standards and design specifications for each area of special graphic control shall be included in Chapter 3380 as they are adopted. 2. In Chapter 3117, C.C., city council has established a mechanism for creating architectural review commissions having jurisdiction within a historic designated area or property as defined by Chapter 3116, C.C. An architectural review commission area shall require a certificate of appropriateness to install or alter an exterior graphic within a historic designated area or property. A certificate of appropriateness is required only within the designated areas and properties. 3. In Chapter 3359, C.C., city council has established the downtown district, and created the downtown commission to guide development within the downtown. The downtown commission shall review, based on standards contained in this Graphics Code or in an approved graphics plan, all graphics associated with any new project requiring a certificate of appropriateness as per C.C. 3359, all graphics for any project already receiving a certificate of appropriateness as per C.C. 3359, and all graphics mounted over two stories or 24 feet above grade. Within the downtown district, the downtown commission shall hear and decide all requests for variances, special permits and graphics plans, as provided in this Graphics Code. 4. In Chapter 3323, C.C., city council has established the East Franklinton District, and created the East Franklinton Review Board to guide development within the East Franklinton District. The East Franklinton Review Board shall review, based on standards contained in this Graphics Code or in an approved graphics plan, all graphics associated with any new project requiring a certificate of appropriateness as per C.C. 3323 and all graphics for any project already receiving a certificate of appropriateness as per C.C. 3323. Within the East Franklinton District, the East Franklinton Review Board shall hear and decide all requests for variances, special permits and graphics plans, as provided in this Graphics Code. E. Each application for a variance, special permit or graphics plan to be heard by the graphics commission shall be submitted for review to the affected area commission, architectural review commission, or other body designated by city council. Any recommendation formulated by said area commission, architectural review commission, or other body shall be made part of the record, when submitted to the graphics commission prior to or during the public hearing. (Ord. 3398-98 § 1; Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 11, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.04 System of regulation.

3375.04 - System of regulation. This system is based on the concept of visual function and visual performance. It is intended to promote the use of functional graphics, as well as to encourage variety in design and usage, thereby protecting the rights and investment of individual owners as well as those of the general public. A private graphic which encroaches upon any public right-of-way shall be regulated more restrictively than one situated entirely on private property. A private graphic situated on private property shall be regulated in a progressively less restrictive manner when: 1. Readable from an abutting street and located within 15 feet of the public right-of-way than when, 2. Readable from an abutting street and located more than 15 feet from the public right-of-way than when, 3. Not readable from any street or adjacent lot. A. On-Premises, Off-Premises, Billboard. This Graphics Code distinguishes, from a land use standpoint, between the on-premises sign and the off-premises sign. The on-premises sign is considered an accessory use directly associated with the primary land use, or uses, on the lot. Those on-premises signs serving primary uses in residential districts are dealt with in Chapter 3376. Chapter 3377 deals with on-premises signs serving uses in institutional, commercial and manufacturing districts. The billboard is treated in the Zoning Code as a distinct land use not associated with any other primary use on the same lot. Chapter 3378 deals with permanent off-premises signs, including billboards. B. Orientation. The system recognizes that signs need to be seen from two particular orientations, the motorist and the pedestrian. This Graphics Code emphasizes regulating signs readable by motorists operating in the public right-of-way, except in those areas designated as areas of special graphics control and architectural review commission areas which emphasize pedestrian orientation. C. Size, Height, Placement. Specific reference is made in this Graphics Code to size, height and placement of all exterior signs. These factors are regulated with respect to: 1. The character of the area and the road situation from which the sign is to be seen, to reflect existing zoning and the Columbus thoroughfare plan; 2. The distance a sign is set back from any abutting street right-of-way line and, in institutional, commercial and manufacturing districts, the mass of the associated building; and 3. The classification of streets and alleys set forth in C.C. 3375.06. D. Mechanisms for Variance or Augmentation. In addition to the normal regulatory standards, this Graphics Code provides, or recognizes, five mechanisms for variation from or augmentation of these standards: 1. Variance. The graphics commission is empowered to grant a request to waive or reduce one or more requirements of the provisions of this Graphics Code in a specific situation where it is determined that a hardship exists. 2. Special Permit. The graphics commission is empowered to establish conditions for the approval of certain listed graphic applications in order to minimize problems of maintenance or of negative visual impact to the surrounding area. 3. Graphics Plan. The graphics commission is empowered to grant approval of a plan for the utilization of graphics, including signs, on a particular property, in response to and in support of a rezoning, variance or plan adopted by city council. Further, an approved graphics plan shall be required for certain sign applications named herein where it is shown that each resulting sign will be consistent with the purposes of this Graphics Code. 4. Repealed. 5. Architectural Review Commission Area. Standards adopted by city council and/or guidelines for any architectural review commission area. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 47, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.05 On-premises sign treated as an accessory use.

3375.05 - On-premises sign treated as an accessory use. An on-premises sign shall be erected and maintained only as an accessory to the principal use of a building or land. Whenever a principal use or activity vacates the premises, each on-premises sign accessory to the principal use shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of C.C. 3381.04; and all copy on the sign shall be removed from said on-premises sign within 90 days. Within the 90-day period, an application for one extension of the time period not to exceed an additional 90 days may be submitted for approval by the director. The extension shall only be approved to prevent unnecessary expense to the owner or a prospective buyer or lessee of the building or land who is contemplating the establishment of a new principal use within the requested time period, or to preserve a historic graphic or sign. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 12, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.06 Street classification.

3375.06 - Street classification. A. Each street in the city is hereby assigned a classification based on the number of through-lanes and speed limit of said street at the time of application for a certificate of zoning clearance, installation permit or temporary permit: 1. Two-lane street with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less; 2. Two-lane street with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour; 3. Multi-lane street with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less; 4. Multi-lane street with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour; or 5. Freeway. A through-lane shall be a lane that carries moving vehicular traffic during a portion of each day, but shall not include any lane exclusively for turning movements, acceleration, deceleration, parking or loading. B. An alley with a right-of-way greater than 30 feet shall be considered a two-lane street with a 35 miles per hour or less speed limit. C. No person shall install a sign directed to an alley with a right-of-way of 30 feet or less, except the following: 1. A street address sign, in compliance with C.C. 3375.09(E); 2. An ingress/egress access point sign adjacent to an approved driveway, in compliance with C.C. 3377.05(B); 3. A wall sign on the side or rear of a building, in compliance with C.C. 3377.24(D). D. Those portions of a freeway with a speed limit 50 miles per hour or less shall be considered to be a multi-lane street with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour. E. The following additional limitations shall apply to the installation of an on-premises sign to be directed to those portions of a freeway with a speed limit greater than 50 miles per hour: 1. No more than one on-premises ground sign or wall sign directed to said freeway shall be displayed on any lot, or no more than two single-faced wall signs shall be utilized with each sign face directed to vehicular traffic in only one direction, except as provided in C.C. 3377.16 for a motorist services use; 2. No changeable copy signs, mechanical movement or flashing graphics, or other special effect, shall be displayed. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 0357-2009, §§ 9, 12, 4-6-2009; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 3, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 13, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.07 Calculation of graphic area.

3375.07 - Calculation of graphic area. A. Ground sign or projecting sign: 1. The graphic area of a ground sign or projecting sign shall be the area of the largest sign facing, whether a single-faced, double-faced, or multi-faced sign. 2. Supporting structure, pole covers and other decorative elements displaying no copy, shall not be included in the calculation of graphic area of a ground sign or projecting sign. 3. Where a ground sign or projecting sign is comprised of three or more cabinets or sections, the graphic area shall be determined by enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets or modules within a single, basic geometric figure and calculating the area contained therein. B. Wall sign, including window sign, awning sign, and canopy sign, and roof sign: 1. The supporting wall, window or surrounding fascia, awning or canopy shall not be included in the calculation of graphic area of a wall sign or roof sign, except where there is a change of color or material which forms a background for the sign copy. An architectural decoration shall not be included in calculating graphic area. 2. Where a wall sign is comprised of three or more cabinets or sections, the graphic area shall be determined by enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets or sections within a single, basic geometric figure and calculating the area contained therein. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.08 Unregulated graphics.

3375.08 - Unregulated graphics. The following types of graphics shall not be regulated by this Graphics Code: A. A public graphic, including a flag. However, an on-premise sign utilized by a governmental use shall be considered a private sign subject to the provisions of this Graphics Code. A flag pole with an overall height greater than 20 feet, shall be considered a structure subject to the setback and height requirements of the Zoning Code. B. A display clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with any national, local or religious holiday. Decorations customarily associated with the traditional year-end holiday season, which includes several national, local and religious holidays may be displayed for a period which shall not exceed 60 consecutive days. C. A graphic, including an on-premise or off-premise sign, associated with an approved special event, where such graphic is located within the site of, and only within the time period for, said event allowed by said approval. D. An architectural decoration, mural, sculpture or show window display provided that no on-premise or off-premise advertising or commercial copy shall be utilized. For the purposes of this Graphics Code, an architectural decoration, mural, sculpture or show window display which displays on-premise or off-premise advertising or commercial copy shall be considered a sign subject to the applicable provisions of this Graphics Code. E. A motor vehicle displaying graphics identifying or promoting a business or other organization, except where prohibited by C.C. 3375.13(C). (Ord. 1900-98 § 4; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 14, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.09 Graphics allowed without a permit.

3375.09 - Graphics allowed without a permit. Subject to the applicable provisions of this Graphics Code pertaining to such standards as number of signs, allowable graphic area, allowable sign height, or required sign setback, and to the requirements of C.C. 3381.01 through C.C. 3381.03, the following types of nonilluminated signs may be displayed without a certificate of zoning clearance and installation permit, temporary permit, or miscellaneous graphic permit: A. A nonilluminated interior graphic, regardless of size. B. A permanent, nonilluminated, on-premise exterior sign, with an aggregate graphic area of ten square feet or less. C. A temporary, nonilluminated, on-premise sign with a graphic area of 10 square feet or less, subject to the display limitations for maximum size, height, and display period as contained in C.C. 3376.10 or C.C. 3377.28, or a yard sale or garage sale sign, with a maximum graphic area of four square feet, in compliance with C.C. 3375.14(B). D. A street address not larger than ten square feet in aggregate graphic area. Where larger than ten square feet, such graphic shall be considered an on-premise sign subject to the applicable provisions of this Graphics Code. E. A self-contained electrical graphic, exterior or interior, with a maximum graphic area of ten square feet, where connected to an approved outlet located no more than six feet from said graphic. (Ord. 1900-98 § 5; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 15, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.10 Graphics requiring an installation permit.

3375.10 - Graphics requiring an installation permit. Subject to the provisions of C.C. 3381.01 through C.C. 3381.03, a certificate of zoning clearance and installation permit shall be required for the installation or refacing of the following types of signs: A. A nonilluminated, permanent, on-premises exterior sign with an aggregate graphic area larger than ten square feet. B. An illuminated, permanent, on-premises exterior sign, regardless of size. C. A permanent neon graphic or neon outline lighting, exterior or interior, regardless of size. D. A permanent on-premises ground sign, projecting sign, or wall sign, regardless of size, any part of which encroaches upon any public right-of-way more than six inches. E. Installation of an off-premises sign, including a billboard, regardless of size, and refacing of an off-premises sign other than a billboard. However, a certificate of zoning clearance and installation permit shall not be required for refacing a billboard display. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.11 Graphics requiring a temporary or miscellaneous permit.

3375.11 - Graphics requiring a temporary or miscellaneous permit. A. Temporary Permit. A temporary permit shall be required for the installation of any rigid, temporary on-premise sign except as indicated in 3375.09 (C) . Proof of approval, in a format determined by the director shall be displayed on each sign or graphic allowed by said temporary permit. All temporary signs, regardless of size and permit status, shall be subject to the display limitations contained in C.C. 3376.10 and C.C 3377.27. B. Miscellaneous Permit. A miscellaneous permit shall be required for the display of the types of graphics listed in this subsection. Proof of approval, in a format determined by the director, shall be displayed on each sign or graphic allowed by said miscellaneous permit. 1. A banner display in compliance with C.C. 3375.15; 2. A projector graphic display in compliance with C.C. 3375.16; 3. Other miscellaneous graphics not otherwise authorized by this Graphics Code. (Ord. 1900-98 § 6; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 16, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.12 Graphics requiring graphics commission approval.

3375.12 - Graphics requiring graphics commission approval. The following types of graphics shall require review and approval by the graphics commission in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3382, C.C.: A. Variance Required. A graphic which is not specifically prohibited by this Graphics Code, but which would not comply with its provisions, shall require a variance in accordance with the provisions of C.C. 3382.05. B. Special Permit Required. A special permit, required by this Graphics Code, in accordance with the provisions of C.C. 3382.06, shall be required for the following: 1. A permanent on-premise ground sign that exceeds the maximum height allowed by the tables of elements, that is directed to the adjacent freeway, as required by C.C. 3377.16; 2. A permanent on-premise ground sign or projecting sign which will encroach upon any public right-of-way by more than six and one-half feet, as required by C.C.3377.09(A); 3. A permanent on-premise wall sign which will encroach upon any public right-of-way by more than two and one-half feet, as required by C.C. 3377.09(B); 4. An off-premises sign as required by C.C. 3378.01(D). C. Graphics Plan Required. A graphic that is allowed by this Graphics Code only as part of a graphics plan, as provided in C.C. 3382.07. A graphics plan shall be required for the following: 1. Where required as part of a rezoning, council variance, adopted plan or other action of city council; 2. Where the owner of a property chooses to commit to development standards for graphics that are less restrictive than those required by this Graphics Code; 3. To allow more than two permanent on-premise ground signs to be displayed along an arterial street frontage by an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use with more than 600 feet of frontage along that street, as required by C.C. 3377.15(A); 4. To allow no more than one permanent on-premise ground sign to be displayed by a freestanding use that is adjacent to an arterial street and lies between said street and a larger institutional, commercial or manufacturing use developed on the same property, as required by C.C. 3377.15(B); 5. To allow one or more permanent on-premise ground signs or projecting signs to be displayed by an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use to identify or provide direction to various functions or destinations comprising said use, as required by C.C. 3377.15(C) and C.C. 3377.19; 6. To allow an individual use or activity to display a permanent on-premises wall graphic on a wall of the building containing said use or activity, where there is no direct public entrance to the use or activity on the same facade, as required by C.C. 3377.25(A); 7. To allow a permanent on-premise wall sign serving an entire use or building to be displayed on a building facade along with any allowed permanent on-premise wall sign serving individual activities situated within said use or building, as required by C.C. 3377.25(B); 8. To allow a permanent on-premise roof sign, as required by C.C. 3377.26. D. Miscellaneous Graphic Approval Required. Approval by the graphics commission is required in order to utilize the types of graphics listed in this section: 1. A projector graphic that exceeds the allowable display time or graphic area, or both, as required by C.C. 3375.16(A) and C.C. 3375.16(G); 2. A banner as provide for in C.C. 3375.15. 3. Other miscellaneous graphics not otherwise authorized by this code. (Ord. 1900-98 § 7; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 4, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 17, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.13 Prohibited graphics.

3375.13 - Prohibited graphics. The graphics listed in this section shall be prohibited: A. A graphic constructed, located, positioned, or illuminated so as to block from view, imitate, or interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device. B. A graphic which obstructs any doorway or fire escape. C. A graphic attached to, painted on or placed on a motor vehicle, trailer, or other licensed or unlicensed vehicle located on private property and readable from any public right-of-way, and which serves the purpose of advertising or identifying any product, service or the like, and is used as, in lieu of, or in addition to a portable sign, trailer sign, or ground sign. D. The use of any trash container, telephone booth, seat bench, bus shelter, vending machine, recycling container, or trailer sign for or in support of a billboard or off-premises sign. E. A graphic, sign, or advertising device of any kind, or any other similar device placed, deposited, maintained or used within in any public right-of-way, as prohibited by Chapter 902, C.C. F. A portable sign, A-frame sign, trailer sign, revolving light, strobe light, moving or stationary beacon, string of lights, or a windblown, inflated or air-activated device including, but not limited to, a string of pennants, string of banners, streamer, spinner, or balloon. Exceptions: The graphics listed in this subsection may be displayed as part of an approved special event, in compliance with C.C. 3375.08(C). (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.15 Banner standards.

3375.15 - Banner standards. A banner shall be displayed only on-premise and in compliance with the following: A. A miscellaneous permit, as required by C.C. 3375.11, shall be obtained prior to installation. B. A banner shall be displayed for no more than 30 continuous calendar days within any 12 month period for any address. C. The graphic area shall be no more than 16 square feet. D. The banner shall be non-illuminated. E. A request for a banner that exceeds the allowable display time or graphic area, or both, shall be heard and decided by the graphics commission. (Ord. 1900-98 § 8; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 18, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3375.16 Projector graphic standards.

3375.16 - Projector graphic standards. A. Projector Graphic Display. A projector graphic display shall be allowed only in zoning districts C-3, C-4, C-5, M, and mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code, for a time period not to exceed 14 consecutive days, and shall be subject to the following additional limitations: B. Each image produced by such device shall be projected for a minimum of seven seconds. C. The image created by the light beam shall be confined within the outside dimensions of the building, a free-standing screen or other approved surface upon which it is to be projected. D. No alteration to any exterior window, door or other required access shall be permitted. E. The projected light beam shall be shielded from vehicular and pedestrian traffic. F. Where such graphic is to be projected across a lot line, written permission shall be obtained from each affected property owner and submitted with the permit application. G. A request for a projector graphic display that exceeds the allowable display time or graphic area of 32 square feet, or both, shall be heard and decided by the graphics commission. (Ord. 2837-96 § 3 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3375GEPRFetched: 10/27/2026

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