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DEFINITIONS

Columbus City Codes tit. 13, ch. 1301
in effect

Columbus City Codes § 1301.01 Abandoned Property.

1301.01 - Abandoned Property. "Abandoned property" means personal property, as defined under section 4501.271(b), that a reasonable person concludes is permanently surrendered. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.02 Acceptable Waste.

1301.02 - Acceptable Waste. "Acceptable waste" means that portion of the residential waste stream that is regularly disposed of by occupants of residential dwelling units including yard waste, recyclables, compost, and bulk. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.03 Authorized Waste Hauler.

1301.03 - Authorized Waste Hauler. "Authorized waste hauler" means any private person regardless of its legal form or structure, whose primary occupation involves the regular or systematic collection and transportation of acceptable or unacceptable waste to a legally approved facility for disposal, treatment, reprocessing and/or recycling and who has been approved by the Director and obtained the necessary authorization from the appropriate government agency to perform such operations. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.04 Bulk.

1301.04 - Bulk. "Bulk" consists of items which are acceptable waste, with the exclusion of yard waste, that require special collection arrangements due to size, weight or shape including but not limited to carpet, white goods, furniture, mattresses and box springs. Bagged items or boxed items are not classified as bulk. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.05 Collection Containers.

1301.05 - Collection Containers. "Collection containers" are containers designated by the city for the collection of acceptable waste that are made available to, or purchased by residents of the city which meet the standards for size, strength, durability, and pressure, and the specifications established by the director. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.06 Compactor Container.

1301.06 - Compactor Container. "Compactor container" is a self-contained roll-off container with a minimum 3 to 1 compaction ratio, not exceeding twenty-three (23) feet in length or eight (8) feet in width, that is made of metal or material approved by the director, and is collected primarily by railed tilt-frame waste collection vehicles. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.07 Compost.

1301.07 - Compost. "Compost" means solid waste, as defined under section 4501.377, that has undergone biological decomposition of organic matter; disinfected using acceptable technologies; stabilized to a degree that is potentially beneficial to plant growth; is suitable for use as a soil amendment, artificial topsoil, or other similar applications; temperature, contact water, moisture, and air-borne emissions are controlled; organisms that transmits a pathogen from one source to another are excluded; and nuisance and odor generation minimized. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.08 Compost Containers.

1301.08 - Compost Containers. "Compost containers" are containers clearly labeled for compostable materials in which temperature, moisture, and air-borne emissions are controlled; organisms that transmits a pathogen from one source to another are excluded; and nuisance and odor generation minimized. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.09 Compostable.

1301.09 - Compostable. "Compostable" means all materials in the product or package is capable of becoming compost in a safe and timely manner, within an appropriate composting program or facility, or a home compost pile or device. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.10 Construction, Remodeling and Demolition Waste.

1301.10 - Construction, Remodeling and Demolition Waste. "Construction, remodeling, and demolition waste" is the waste resulting from the construction, demolition, remodeling and repair of, including but not limited to, buildings, dwelling units, places of business, garage, pavements, streets, alleys, trenches, ditches, underground utilities, excavations, and other structures. Such waste includes, but is not limited to, roofing, concrete, cinder block, plaster, drywall, lumber, structural steel, plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, heating and ventilation equipment, windows, doors, interior finishing materials such as woodwork, cabinets, siding, sheathing, fencing, and railroad ties. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.11 Department.

1301.11 - Department. "Department" when used without clarification means the department of public service. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.12 Director.

1301.12 - Director. "Director" means the director of the department of public service or designee unless otherwise specified. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.13 Dumpster.

1301.13 - Dumpster. "Dumpster" is a container ranging in size from four (4) to ten (10) cubic yards, is made of metal or material approved by the director and is collected at a point of collection by front-loading waste collection vehicles. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.14 Dwelling Unit.

1301.14 - Dwelling Unit. "Dwelling unit" means a single, self-contained unit providing independent living facilities for one or more individuals and which contains eating, living, sanitary and sleeping areas and one cooking facility all for exclusive use by the occupants. This definition does not apply to: units in dormitories; sorority or fraternity houses; rooming houses; homeless shelters; hotels; motels; or other buildings designed for transients. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.15 Exempted Person.

1301.15 - Exempted Person. "Exempted person" means a person who has been approved by the director to be exempted from complying with certain sections of this title. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.16 Exemption Service.

1301.16 - Exemption Service. "Exemption service" is the collection of properly contained refuse and recyclables provided to persons who are exempt from complying with certain refuse and recycling procedures. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.17 Hazardous Waste.

1301.17 - Hazardous Waste. "Hazardous waste" means any chemical, compound mixture, substance, or article which has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or an appropriate agency of the state to be hazardous or meets the definition provided in OAC 3745-51-03. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.18 Infectious Wastes.

1301.18 - Infectious Wastes. "Infectious wastes" means any wastes or combination of wastes that meets the definition provided in ORC 3734.01; additionally: a. Any other waste materials the generator designates as infectious waste; or b. Any waste materials generated in the treatment of humans or animals that has or has been exposed to radiation. Waste shall be stored until it is no longer radioactive. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.19 Investigator.

1301.19 - Investigator. "Investigator" is department staff authorized by the director to investigate and enforce compliance with this title. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.20 Lawn and Leaf Bag.

1301.20 - Lawn and Leaf Bag. "Lawn and leaf bag" means a bag constructed of material which is biodegradable paper and used exclusively for yard waste materials. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.21 Mixed-Use.

1301.21 - Mixed-Use. "Mixed-use" means the combination of residential and non-residential uses within the same building or the same general area. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.22 Multiple Dwelling Development.

1301.22 - Multiple Dwelling Development. "Multiple dwelling development" means five (5) or more dwelling units, either with shared walls or free standing, including complexes of mobile homes, apartments, townhomes, condominiums, and attached single family residences. Multiple dwelling developments may consist of one or more owners or one or more parcels. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.23 Multiple Dwelling Unit.

1301.23 - Multiple Dwelling Unit. "Multiple dwelling unit" means two (2), three (3), or four (4) dwelling units contained within the same structure and under a common roof system which is not a part of a multiple dwelling development. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.24 Occupant.

1301.24 - Occupant. "Occupant" is a person who resides in, or has actual possession of a dwelling unit or premises that may or may not be the owner. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.25 Owner.

1301.25 - Owner. "Owner" means the owner of record as shown on the current tax list of the county auditor; the mortgage holder of record, if any, as shown in the mortgage records of the county recorder; and any purchaser under a land contract. "Owner" also means any person who has a freehold or lesser estate in the premises: a mortgagee or vendee in possession; or any person who has charge, care or control of the premises as agent, executor, administrator, assignee, receiver, trustee, guardian or lessee. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.26 Person.

1301.26 - Person. "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, agent, operator, business trust, estate, syndicate, cooperative, or any entity recognized by law. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.27 Place of Business.

1301.27 - Place of Business. "Place of business" means any nonresidential facility or premises or those not-for-profit organizations recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with section 501 [C] of the Internal Revenue Code or organization or institution deemed to be a business. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.28 Point of Collection.

1301.28 - Point of Collection. "Point of collection" means the director designated: area of right-of-way adjacent to or within one (1) foot of paved or traveled roadways (including alleys); location within a multiple dwelling development or an exempted person's property; or other designated location as determined by the director. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.29 Premise or Premises.

1301.29 - Premise or Premises. "Premise" or "premises" means land(s) and everything of a permanent nature attached thereto as part of the realty, a platted lot or part thereof or unplatted lot or parcel of land or plot of land either occupied or unoccupied by any dwelling or non-dwelling structure, and includes any such building, accessory structure or other structure thereon. "Premise" or "premises" shall, for purposes of this title, include all land(s) to the centerline of the street, alley, or right-of-way which this title designates certain responsibilities to a person. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.30 Public Nuisance.

1301.30 - Public Nuisance. "Public nuisance" means any structure, vehicle, or property of any kind which meets any of the following conditions: a. In a dilapidated, decayed, unsafe or unsanitary condition detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare or well-being of the surrounding area; b. A fire hazard; c. Not secured and maintained in compliance with C.C. Chapter 4707; d. Not in compliance with any building, housing, zoning, fire, safety, air pollution, health, sanitation or refuse ordinance of the Columbus City Code or Columbus City Health Code; e. Used in violation of any division of Section 2925.13, Ohio Revised Code; f. Real property taxes have remained unpaid in excess of one (1) year from date of assessment. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.31 Public Right-of-Way.

1301.31 - Public Right-of-Way. "Public right-of-way" means the street, sidewalk, alley, shared-use path, and areas which are government owned or controlled and upon which the public may travel without trespassing. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.32 Radioactive Waste.

1301.32 - Radioactive Waste. "Radioactive waste" means any substance resulting from the spontaneous decay or disintegration of an unstable atomic nucleus, accompanied by the emission of radiation. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.33 Recyclable Materials.

1301.33 - Recyclable Materials. "Recyclable materials" means materials that have been separated out of acceptable waste that have been defined as recyclables by the director. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.34 Refrigerants and Items Containing Chlorofluorocarbons or their Substitutes.

1301.34 - Refrigerants and Items Containing Chlorofluorocarbons or their Substitutes. "Refrigerants and items containing chlorofluorocarbons or their substitutes" including but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and other devices utilizing either chlorofluorocarbons as a coolant or the substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons which are subject to special handling requirements. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.35 Residential Unit.

1301.35 - Residential Unit. "Residential unit" includes any a single dwelling unit, multiple dwelling unit, or multiple dwelling development. Residential unit does not include: transitional housing, rooming houses, and sorority or fraternity houses. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.36 Rooming House.

1301.36 - Rooming House. "Rooming house" includes every dwelling, other than hotels and motels, kept, used or held out to be a place where sleeping or lodging rooms are offered for pay to three (3) or more persons and shall include, but not limited to, uses defined section 3303 as: apartment hotel, residential care facility, and shared living facility. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.37 Single Dwelling Unit.

1301.37 - Single Dwelling Unit. "Single-dwelling unit" means one (1) dwelling unit which is arranged, intended, or designed and used for one (1) family. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.38 Sorority or Fraternity House.

1301.38 - Sorority or Fraternity House. "Sorority or fraternity house" means house or housing area occupied by and maintained for college or university students who are affiliated with a social, honorary, or professional organization. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.39 Transitional Housing.

1301.39 - Transitional Housing. "Transitional housing" means temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.40 Unacceptable Waste.

1301.40 - Unacceptable Waste. "Unacceptable waste" means that portion of the waste stream that shall not be collected by the city and which may or may not be collected by an authorized waste hauler. If any other governmental agency or unit having appropriate jurisdiction determines that substances which are not as of yet considered harmful, toxic, or dangerous, are in fact harmful, toxic, dangerous, or are hazardous or harmful to health, then any such substances or materials should thereafter constitute unacceptable waste. "Unacceptable waste" includes but is not limited to: 1. Infectious waste; 2. Radioactive waste; 3. Hazardous waste; 4. Explosive materials; 5. Liquid waste including motor oil; 6. Asbestos; 7. Whole and shredded tires; 8. Lead acid batteries; 9. Drums and barrels; 10. Motor vehicles or major parts thereof; 11. Equipment or machinery; 12. Construction, remodeling, and demolition waste; 13. Refrigerants or items containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or their substitutes; 14. Ashes of any kind; 15. Offal or animal wastes, byproducts, or hide trimmings; 16. Human waste; 17. Nonresidential waste; 18. Animal carcasses other than those that are in the public right-of-way; 19. Soil and sod; 20. Shredder fluff from shredding automobiles, light duty trucks, motor vehicle engines, household appliances, white goods (defined herein), and other miscellaneous metal parts; and 21. Other items determined by the director. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.41 White Goods.

1301.41 - White Goods. "White goods" are a type of bulk that may be recycled or resold including, but not limited to large, enameled appliances such as clothing washers and dryers, dish washers, electrical heaters, hot water heaters, stoves and ovens. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 1301.42 Yard Waste.

1301.42 - Yard Waste. "Yard waste" means all plants, plant residue, leaves, needles, grass clippings, shrubbery tree prunings, and holiday trees. (Ord. No. 2846-2024, § 1, 11-18-2024)
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=TIT13RECOCO_CH1301DEFetched: 10/27/2026

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