Applicability.

Columbus City Codes § 3375.03

in effect

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)

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_CH3375GEPR_3375.03APFetched: 10/27/2026