HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW DISTRICTS PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION*

Columbus City Codes tit. 31, ch. 3119

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3119.01 Purpose.

3119.01 - Purpose. The purpose of this chapter and the commissions established herein is to create a design review process to: A. Preserve, stabilize and improve the compact and unique historic architectural review districts of the city; B. Promote the importance of historic preservation; C. Strengthen the economy of the city through the creation of new jobs; D. Improve the city's tax base by encouraging reinvestment in historic buildings, and redevelopment of undeveloped land and parcels containing noncontributing structures; E. Protect the unique historic and architectural character of these designated districts for the enjoyment of city residents and visitors alike; and F. Study the problems and determine the needs of these districts in furthering preservation and compatible redevelopment. Preservation and redevelopment will create another exciting residential, entertainment, office, retail and tourist district in the heart of the city, benefiting property owners, residents and visitors in particular, and all citizens in general, economically and aesthetically. These regulations are critical to the preservation and redevelopment process and to the protection of the beauty and identity of these unique districts. This chapter shall conform to and apply provisions of Chapters 3116 and 3118, C.C. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.03 Definitions.

3119.03 - Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms, phrases and words defined in C.C. 3116 and their derivations shall have the meaning given therein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, words in the singular number include the plural number, and words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter. Definitions contained in Chapter 3303, C.C., and not in conflict with Chapter 3116, C.C., shall also apply. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.05 Duties.

3119.05 - Duties. The duties of the following established commissions shall: A. To preserve, protect and enhance the unique architectural and the designated historical district; B. To consider applications pursuant to regulations and standards of Chapters 3116 and 3119, C.C., and the respective commission's guidelines and issue certificates therefor if appropriate; C. To study the problems and determine the needs of the city in furthering the purpose of preserving and redeveloping the designated historic district; D. To determine what legislation or policy, if any, is necessary to preserve and redevelop the respective historic district and to recommend the same to the mayor or council, whichever is appropriate; E. To prepare, adopt and publish guidelines consistent with the adopted plans and standards for the respective district pursuant to Chapter 3116, C.C., as applicable; F. To work with other preservation and architectural review commissions, the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, city departments, business organizations, neighborhood groups and other interested organizations to advance the preservation and redevelopment of the respective historic district and other historic resources in the city; G. To advise the mayor and make recommendations on the conservation of city-owned structures and sites in the designated historic district and on any alteration or demolition of a city-owned property, right-of-way or park in the designated historic district. No commission shall have jurisdiction to require the City of Columbus or its officials, agents, contractors, or any person acting under the direction or authorization of the City to obtain a certificate of appropriateness for any construction, reconstruction, alteration, or demolition of or within any right-of-way, nor are the City, its officials, agents, contractors, or any person acting under the direction or authorization of the City required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness for such work; H. To assist the city in compliance with federal preservation regulations; I. To receive for review, comment and recommendation from the building services division copies of applications and notices of all public hearings related to rezonings, special permits, variances, demolitions and zoning appeals regarding property located wholly or partially within the designated historic district; and J. To provide for regular and special meetings to accomplish the purposes of paragraphs A. through I. herein. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 3314-2025, § 1(Exh. A), 12-15-2025.)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.07 Organization.

3119.07 - Organization. Unless otherwise specified, as soon as convenient after the members of each commission are appointed by the mayor, the commissions shall meet and organize by the election of a chairperson and secretary. The commissions shall adopt rules of procedure and provide for regular and special meetings. The commissions shall take official action only by a vote of a majority of the members voting on the question on the table during a public meeting at which there is a quorum. A quorum exists when a majority of the members appointed to and serving on the commission are physically present at the meeting. All commission meetings shall be open to the public. A record of proceedings shall be maintained and available for inspection. Notices of all commission meetings shall be published in the City Bulletin. Brewery District (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 0286-2010, § 2, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.09 Brewery District—Historic Resources Commission Jurisdiction.

3119.09 - Brewery District—Historic Resources Commission Jurisdiction. The historic resources commission, established and organized per Chapter 3117, shall have jurisdiction over the Brewery District. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 3380-2023, § 3, 12-11-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.11 Brewery District created.

3119.11 - Brewery District created. There is hereby created in the city a historical district subject to architectural review to be known as the Brewery District, bounded and described as follows: Bounded generally by Interstate-70 (I-70) on the north, Pearl Street on the east, Greenlawn Avenue on the south, and the Scioto River on the west and more specifically described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the eastern bank of the Scioto River and the south side of I-70; Thence easterly along the south side of I-70 to Pearl Street; Thence southerly along Pearl Street to Thurman Avenue; Thence westerly along Thurman Avenue across High Street and continuing along Greenlawn Avenue to the Scioto River; Thence northerly along the eastern bank of the Scioto River, to the south side of I-70, the place of beginning. Within the Brewery District there are three (3) architecturally distinct areas and one development district, which for architectural review purposes are to be known as the Northern Tier, Transitional Tier, Southern Tier and Whittier Peninsula bounded and described in C.C. 3321. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.13 Brewery District—The Northern Tier.

3119.13 - Brewery District—The Northern Tier. The boundary of the Northern Tier is described as beginning at the intersection of Short Street and the south side of Interstate-70 (I-70); Thence easterly along the south side of I-70 to Pearl Street; Thence southerly along Pearl Street to Sycamore Street; Thence westerly along Sycamore Street jogging northerly along High Street to Sycamore Street and continuing westerly along Sycamore Street to Front Street; Thence northerly along Front Street to Beck Street; Thence westerly along the western extension of Beck Street to Short Street; Thence northerly along Short Street to the south side of I-70, the place of beginning. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.15 Brewery District—The Transitional Tier.

3119.15 - Brewery District—The Transitional Tier. The boundary of the Transitional Tier is described as beginning at the intersection of Short Street and the western extension of Beck Street; Thence easterly along said western extension of Beck Street to Front Street; Thence southerly along Front Street to Sycamore Street; Thence easterly along Sycamore Street jogging southerly along High Street to Sycamore Street and continuing easterly along Sycamore Street to Pearl Street; Thence southerly along Pearl Street to Frankfort Street; Thence westerly along Frankfort Street to Bank Street; Thence southerly along Bank Street to Kossuth Street; Thence westerly along the western extension of Kossuth Street to the eastern boundary of the Conrail railroad tracks; Thence northerly along the eastern boundary of the Conrail tracks to the eastern railroad spur and continuing northerly along said railroad spur to Sycamore Street; Thence westerly along Sycamore Street to Short Street; Thence northerly along Short Street to the western extension of Beck Street, the place of beginning. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.17 Brewery District—The Southern Tier.

3119.17 - Brewery District—The Southern Tier. The boundary of the Southern Tier is described as beginning at the intersection of the eastern boundary of the Conrail railroad tracks and the western extension of Kossuth Street; Thence easterly along said western extension of Kossuth Street to Bank Street; Thence northerly along Bank Street to Frankfort Street; Thence easterly along Frankfort Street to Pearl Street; Thence southerly along Pearl Street to Thurman Avenue; Thence westerly along Thurman Avenue across High Street and continuing westerly along Greenlawn Avenue to the eastern boundary of the Conrail railroad tracks; Thence northerly along the eastern boundary of the Conrail railroad tracks to the western extension of Kossuth Street, the place of beginning. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.19 Brewery District—The Whittier Peninsula.

3119.19 - Brewery District—The Whittier Peninsula. The Whittier Peninsula consists of that area west of the Northern, Transitional and Southern Tiers which lies south of I-70, east of the Scioto River, and north of Greenlawn Avenue. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.21 Brewery District—Typical architectural characteristics.

3119.21 - Brewery District—Typical architectural characteristics. The Brewery District was first established in the early 1800s by German immigrants. It has since evolved into a diverse collection of historic houses, warehouses, and industrial structures, including the largest collection of late 19th century industrial buildings in Columbus. Portions of High Street are also contained within the Brewery District. Along this street there is a variety of historic commercial buildings of Italianate influence, as well as Italianate and One and one-half (1-½)-story cottage residences converted to office and commercial use. Pedestrian linkages across High Street and between High and Front Streets will greatly affect the future viability of the Brewery District. The diversity in architectural styles reflects the variety of land uses historically, and presently, found in the district. As a result of this diversity, the architectural characteristics have been organized into three separate tiers and one development district as follows: A. Northern Tier. The architectural style of the Northern Tier is primarily late 19th century, warehouses and manufacturing buildings of brick-bearing construction. The building mass is large and generally three (3) to five (5) stories in height. Window treatments are generally double or triple hung with plain stone lintels accompanied by plain lug or slip sills. Other characteristic window treatments include flat or segmental arches. Flat roofs predominate. Brick sidewalks and period lighting are present throughout recent rehabilitation efforts have emphasized the historic features of existing architecture, in creating a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district. B. Transitional Tier. This tier has a mixture of historic and new buildings and provides a transition from the dense "urban commercial" character of the Northern Tier to the open "urban residential" character of the Southern Tier. This tier is in a fragile state as a number of structures have undergone demolition and existing structures are subject to development pressures. Pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that is sensitive to the remaining historic structures will be critical. C. Southern Tier. The architecture in the Southern Tier reflects the character and scale of neighboring German Village. Excellent examples of Gabled Ell, Italianate, and One and one-half (1-½)-story cottage residences are present. Facade composition ranges from the vernacular to more ornate, high-style elements. Brick hearing wall construction dominates the district, with a smattering of frame constructed structures. The Gabled Ell style is generally a two (2)-story structure with a cross-gabled roof and chimney placement along the ridge line. Windows are typically double-hung and porches are commonly found along the long wing or the rear elevation. Additional treatments include attic vents, decorative shingles, and multiple wall treatments. The Italianate style architecture in the district is characterized by two (2)-story structures with simple hipped roofs. Walls are typically smooth, with the exception of rusticated quoin details. Other typical architectural details include carved-stone lintels, hoodmoulds, decorative porches, bracketed cornices, and arched windows. The One and one-half (1-½)-story cottages in the district are generally simple in composition with gabled roofs and double-hung windows with cut stone lintels and sills. D. Whittier Peninsula. The Whittier Peninsula lies at the western edge of the Brewery District bordering the Scioto River. It is the largest, single, planning subarea and is largely a development district area. A comprehensive, coordinated, redevelopment of the Whittier Peninsula, will be necessary for public and private interests to create an area with a unique mix of natural open space, recreational facilities, downtown housing, neighborhood-supported commercial uses, and adequate, well-planned circulation. E. Conformance and Compatibility Standards. All construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition shall be in conformance to and compatible with the above characteristics; the regulations and standards contained in Chapters 3116; the Brewery District Plan as adopted and as may be amended from time to time; the Guidelines for the Brewery District previously adopted by the Brewery District Commission, and the Columbus Register of Historic Properties Architectural Guidelines, approved by council and published pursuant to C.C. 3116.03; and such other standards as may be adopted by the Historic Resources Commission from time to time in conformity with C.C. 121.05. German Village (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 3380-2023, § 4, 12-11-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.23 German Village commission—Creation, members and terms.

3119.23 - German Village commission—Creation, members and terms. The German Village commission, consisting of seven (7) members, is hereby established. All members shall be appointed by the mayor and shall serve without compensation. Council recommends that appointments to the German Village commission be made from professions and individuals, such as, but not limited to, one (1) member of the administrative staff of the mayor, one (1) designee of council, one (1) architect and two (2) persons from a list of four (4) persons recommended by the German Village Society. Two (2) members shall be appointed for an initial term of one (1) year; two (2) members shall be appointed for an initial term of two (2) years; and three (3) members shall be appointed for an initial term of three (3) years. All subsequent terms shall be for a period of three (3) years. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.25 German Village district created.

3119.25 - German Village district created. There is hereby created in the City of Columbus a historical district subject to architectural review to be known as the German Village district (commonly referred to as "German Village") bounded and described as follows: The area bounded generally by Pearl Street on the west; East Livingston Avenue on the north; Lathrop Street, Brust Street, Grant Avenue, Jaeger Street and Blackberry Alley the east; and by Nursery Lane on the south; being approximately two hundred thirty-two and one-half (232-½) acres and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of Pearl Street and relocated East Livingston Avenue; Thence easterly along relocated East Livingston Avenue and East Livingston Avenue to Lathrop Street; Thence southerly along Lathrop Street to Beck Street; Thence westerly along Beck Street to Brust Street; Thence southerly along Brust Street to Sycamore Street; Thence westerly along Sycamore Street to Grant Avenue; Thence southerly along Grant Avenue to Frankfort Street; Thence easterly along Frankfort Street to the fifteen (15) foot alley west of Ebner Street formerly known as Stelzer Alley and renamed as Grant Avenue by Ordinance 178-31; Thence southerly along said Grant Avenue to Kossuth Street; Thence westerly along Kossuth Street to Jaeger Street; Thence southerly along Jaeger Street to Whittier Street; Thence easterly along Whittier Street to Blackberry Alley; Thence southerly along Blackberry Alley to Nursery Lane, said Nursery Lane being an eighteen (18) -foot alley south of Thurman Avenue; Thence westerly along Nursery Lane to Pearl Street; Thence northerly along Pearl Street to the southeast corner of Pearl Street and relocated East Livingston Avenue, the point of beginning. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.27 German Village—Typical architectural characteristics.

3119.27 - German Village—Typical architectural characteristics. The standard for typical German Village architecture is characterized by one and one-half (1-½) story brick houses with grey slate, gabled roofs pitched at approximately forty-five (45) degrees to the horizontal and two (2) or two and one-half (2-½) story brick houses with hip roofs of a similar character. Chimneys extending from the ridge line of a roof predominate. Most roofs have moderate overhangs with hanging gutters. All facades of the houses are simple in composition, composed of areas of soft-burned red brick laid up in common header bond with brick areas exceeding the combined door and window areas. Doors and windows are located from the corner of a structure a distance as great as or greater than their width. Typical windows are double-hung with a height to width ratio of approximately two (2) to one (1) and a single vertical muntin in the center of each sash. Most windows and doors have cut stone lintels and sills with Roman-arch brick heads being employed above the smaller attic windows of the one and one-half (1-½) story houses. Many of the stone lintels contain incised relief of various designs on their faces. Doors are usually of panel design with an occasional use of glass and with a height to width ratio of approximately two and three-tenths (2.3) to one (1). Foundations are constructed of large cut stones) laid in mortar. Wrought iron fences, simple in character, bordering on the brick walks, which in most cases extend to the cut stone curbing of the street, are erected at the front of most of the properties. In some cases, the iron fence completely surrounds the property. The brick walks are laid in herringbone and basket weave patterns. Cut stone steps with carved stone cheek blocks are found at the front entrance of some of the larger houses. The general scale of the structures within the German Village and their relationship, one (1) to another, is intimate. The typical house is approximately sixteen (16) feet to eighteen (18) feet by thirty (30) feet to forty (40) feet. Many houses are located at the front of a thirty (30) foot by ninety (90) foot lot. All construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition shall be in conformance to and compatible with the above guidelines for German Village adopted by the commission, approved by and published; such other standards as may be adopted by the commission from time to time in conformity with C.C. 121.05; the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects; and the standards contained in Chapter 3116, C.C. Italian Village (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.29 Italian Village commission—Creation, members and terms.

3119.29 - Italian Village commission—Creation, members and terms. The Italian Village commission is hereby established, consisting of seven (7) members. All members shall be appointed by the mayor and shall serve without compensation. Council recommends that appointments to the Italian Village commission be made from professions and individuals, such as, but not limited to, two (2) architects and three (3) persons from a list of five (5) recommendations made by the Italian Village Society. Recommended membership may include, but shall not be limited to, architects, landscape architects, contractors, carpenters. engineers, archaeologists or public historians, developers, business owners, lawyers, or bankers. To the greatest extent possible, members should at a minimum either own, rent, or have a business in the historic district. At a minimum, the majority of the appointed commissioners must own, rent, or have a business in the historic district. Two (2) members shall be appointed for an initial term of one (1) year; two (2) members shall be appointed for an initial term of two (2) years; and three (3) members shall be appointed for an initial term of three (3) years. Subsequent society recommendations should provide at least two (2) names for each society-recommended appointment. All subsequent terms shall be for a period of three (3) years. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.31 Italian Village district created.

3119.31 - Italian Village district created. There is hereby created in the City of Columbus a historical district subject to architectural review to be known as the Italian Village district (commonly referred to as "Italian Village") generally bounded and described as follows: On the north by Fifth Avenue, on the east by Penn Central railroad, on the south by the Innerbelt and on the west by North High Street. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.33 Italian Village—Organization.

3119.33 - Italian Village—Organization. As soon as convenient, after the members are appointed by the mayor, the commission shall meet and organize by the election of a chairperson and secretary. The commission shall adopt bylaws governing its procedure and provide for regular and special meetings. All commission meetings shall be open to the public. A record of proceedings shall be maintained and available for inspection. Notices of all commission meetings shall be published in the City Bulletin. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 0286-2010, § 3, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.35 Italian Village—Issuance of certificate.

3119.35 - Italian Village—Issuance of certificate. (A) At the public hearing the commission shall issue a concept approval pending the submission of final construction drawings to be approved by the commission. (B) At the public hearing the commission shall issue a certificate of appropriateness to the applicant if one of the following conditions applies: (1) The alteration, construction, site improvement, or demolition is appropriate as defined by the architectural standards in C.C. 3116.11, 3116.12, 3116.13 or 3116.14, respectively, the pertinent typical architectural characteristics and such guidelines as the commission shall have adopted; or (2) Although inappropriate such proposal due to unusual and compelling circumstances as defined in C.C. 3116.01 and by C.C. 3116.16 criteria affects only the subject structure and not the listed property or district generally and such certificate may be issued without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of this chapter or of the chapter pertinent to the subject property; or (3) Failure to issue such certificate will result in a substantial economic hardship for the applicant as defined in C.C. 3116.01 and by C.C. 3116.15 criteria and such certificate may be issued without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of this chapter or of the chapter pertinent to the subject property; or (4) The commission conducts a meeting at which a quorum is present, and the commission fails to approve or deny the application for certificate of appropriateness, unless the applicant requests a continuance; or (5) Following the filing of a complete application, pursuant to C.C. 3116.06 and C.C. 3116.07, the commission fails to muster a quorum for two (2) successive scheduled meetings of any kind, or for forty-five (45) calendar days following the filing of the completed application, whichever period is shorter. (C) Approval of a certificate of appropriateness requires an affirmative vote by a majority of the members physically present and voting at a commission meeting. An affirmative vote by any fewer than a majority of the members physically present and voting at a commission meeting shall constitute a denial. (D) If the proposed alteration will not affect any architectural feature of the structure or listed property, the commission may, without public hearing, review the application and issue a certificate of appropriateness subject to reasonable terms and conditions. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.37 Italian Village—Typical architectural characteristics.

3119.37 - Italian Village—Typical architectural characteristics. The standard for typical Italian Village architecture is characterized by two (2) -story brick houses with grey slate, hipped roofs or flat roofs. Chimneys extending from the ridge line of a roof predominate. Most roofs have moderate overhangs with hanging or box gutters. All facades of the brick houses are simple in composition, composed of areas of soft-burned red brick laid up in common header bond with brick areas exceeding the combined door and window areas. Doors and windows are located from the corner of a structure a distance as great as or greater than their width. Typical windows are double-hung with a height to width ratio of approximately two (2) to one (1) and a single vertical muntin in the center of each sash. Most windows and doors have cut stone lintels and sills with Roman-arch brick heads being employed above some. Many of the stone lintels contain incised relief of various designs on their faces. Doors are usually four (4) -panel design with an occasional use of glass. Foundations are constructed of large cut stones laid in mortar. Wrought iron and stone fences, simple in character, bordering on the brick walks, which in most cases extend to the cut stone curbing of the street, are erected at the front of most of the properties. In some cases, the fence completely surrounds the property. Cut stone steps with carved stone buttresses are found at the front entrance of some of the larger houses. The general scale of the structures within the Italian Village and their relationship, one to another, is intimate. The typical house is approximately twenty-five (25) feet by forty (40) feet. Many houses are located at the front of a thirty (30) foot by eighty (80) foot lot. All construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition shall be in conformance to and compatible with the above characteristics; the guidelines for Italian Village adopted by the commission, approved by council and published; such other standards as may be adopted by the commission from time to time in conformity with C.C. 121.05; the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects; and the standards contained in Chapter 3116. C.C. Victorian Village (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.39 Victorian Village commission—Creation, members and term.

3119.39 - Victorian Village commission—Creation, members and term. The Victorian Village commission, consisting of nine (9) members, is hereby established. All members shall be appointed by the mayor and shall serve without compensation. Council recommends that appointments to the Victorian Village commission be made from professions and individuals, such as, but not limited to, one (1) architect; one (1) business person from the commercial area located in or adjacent to the district; one (1) designee of council; one (1) member of the administrative staff of the mayor; and five (5) members recommended by the Victorian Village Society, all five (5) of whom reside in, own a business with a building in, or own property in the Victorian Village. Three (3) members shall be appointed for an initial term of one (1) year; three (3) members shall be appointed for an initial term of two (2) years; and three (3) members shall be appointed for an initial term of three (3) years. All subsequent terms shall be for a period of three (3) years. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.41 Victorian Village district created.

3119.41 - Victorian Village district created. There is hereby created in the City of Columbus a historical district subject to architectural review to be known as the Victorian Village district (commonly referred to as "Victorian Village") bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of High Street and Fifth Avenue; Thence southerly along the centerline of High Street to the centerline of Goodale Street; Thence westerly along the centerline of Goodale Street to the centerline of Neil Avenue; Thence northerly along the centerline of Neil Avenue to the centerline of Buttles Avenue; Thence westerly along the centerline of Buttles Avenue to the centerline of Harrison Avenue; Thence northerly along the centerline of Harrison Avenue to the centerline of Fifth Avenue; Thence easterly along the centerline of Fifth Avenue to the point of beginning. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.43 Victorian Village—Typical architectural characteristics.

3119.43 - Victorian Village—Typical architectural characteristics. The standard for typical Victorian Village architecture is characterized by two (2) and three (3) story brick houses with grey slate, hipped roofs, peaked roofs and some flat roofs. Chimneys extending from the ridge line of a roof predominate. Most roofs have moderate overhangs with hanging or box gutters, many embellished with ornamental art of the Victorian era. Most facades of the brick houses are ornate in composition, composed of areas of soft-burned red brick, yellow or hard red facing brick laid up in common header bond with brick areas exceeding the combined door and window areas. Doors and windows are located from the corner of a structure to the middle of the structure or foyer indentation or a protruding of the structure, a distance as great as or greater than their width. Typical windows are double-hung with a height to width ratio of approximately two (2) to one (1) and a single vertical muntin in the center of each sash. Most windows and doors have cut stone lintels, some very ornate, and sills with Roman-arch brick heads or Roman-arch stone heads being employed above some. Many of the stone lintels contain incised relief of various designs on their faces. Doors are usually of four (4) -panel design with an occasional use of glass or double entry doors of similar pattern designs. Foundations are constructed of large cut stones laid in mortar. Soffits and/or eaves protrude with ornamentation and designs of various sizes and shapes. Facades of frame houses are generally simple in composition, composed of areas of narrow horizontal wood siding, with frame areas exceeding the combined door and window areas. Doors and windows are located from the corner of a structure a distance as great as or greater than their width. Typical windows are double-hung with a height to width ratio of approximately two (2) to one (1) and a single vertical muntin in the center of each sash. Most windows and doors have carved lintels employed above. Many of the carved lintels contain incised relief of various designs on their faces. Doors are usually of four (4) -panel design with an occasional use of glass. Foundations are constructed of large cut stones laid in mortar. Wrought iron or stone fences, simple in character, are erected at the front of many of the properties. Cut stone steps with carved stone buttresses are found at the front entrance of many of the larger houses. The general scale of the structures within Victorian Village and their relationship, one to another, is intimate. The typical house is approximately twenty-five (25) feet by forty (40) feet. Many houses are located at the front of a thirty (30) foot by eighty (80) to one hundred (100) foot lot. All construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition shall be in conformance to and compatible with the above characteristics; the guidelines for Victorian Village adopted by the commission, approved by council and published; such other standards as may be adopted by the commission, approved by council and published; such other standards as may be adopted by the commission from time to time in conformity with C.C. 121.05; the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Preservation Projects; and the standards contained in Chapter 3116, C.C. Limitations, Restrictions and Severability (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.45 Limitation on issuance of building permit.

3119.45 - Limitation on issuance of building permit. Except in cases excluded by C.C. 3116.23, the director of the department of building and zoning services or designee shall issue no permit for the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any structure or architectural feature now or hereafter in of these districts, unless the application for such permit shall first have been certified as appropriate under C.C. 3116.09 or as involving no architectural feature under C.C. 3116.05. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 2328-2021, § 22, 9-20-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.47 Certificate required.

3119.47 - Certificate required. Except in cases excluded by C.C. 3116.23, no person shall construct, reconstruct, alter, change the exterior color of or demolish any structure or architectural feature now or hereafter in of these districts without first applying for a certificate of appropriateness therefor and obtaining either such certificate of appropriateness or a certificate that no architectural feature is involved. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring the City of Columbus, its officials, agents, contractors, or any person acting under the direction or authorization of the City to obtain a certificate of appropriateness when performing construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of any kind in any right-of-way. The applicant shall deposit the permit application with the secretary of the commission in the manner and form provided by Chapter 3116, C.C. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 3314-2025, § 1(Exh. A), 12-15-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.49 Certificate required—Staff approval.

3119.49 - Certificate required—Staff approval. Each commission shall provide in its guidelines, or by resolution, that the historic preservation officer may administratively approve certain actions as defined by the commission. A certificate of appropriateness shall be issued to the applicant upon such an administrative approval. The commission shall identify and approve the construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition or site improvement which the historic preservation officer staff may administratively approve and shall publish the list of staff approvable work items annually. The historic preservation officer or the applicant shall have the option of referring any application to the appropriate architectural review commission. Staff shall report all approvals to the commission at its regularly scheduled meetings. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3119.51 Certificate that no architectural feature is involved.

3119.51 - Certificate that no architectural feature is involved. If the historic preservation officer determines that no architectural feature is involved, it shall cause staff to endorse on the application or to issue a clearance. (Ord. 2229-04 § 6 (part).)

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=TIT31PLHIPRCO_CH3119HIARREDIPUORFetched: 10/27/2026