IMPLEMENTATION*

Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3381

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3381.01 Compliance and authority.

3381.01 - Compliance and authority. The zoning administration, enforcement and penalties provisions of this Zoning Code, and the 2024 Zoning Code, shall apply to the implementation of this Graphics Code. The director or an authorized representative shall ensure compliance with this Graphics Code. The authority of the director shall extend to any duly authorized subordinate. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, install, relocate, alter, maintain or remove any graphic within the city, except in accordance with the provisions of this Graphics Code. In addition, it shall be unlawful for any person to sell or lease any graphic, including a sign to be located within the corporate limits of the city, for which a certificate of zoning clearance, an installation permit, a temporary permit, or a miscellaneous graphic permit is required by this Graphics Code, or to contract, sell, or lease any such sign, without first notifying the buyer or lessee in writing of the applicable Graphics Code requirements with regard to permits, installation and sign erector licensing. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.02 Certificate of zoning clearance.

3381.02 - Certificate of zoning clearance. A. A certificate of zoning clearance shall be required for any public or private graphic for which an installation permit is required by this Graphics Code. B. The face of an on-premises sign or an off-premises sign, other than a billboard, may be replaced or repainted without a certificate of zoning clearance provided there is no copy change. Modification of color, typeface or other design elements shall not be considered a change of copy. C. The painting, repainting or cleaning of a billboard structure, or the changing of the advertising copy or message of a billboard shall not be considered work that requires a certificate of zoning clearance or installation permit. D. The applicant for a certificate of zoning clearance shall submit the required information in the following manner: 1. A completed application shall be furnished along with a statement of compliance in a format to be provided by the director. 2. The applicant shall sign the statement of compliance, which shall indicate that the information provided on the format is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge, and the graphic will be erected in accordance with the provisions of the Graphics and Building Codes and the information provided on the statement of compliance. Should the graphic not comply as set forth above, the applicant shall bring the graphic into compliance within five working days after receiving notification of noncompliance. E. A certificate of zoning clearance shall include proof of approval in a format to be determined by the director. The sign erector or the owner shall display the proof of approval either directly on the subject sign so as to be visible from the ground or in an on-premises location accessible to the code enforcement officer. Failure to display the proof of approval shall be a violation of this Graphics Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.03 Installation and temporary permits.

3381.03 - Installation and temporary permits. A. Installation Permit. An installation permit shall be required for the installation or refacing of the types of permanent graphics, including signs, listed in this section: 1. A nonilluminated, permanent, on-premises exterior sign with an aggregate graphic area larger than (10) square feet. 2. An illuminated, permanent, on-premises exterior sign, regardless of size. 3. A permanent neon graphic or neon outline lighting, exterior or interior, regardless of size. 4. 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. 5. Installation of an off-premises sign, including a billboard, regardless of size. 6. Refacing of an off-premises sign other than a billboard. B. Temporary Permit. A temporary permit shall be required for the installation of any temporary, on-premises exterior sign when required by C.C. 3376.10 or C.C. 3377.27. C. Installation Requirements. No person shall install a graphic without first meeting the following requirements: 1. Obtain a certificate of zoning clearance, except as exempted by this Graphics Code. 2. Furnish scale drawings and specifications of the graphic, including any of the following which is appropriate: Dimensions; anchorage or foundation data; pole or structural attachment data; pole size and standard chart or engineering data from which the pole size and foundation was calculated. 3. Obtain an installation permit. D. Ground Inspection. The erector of a graphic shall allow the director to make a pre-installation inspection. E. Permit Issuance. An installation permit or a temporary permit for a graphic shall be issued only to the following: 1. A person, firm or corporation properly licensed. In the event that the holder of such license is a business concern, only the person named on the face of the license or another bona fide, full-time employee of said concern who is authorized by the concern at the time of mailing its application for a license or renewal, may sign the application for a permit on behalf of said business concern. 2. A residential owner-occupant, provided that all work shall be done with the owner-occupant's own hands on the premises of a residence which is occupied or is to be occupied by no one except the residential owner-occupant's own family. F. License Required. It is unlawful for any person to undertake or perform the work of a general or limited sign erector or to represent or advertise themselves, either publicly or privately, as being ready, willing or able to contract or perform such work, within the corporate limits of the city without having first procured a license duly issued by the city. The work of a general or limited sign erector includes, but is not limited to, the erection, maintenance, and removal of any permanent, illuminated exterior sign, permanent neon graphic or neon outline lighting, exterior or interior, any graphic on an exterior illuminated awning; permanent, nonilluminated exterior sign more than ten square feet in area; and a temporary exterior sign when a permit is required.;ol0; G.\Installation of Electrical Graphics. In installing any permanent electrical graphic regulated by this Graphics Code, including a sign, the sign erector shall be permitted to make the necessary electrical connections from an existing approved junction box located no more than six feet from the graphic location. H. Work From or Over the Public Right-of-Way. A street occupancy permit shall be obtained when a public street, shared-use path or sidewalk is to be used during installation. I. Installation, Maintenance and Removal by Owner. A property owner who is not a general or limited sign erector may remove or cause to be removed a graphic which meets all of the following requirements: 1. Is located no closer to any lot line than twice its greatest dimension; 2. Is no more than ten square feet in area; 3. Has no electrical components; and 4. Shall not extend over, nor be lowered to, any portion of the public right-of-way. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 41, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.04 Maintenance requirements.

3381.04 - Maintenance requirements. A graphic located within the city shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Graphics Code, the Ohio Basic Building Code (OBBC), and the National Electric Code; and shall be subject to inspection. A certificate of zoning clearance shall not be required to perform maintenance on a graphic. A. A graphic, together with all structural and nonstructural components, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation. A flag or banner and supporting structure shall be kept in a fit to display condition at all times. B. The sign faces of a sign shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times and, where applicable, shall be painted or replaced with blank panel(s) when copy is removed. C. A sign and the immediate vicinity shall be maintained by the owner, or person-in-charge thereof, in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds. D. Electrical components of an electrical graphic shall be covered in an approved manner, whether or not copy is displayed, at all times except during actual maintenance. E. An electrical graphic may be required, as part of an inspection, to be continuously illuminated for up to 72 hours. (Ord. 1900-98 § 10.)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.05 Inspection.

3381.05 - Inspection. A. The code enforcement officer is empowered to inspect any graphic erected in the city before or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Graphics Code to determine compliance with the requirements of all applicable codes. B. If a graphic is found not to be in full compliance, an appropriate order shall be issued. C. If the graphic owner or user fails to comply with an order, the director shall, without further notice, cause the subject graphic to be removed if, in the director's opinion, it constitutes a clear and present danger or a threat to the public health, safety or welfare; assessing all fees and removal costs against the tax duplicate of the property from which the graphic was removed, ownership of the graphic notwithstanding. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.06 Compliance.

3381.06 - Compliance. A. Stop Order. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this Graphics Code, the director shall order the work stopped by posting at the work site a notice to "stop work" or other notice in writing served on any person engaged in the doing of such work or causing it to be done. Such person shall forthwith stop work until authorized by the director to proceed. B. The director is empowered to cause an illegal graphic located within the public right-of-way to be removed, without notice, if the director determines that the graphic constitutes a threat to public health, safety or welfare. C. Order to Remove. The director is empowered to order the removal of any graphic that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Graphics Code. D. Unsafe Graphic. Should any graphic be or become unsafe, the person responsible for it shall, upon receipt of notice, proceed at once to remove or put it in a safe condition. E. Unlawful or Prohibited Graphic. 1. If any graphic is installed, erected, constructed or maintained in violation of any provision of this Graphics Code, the director shall notify the owner or user thereof to comply. 2. If the owner or user fails to comply with such notice, or, after a reasonable search, cannot be found, the director shall cause such graphic or such portion thereof as is constructed or maintained in violation of this chapter to be taken down. However, nothing herein contained shall prevent the director from adopting such precautionary measures as may seem to the director to be necessary or advisable in case of imminent danger to place the graphic in safe condition, the expense of which shall be paid by the owner of the premises or recovered against the owner in the manner described in C.C. 3381.05(C). (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.07 Illegal graphics.

3381.07 - Illegal graphics. A graphic that did not conform with the provisions of the Graphics Code on or before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter and cannot be categorized as nonconforming under this Graphics Code is existing illegally. The director is empowered to order the removal of any illegal graphic. An order for removal of an illegal graphic may be appealed as provided by C.C. 3382.04. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.08 Nonconforming graphics.

3381.08 - Nonconforming graphics. A. Definition. A graphic lawfully in existence in the city prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or lawfully in existence at the time of annexation in an area annexed to the city thereafter, that does not conform to the provisions of this Graphics Code, is designated a nonconforming graphic. B. Conditional Continuance Permitted. A nonconforming graphic shall be allowed to continue in its nonconforming status provided the graphic was lawful on or before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or at the time the site was annexed, whichever is applicable. C. Maintenance or Repair. A nonconforming graphic shall be maintained or repaired only in the following manner: 1. The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered, except to remove entire elements thereby reducing the overall size. 2. The copy may be changed in conformance with this Graphics Code. 3. Where damage occurs to the graphic to the extent of 50 percent or more of replacement value, the graphic shall be brought into compliance or removed in its entirety. Where the damage to the graphic is less than 50 percent of its replacement value, the graphic shall be repaired to its original configuration or removed in its entirety. In either case, the work shall be completed within 60 days following the occurrence of the damage. D. Relocation or Replacement. A nonconforming graphic may be replaced or relocated on the same lot only so long as there is no increase in its nonconformity, including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Increased height, graphic area, or overall size of a nonconforming graphic; 2. Decreased distance between a nonconforming graphic and the adjacent public right-of-way; or 3. Conversion of a nonconforming on-premises sign into an off-premises sign, or a nonconforming off-premises sign into an on-premises sign. E. A nonconforming graphic which has been abandoned shall automatically lose any nonconforming status it may have had and shall not thereafter be returned to any such nonconforming use. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 12, 7-28-2014)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.09 Abandoned graphics.

3381.09 - Abandoned graphics. A. Abandonment of a graphic or any portion of a graphic shall result when one or more of the following conditions occurs: 1. Its use has been voluntarily discontinued for a period of no less than six months, in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code; 2. The graphic has not been maintained in accordance with C.C. 3381.04, and has been in need of repair for a period of no less than six months; 3. The equipment and furnishings of the principal use of the premises identified or advertised by said graphic have been removed from the premises and have not been replaced by similar equipment within six months after such removal; 4. Existing development on the same lot is demolished or removed to the extent of 50 percent or more of replacement value; 5. A nonconforming graphic is replaced by a conforming one. C. A graphic which has been abandoned is declared to be a public nuisance for the reason that a continued lack of use results in a lack of reasonable and adequate maintenance, thereby causing deterioration and a blighting influence on nearby properties, false information to the public, or unnecessary traffic problems for travelers. D. The director shall notify the owner of the graphic or the owner of the subject property of the finding of abandonment by certified mail (return receipt requested) and shall therein issue an order for removal of said graphic within 30 calendar days of the order. An order for removal of an abandoned graphic may be appealed within the 30-day period in the manner described in C.C. 3382.04 and C.C. 3382.08. If the graphic is not removed and no appeal is filed within the 30-day compliance period, the director is empowered to cause the removal of the graphic in the manner described in C.C. 3381.05(C) or file the appropriate charges. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.10 Board of review of general and limited sign erectors .

3381.10 - Board of review of general and limited sign erectors . A. The board of review of general and limited sign erectors shall consist of five members: one public member and four members who are actively engaged in the sign industry; two of whom shall be license-holders. The director or designee shall serve as a nonvoting secretary for the board. No member of any board of review shall be employed or affiliated with the same business entity or entities of another. No public member shall have a direct or indirect interest, as defined in C.C. 501.02, in any thing, place, or business that is required to be licensed by the Columbus City Codes. B. The board members shall be appointed by the director for a term of three years and shall be residents of Franklin county or a county abutting Franklin county. The majority of board members shall be residents of the city of Columbus. The director may remove any member for incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or misconduct in office. Vacancies caused by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments are made. The term of each board member shall continue until a successor is appointed. Each board member shall be reimbursed in accordance with the administrative salary ordinance for each meeting attended. Three members of the board in attendance shall constitute a quorum. The board shall meet as often as required by the bylaws. C. Duties and Powers of the Board of Review. 1. To review the qualifications as established in C.C. 3381.12, of all applicants who have filed a complete application with the department. For all such applicants who have met the qualification requirements of this chapter, the board shall then certify the names of the qualified applicants to the department for the issuance of the appropriate license. 2. To suspend or revoke the license of sign erectors who have violated the terms of this graphics code or who have failed to take out proper permits as required by law, or who have been shown, after proper hearing, to be persistent and habitual violators of the laws of the state, the provisions of this graphics code, or other ordinances of the city relating to the construction, installation, or maintenance of graphics, or relating to the inspection and approval of such work. 3. To make, adopt, and, from time to time, alter its own rules of procedure for the conduct of its meetings and proceedings, and to select its own chairperson. D. Any and all decisions of the board of review may be appealed to the graphics commission, as provided by C.C. 3382.03. (Ord. 1306-99 § 2: Ord. 1696-2006 § 1; Ord. No. 0151-2009, §§ 21, 36, 6-22-2009; Ord. No. 0127-2019, § 3, 2-4-2019; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.11 License application.

3381.11 - License application. (A) A person desiring to be a department-licensed limited or general sign erector shall apply to the department on an application form prescribed for such license, together with the nonrefundable fee prescribed by the fee schedule. (B) The application shall be confirmed and signed under oath by the applicant. The application shall contain the following information: (1) Name of the applicant; (2) Date of birth; (3) Current residence and business address(es) of the applicant; (4) Current residence and business telephone number(s) of the applicant; (5) Dates of previous licenses or registrations with the department, if any; and (6) Other information deemed necessary by the department. (C) The application for a license shall be submitted at least seven calendar days prior to the date of the meeting of the board. (D) In addition, the applicant shall also furnish a statement of hands-on experience with the application. The statement of experience shall encompass the period of required experience as set forth in the qualifications for the type of license for which the application is made. The statement shall clearly and concisely provide the following information: (1) List of employer or projects with dates of same as applicable; and (2) Detailed work-related information about the employment or projects so listed; and (3) The length of time devoted to each such employment or project listed; and (4) The name of the employer or other responsible person with direct knowledge of the work performed by the applicant during such employment or project listed; and (5) A statement, made by the applicant, of the schooling and training the applicant has obtained shall also be included. (E) The statement of experience shall be notarized. (F) Before an application may be approved for any applicant, the applicant shall meet the following requirements: (1) Be not less than 18 years of age; and (2) Be a United States citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an individual authorized to work in the United States. (G) "Hands-on" experience shall be characterized by the active personal involvement of the applicant in the activity directly related to the type of license for which an application was made. Such active personal involvement shall have provided for the acquisition of practical experience, knowledge, and mechanical aptitude in the physical installation, operation, control, adjustment, repair, and maintenance of the specific trade or craft. (H) Determination of a Full Year. A "full year" of experience, where required in sections (A) through (F) above, shall be based on 12 consecutive calendar months during which the applicant shall have been gainfully and verifiably employed for not less than 1,600 working hours at the specific craft, trade, or profession for which an application for a department-issued license has been made. (Ord. 1306-99 § 3: Ord. 1696-2006 § 2; Ord. No. 0151-2009, §§ 22, 36, 6-22-2009; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.12 Qualifications of applicant.

3381.12 - Qualifications of applicant. A. An applicant for a license as a limited sign erector shall have a minimum of three years experience in erection and fabrication of signs. B. An applicant for a license as a general sign erector shall have a minimum of five years experience in erection and fabrication of signs. C. The applicant for either license who does not meet the requirements of A or B above may present a complete statement of qualifications to the board for its consideration. If the board determines that such person is qualified by reason of experience, training, or education or any combination thereof, it shall certify the name of the eligible applicant to the department. D. A limited sign erector shall only engage in the erection, maintenance, and removal of graphics no more than 64 square feet in area, limited to 16 feet in height, and not installed over the public right-of-way. E. A general sign erector may erect and service all graphics allowed by this Graphics Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 3; Ord. No. 2642-2019, § 1, 11-4-2019)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.13 License examination.

3381.13 - License examination. No examination shall be required. (Ord. 1306-99 § 4: Ord. 1696-2006 § 4; Ord. No. 0151-2009, §§ 23, 36, 6-22-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.14 Re-examination.

3381.14 - Re-examination. No examination shall be required. (Ord. 1306-99 § 5; Ord. No. 0151-2009, §§ 24, 36, 6-22-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.15 Certification.

3381.15 - Certification. After completing a review for qualifications, the board of review of general and limited sign erectors shall certify the names of eligible applicants to the department, whereupon the department, within five working days shall, by certified mail, notify the applicants of their eligibility. Each eligible applicant shall pay for and have completed the processing of the license at the department within 90 calendar days after notification that the applicant has been certified by the appropriate board of review. Failure to complete the entire licensing process within 30 calendar days shall create liability for payment of the late charge prescribed in the fee schedule, and after 90 calendar days the applicant's certification for a license shall be voided. (Ord. 1306-99 § 6; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.16 License numbers.

3381.16 - License numbers. A. A unique license number shall be issued to each individual certified by the board of review. The individual shall retain this license number exclusively and each year thereafter shall be issued the proper license bearing this same number. This license number shall not be issued to any other individual. B. When an individual assigns the individual's right to a license to a business concern, the license shall bear that individual's name and license number. C. When more than one license-holder assigns the individual's license to a business concern the bond provided by the licensed business shall be sufficient for all licenses assigned to that business concern during the same licensing period. (Ord. 1306-99 § 7: Ord. 1696-2006 § 5; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.17 License fees.

3381.17 - License fees. (A) A fee, as established by the fee schedule, shall be charged for each of the following conditions: (1) The application; (2) The department-issued license; (3) The renewal of a department-issued license. All such fees for a department-issued license are nonrefundable. (B) In addition to the fees described above, there may be other fees stipulated by this code included in the fee schedule that pertain to a department-issued license. All such fees are nonrefundable. (C) For accelerated processing, the fee shall be equal to that prescribed by the fee schedule. Any person serving in the United States Armed Forces shall be exempt from license fees during the period of the person's active duty and the person's license may be renewed within 90 days of termination of active duty. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. 1272-01 § 1 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 6; Ord. No. 3258-2018, § 4, 12-10-2018, eff. 1-14-2019; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.18 Requirements for issuance of a limited or general sign contractor's license.

3381.18 - Requirements for issuance of a limited or general sign contractor's license. Before the department issues a general or limited sign erector's license under the provisions of this chapter, and prior to each renewal, a holder of a department-issued license shall provide in a manner prescribed by the department and maintain the following: A. A bond of not less than $25,000.00, which shall be of good and sufficient surety as approved by the department; and 1. The bond shall be on a form prescribed by the department; and 2. The bond shall be conditioned to save the city harmless from all loss and damage to persons or property which may be occasioned in any way, by accident or the want of care or skill on applicant's part, in the prosecution of the work; and 3. The bond shall provide for payment to the city for damages to the city or city property in the course of performance of work. Failure to maintain such bond in good standing shall be cause for immediate suspension by the department for the department-issued license; and 4. The individual named on the department-issued general or limited sign erector's license shall sign the bond submission regardless of any assignment to a business concern; and 5. When an individual has more than one department-issued contractor's license, or contractor registration with the department only one $25,000.00 bond will be sufficient for all such licenses and registrations with the department expiring with the department during the same time-frame. B. The liability insurance shall afford limits of liability no less than $300,000.00 for damages to a single person, and $500,000.00 for one occurrence. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part); Ord. 2099-01 § 1; Ord. 1092-02 § 2: Ord. 1696-2006 § 7.)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.19 Expiration and renewal of license.

3381.19 - Expiration and renewal of license. A. A sign erector's license shall expire at the end of the twelfth month after the date of issuance. A late fee as prescribed by the fee schedule shall be added to the renewal fee if the department receives the application for renewal after the date of expiration and expiration of the grace period as specified in the fee schedule. Any renewal application received more than 90 calendar days from the initial date of expiration shall be deemed a new application requiring recertification by the appropriate board of review. This recertification may be waived at the sole discretion of the director upon completion of the specified forms by the applicant. B. A license may be renewed at any time during the three-month period prior to its expiration date; however, such early renewal shall comply with renewal requirements. C. A license-holder, or licensed business, who fails to correct work which does not comply with this code, shall be denied renewal of the license-holder's license until compliance with this code has been secured. D. A person whose department-issued license has expired shall not perform any work governed by this code until a renewal of the license by the department is issued, nor shall the department issue a permit to a license-holder with an expired department-issued license. A late fee, as prescribed by the fee schedule, shall be added to the renewal fee if the application for renewal is received after the date of expiration of the license. (Ord. 1306-99 § 8; Ord. 1936-02 § 1: Ord. 1696-2006 § 8; Ord. No. 0151-2009, §§ 25, 36, 6-22-2009; Ord. No. 2169-2014, § 1, 5-11-2015; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.20 Assignment and issuance to business concern.

3381.20 - Assignment and issuance to business concern. A. A sign erector's license shall be issued in the name of the individual who successfully meets the qualifications and passes the examination required by this chapter. However, said individual, at the time of application, or at any time thereafter, may assign the individual's license rights to one business concern with whom the individual is associated with as a legal, full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee, and may designate that the individual's license shall be issued in the name of said concern. In such event, said license shall be issued in the name of said business concern, which shall be known as the licensed-business, and no license shall be issued to the individual applicant in the individual's own name during the period the individual is associated with said business concern. In such event, the license shall state on its face the name and position in the business concern of the individual who qualified for the license under the terms of this chapter. No individual may be named on more than one license within a trade at the same time. B. In the event the individual named on the license becomes disassociated from the licensed-business, the license shall become null and void at 90 calendar days after such disassociation, except where another license-holder becomes associated with the business concern and the business concern so notifies the department in writing. During this 90-day period, the work on existing permits may be followed through to completion, but no new work shall be commenced. The license-holder shall notify the department of any change of status. In such event, a new license, setting forth the name of the new individual, shall be issued to the licensed-business. A non-refundable fee, as prescribed in the fee schedule, shall be required for the issuance of this new license. C. A license-holder may transfer the assignment of a license from one company to another, including to change the name of the company, once per 90 calendar days, unless the license has been assigned to an entity also held by the license-holder (self-assigned license). If this time frame is exceeded, the license-holder shall submit a name change exception request and board application fee to this review board. D. When a license is assigned to a business concern, all work carried on by the licensed-business shall be deemed to be carried on under the personal supervision of the individual named in the license, and any violation of the license terms shall be imputed to the individual named therein. E. The license-holder shall be actively engaged in the business and shall be readily available for consultation with the department within two business days after notification. No license-holder shall permit their license to be used in more than one business at any time. It shall be cause for the revocation of the license issued to a business concern if it shall be shown that the license-holder is not, or is no longer, a legal, full-time officer, proprietor, partner or employee of said business concern. No individual shall be entitled to be named in any license who has outstanding against the individual, as an individual or as a full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee of a business concern, any suspension or revocation of another license as a contractor; however, another qualified full-time officer, proprietor, partner, or employee may be substituted upon proper application therefor. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 9; Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 92, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 3264-2019, § 3, 2-3-2020; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.21 Transfer or use of license.

3381.21 - Transfer or use of license. No holder of any license, issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall allow the license-holder's name to be used by any other party, either for the purpose of performing work or obtaining a permit. No license-holder shall permit or allow any person to perform work under the authority of a permit granted to the license-holder unless such individual is the direct employee of the license-holder or licensed-business. No license shall be assignable or transferable, except as specified elsewhere in this chapter. EXCEPTION: A licensed contractor may work as a subcontractor as regulated in C.C. 3381.23. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 10; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.22 Applicable codes.

3381.22 - Applicable codes. Applicable provisions of the Columbus Building Code, Title 41, in addition to all provisions of this Graphics Code, shall apply to the installation of any and all signs. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 11.)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.23 Work as a sub-contractor.

3381.23 - Work as a sub-contractor. (A) A general or limited sign erector, with proper and current license, may perform work as a sub-contractor of a primary contractor who has proper and current license as well as a permit to perform the work. The sub-contractor shall not be required to obtain a second permit and pay fees based on the number of devices, etc., already paid by the primary contractor. The sub-contractor shall obtain a permit to perform that part of the work being sub-contracted and shall pay the relevant minimum fee indicated in the fee schedule. (B) The registration and certification requirements of the sub-contracting company shall coincide with that of the primary contracting company as required to cover that work being sub-contracted. (C) The sub-contractor's permit application shall be made in the name of the sub-contractor and shall indicate all of the following information: (1) The work to be sub-contracted; (2) Shall identify the primary contractor; (3) The permit number issued to primary contractor; and (4) Under the miscellaneous space, state "sub-contractor." (D) Both the primary contractor and the sub-contractor shall be responsible for the work as regulated by provisions of this graphics code and any applicable provision of the Columbus Building Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 12.)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.24 Suspension and revocation.

3381.24 - Suspension and revocation. A. Upon receiving a complaint in writing made by any person, and subscribed to and sworn to affirmatively by the complainant before an officer of the department or magistrate authorized to administer oaths, stating in substance facts indicating that a license-holder shall have done any of the things herein before mentioned, which constitute cause for the suspension or revocation of the person's license, the board of review shall cause a copy of such complaint to be served by registered mail on such license-holder complained of, together with a notice of the location, time, and date upon which such complaint will be heard, which shall be at some time not later than 60 calendar days after the filing of such complaint. B. At the place and date mentioned in such notices, the board of review shall hear the testimony of such complainant and the license-holder complained against, relative to the matters set forth in such written complaint as well as the testimony of any individual(s) having knowledge of the facts and brought before such board as a witness(es). All such testimony shall be heard under oath or affirmation of the individual testifying. The board of review may adjourn or continue such hearing or change the place thereof as the circumstances of the particular case may require. C. After hearing the testimony upon such complaint, the board shall determine the truth or falsity of the matters charged in the complaint, and whether any violation of the terms and conditions under which the license was issued to the license-holder complained of has occurred. If the board determines such complaint is not true, or that the testimony fails to show that any violation of the terms under which such license was issued has been committed, it shall forthwith dismiss such complaint. D. If, however, it shall be found that a violation has been committed, the board of review shall have the authority to suspend, for a period not to exceed six months, or to revoke the license held by the license-holder. Any license-holder whose license shall be so revoked shall not be entitled to apply for the issuance of a new license for a period of one year after the date of such revocation, and not until such former license-holder has corrected the cause for which such license was revoked or suspended, if a specific reason was stated. The penalty to be attached in each case shall be at the discretion of the board of review. Any license-holder who shall have twice previously been found guilty of violation of the terms and conditions of the license-holder's license shall have such license revoked if found guilty on a third or later complaint. E. The secretary of the board of review shall notify the department's licensing section, in writing, by no later than the close of business of the following work day after the final determination of the board of review's hearing has been made concerning the complaint filed against the license-holder. The decision of the board of review concerning a revocation or suspension of a license may be appealable to the Columbus Graphics Commission pursuant to Chapter 3382. Such an appeal shall be limited to the record created during the proceeding before the applicable board of review. An appeal before the Graphics Commission pursuant to Chapter 3382 shall not be a trial de novo. Such an appeal to the Columbus Graphics Commission shall be filed within 31 calendar days from the date the board of review made its determination. Following revocation, or during any period of suspension, such former license-holder or license-holder shall not perform any work of a licensed contractor. The department shall not issue a permit to a department-issued licensed contractor while under revocation or suspension. (Ord. 1306-99 § 9: Ord. 1696-2006 § 13; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3381.25 Elective suspension (escrow) of license.

3381.25 - Elective suspension (escrow) of license. (A) A license-holder may place their license in elective suspension (escrow) upon a written request and payment of the fee, as prescribed by the fee schedule for such placement to the department's license section, at any time. The written request shall be submitted with the license-holder's application for the immediate establishment of the elective suspension (escrow) status or to occur in lieu of their contractor license renewal. The license-holder shall pay the fee as prescribed by the fee schedule and obtain, a contractor license elective suspension (escrow) renewal each year as herein before regulated. During the period of the elective suspension (escrow), the license-holder shall not be required to obtain or furnish the required bond or liability insurance. Throughout the period of elective suspension (escrow), the license-holder shall not perform any work of a licensed contractor and no permits shall be issued to such license-holder. (B) A general or limited sign erector contractor license may be placed in elective suspension (escrow) indefinitely; however, such license shall be renewed each year by payment of the fee prescribed by the fee schedule for such placement. Failure to renew a license that is in elective suspension (escrow) shall be sufficient cause for such license to become immediately canceled by the department without recourse. Reestablishment of a general or limited sign erector contractor license shall be only accomplished by making a new application for such license with the department. (C) Upon notification to the department's license section and paying the fee as prescribed in the fee schedule, and providing evidence of all required documentation, the elective suspension (escrow) status of a license shall be removed. Thereafter, the license-holder may perform the work of the license holder's licensed craft or trade as a contractor and obtain permits as applicable. (Ord. 2837-96 § 9 (part): Ord. 1696-2006 § 14; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

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_CH3381IMFetched: 10/27/2026