Documentary evidence for commission.
Columbus City Codes § 3116.08
in effect3116.08 - Documentary evidence for commission.
(A) The director may promulgate rules and regulations designed to assist applicants in demonstrating economic hardship or unusual and compelling circumstances. These rules and regulations shall not call for the onerous production of documents and data. It is the intention of this section that the level of documentation required of an applicant may vary as is appropriate to each case.
(B) For any application the applicant bears the burden of providing documentary evidence to show any substantial economic hardship or unusual and compelling circumstances either with the original application at the time of filing or separately thereafter. It is advisable for the applicant to provide as much documentation as possible. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the historic preservation officer to determine the level of documentation appropriate to each case. The historic preservation officer will use the following as a standard for determining the documentation necessary.
(1) In addition to the materials required by C.C. 3116.06 and 3116.07, an applicant who desires to present a case for substantial economic hardship shall provide the following information to the extent it is available or appropriate:
(a) The amount paid for and date of purchase of the property if purchased within two (2) years prior to the application; copies of the two (2) most recent appraisals of the property; real estate tax bills or receipts for the two (2) years immediately preceding the application; any listings of the property for sale or rent; any written offers to purchase or rent the property, including any amendments thereof or documents pertinent thereto; any consideration of the applicant for adapting the property to a new use; and a detailed cost comparison of the work proposed by applicant and any alterative consistent with architectural standards and guidelines for the property.
(b) For all income-producing property: annual gross income from and itemized operating expenses for the property for the past two (2) years; and evidence that the owner or applicant has made a reasonable effort to obtain an economic return thereon.
(c) For showing substantial reduction in the value of the property: estimates of the value of the property with applicant's requested proposal and with alternatives consistent with the architectural standards and guidelines for the property.
(d) For showing that alternatives are not within applicant's financial means: a statement of applicant's annual income and expenses either as an income tax return and budget or as an accountant's statement; and an estimated differential in initial and annual costs between applicant's proposal and conformity to architectural standards and guidelines for the property. Actual bids shall be preferred.
(2) In addition to the materials required by C.C. 3116.06 and 3116.07, an applicant who desires to present a case for unusual or compelling circumstances may provide the following as appropriate:
(a) A statement of such circumstances.
(b) For showing that no other reasonable means exist for saving the property: copy of condemnation or housing order based on deteriorated condition of property; a structural analysis by a licensed architect, engineer or contractor experienced in alterations to historic properties as to the structural soundness of the property or architectural feature accompanied by the individual's or firm's qualifications for making such analysis; documentation that property has been offered for sale.
(c) For showing that the property cannot be reasonably maintained in the manner desired by the commission: a report by a licensed architect, engineer or contractor experienced in alterations to historic properties that the unusual design, materials, texture or details prohibit the reasonable maintenance of the property or exterior architectural feature with an explanation as to how the property's location is not conducive to its reasonable maintenance accompanied by the individual's or firm's qualifications for making such a report.
(d) In addition to materials in (B)(2)(a), (b) and (c), for showing that a nonprofit organization cannot financially or physically achieve its purpose: a copy of its charter and bylaws or mission statement; an explanation of how the applicant's proposed construction, alteration or demolition is essential to the charitable purposes of the organization and how the commission's recommendation conflicts therewith; an estimated differential in costs between applicant's proposal and consistency with the architectural standards and guidelines for the property (actual bids are preferred); and documentation of the organization's tax-exempt status.
(Ord. 377-95.)
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_CH3116HIPRARRE_3116.08DOEVCOFetched: 10/27/2026