For AI agents: read the machine-readable documentation index at /llms.txt or the single-file full reference at /llms-full.txt.
Form a Business

ON-PREMISES SIGNS IN INSTITUTIONAL, COMMERCIAL, 2024 ZONING CODE MIXED-USE, AND MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS

Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3377
in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3377.01 General provisions for on-premises signs.

3377.01 - General provisions for on-premises signs. On-premises signs are permitted in institutional, commercial, and manufacturing districts established in Chapter 3309 of this Zoning Code and mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code. Development in the AR-O, Apartment District is treated by this Graphics Code as an office/institutional use subject to the provisions of this chapter. The following general provisions shall apply to on-premises signs in institutional, commercial and manufacturing districts, and mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code: A. A permanent on-premises sign may be displayed on a lot in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district pertaining to the established use, and shall be consistent with the development standards contained in the Zoning Code. B. A temporary on-premises sign may be displayed on a lot in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district when displayed in accordance with the temporary, nonilluminated, on- premise sign requirements. C. A certificate of zoning clearance and installation permit shall be required for the installation or refacing of any nonilluminated permanent sign over ten square feet in graphic area; and for any illuminated permanent sign, neon graphic or neon outline lighting, regardless of size. A temporary sign shall be displayed in accordance with the temporary, nonilluminated, on- premise sign requirements. D. No person shall install any sign allowed by this chapter within any public right-of-way. E. A sign required by law shall be no larger than the minimum requirement or, when the size of said sign is not regulated, shall be no larger than necessary to perform the intended function. F. A ground sign installed in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district shall comply with the vision clearance requirements of Chapter 3321, and a ground sign installed in a 2024 Zoning Code mixed-use district must comply with the vision clearance and graphic standards of the 2024 Zoning Code. G. A ground sign installed perpendicular to the street to which it is directed may be double-faced. In lieu of two or more allowed ground signs, one double-faced or multi-faced ground sign may be installed at the intersection of two streets bordering a use in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district, and arranged so as to be directed to both streets. The allowable graphic area shall not exceed the size permitted for either street. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1792-2011, § 1(Attach. 1), 12-12-2011; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 5, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 27, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.02 Special areas.

3377.02 - Special areas. Provisions of this chapter may be modified by graphics standards and/or guidelines adopted by city council for: A. An area of special graphics control. B. An architectural review commission area. C. In a special zoning district, such as but not limited to a planned district or limited district, special graphics standards may be adopted by city council. Such standards shall be included within the specific rezoning ordinance. D. On a property for which the graphics commission has approved a graphics plan, allowable graphics, including signs, shall be determined by the provisions of the approved plan. E. Districts of the 2024 Zoning Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.03 Permanent on-premises signs.

3377.03 - Permanent on-premises signs. Each institutional, commercial or manufacturing use of this Zoning Code, and mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code, may display one or all of the following types of permanent on-premises signs, provided that each sign shall be in compliance with the provisions of this Graphics Code: A. Either a ground sign or projecting sign serving the use and directed to any street which abuts the subject property. B. One or more wall signs, including window signs, serving the use, or each tenant, or activity comprising said use, and directed to each street abutting the subject property and which faces a wall enclosing the activity. C. A sign at an entry point serving the use and located adjacent to each driveway or other approved vehicular access to the subject property. D. A sign allowed as part of an approved graphics plan. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 28, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.04 Graphic area, sign height and setback.

3377.04 - Graphic area, sign height and setback. A. The maximum graphic area for a ground sign to be erected within the first 100 feet of setback from the abutting street right-of-way shall be 300 square feet or the maximum graphic area allowed by this Graphics Code, whichever is less. B. Where not otherwise required by this Graphics Code, the maximum allowable graphic area, height, and setback of a ground sign, projecting sign or wall sign shall be determined by means of the Tables of Elements in this chapter. From the Tables of Elements, the following formula shall be used to calculate the allowable graphic area: The appropriate mass factor from the Tables of Elements shall be multiplied by the square root of the area, or silhouette, of the fronting elevation of the building, or that portion of the building with which the sign is associated. 1. Where the use is comprised of more than one building, the area, or silhouette, of the fronting elevation of the largest building shall be used. 2. The setback distance from the right-of-way to be used in calculating the allowable graphic area shall be determined as follows: a. Ground Sign. Distance from the right-of-way line to the leading edge of the sign. b. Projecting Sign. Distance from the right-of-way line to the wall to which the sign will be attached. c. Wall Sign. Distance from right-of-way line to the wall, or to the fronting elevation closest to the right-of-way line, upon which any wall sign is to be displayed. C. For properties that contain no buildings or which contain buildings that occupy less than ten percent of the total lot area, the following formula shall be used to determine allowable graphic area: First 50 lineal feet of street frontage—one square foot per lineal foot; plus 51—100 lineal feet of street frontage—one-half square foot per lineal foot; plus 101—150 lineal feet of street frontage—one-fourth square foot per lineal foot. The total graphic area allowed by this method shall be 87.5 square feet; no additional area shall be allowed for frontage in excess of 150 lineal feet. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 6, 7-28-2014)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.05 Tables of elements for on-premises ground signs.

3377.05 - Tables of elements for on-premises ground signs. 3377.05 A. | Ground Signs | Institutional Table of Elements/ Zoning Districts: AR-O, I, C-2 Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5, 15 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0, 15 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 15 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 15 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 15 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 20 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 25 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 25 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 25 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 25 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 25 3377.05 B. | Ground Signs | Light Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: P-1, P-2, C-1, M-1, M-2, CPD, DD and EQ Also Includes: UCR, UCT, UGN- 1, and UGN-2 of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.75, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.5, 20 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 3.0, 25 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.5, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0, 25 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5, 25 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.0, 30 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0, 25 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5, 25 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 30 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.5, 30 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0, 35 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 30 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.5, 30 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0, 35 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0, 35 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0, 35 3377.05 C. | Ground Signs | Heavy Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: C-3, C-4, C-5 and M Also Includes CAC and RAC of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 3.0, 20; Ltd. by 3377.07 & 3377.19 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 20 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0, 20 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.0, 20 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0, 20 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0, 20 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 25 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0, 25 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0, 30 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0, 30 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0, 30 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0, 35 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 7.0, 35 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 7.0, 35 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0, 35 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0, 35 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 7.0, 35 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 8.0, 35 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 8.0, 35 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0, 35 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 7.0, 35 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 8.0, 35 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 8.0, 35 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 8.0, 35 (Ord. 3398-98 § 5.; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.06 Tables of elements for on-premises projecting signs.

3377.06 - Tables of elements for on-premises projecting signs. 3377.06 A. | Projecting Signs | Institutional Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: AR-O, I, C-2 Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 0.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 3377.06 B. | Projecting Signs | Light Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: P-1, P-2, C-1, M-1, M-2, CPD, DD and EQ Also Includes: UCR, UCT, UGN- 1, and UGN-2 of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.5 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 3.5 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.5 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0 3377.06 C. | Projecting Signs | Heavy Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: C-3, C-4, C-5 and M Also Includes: CAC and RAC of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.0 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 (Ord. 3398-98 § 6.; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.07 Tables of elements for on-premises wall signs.

3377.07 - Tables of elements for on-premises wall signs. 3377.07 A. | Wall Signs | Institutional Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: AR-O, I, C-2 Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 1.5 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 1.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 1.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 2.0 3377.07 B. | Wall Signs | Light Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: P-1, P-2, C-1, M-1, M-2, CPD, DD and EQ Also Includes: UCR, UCT, UGN- 1, and UGN-2 of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 3.5 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 2.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 2.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 3.5 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 4.0 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 5.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 6.0 3377.07 C. | Wall Signs | Heavy Commercial - Industrial Table of Elements/Zoning Districts: C-3, C-4, C-5 and M Also includes: CAC, and RAC of the 2024 Zoning Code. Setback: Distance From Right-of-Way (in feet) | Character of the Road Situation From Where Sign is Seen: | Mass Factor, Height In r.o.w. | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0; Ltd. by 3377.09 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | Prohibited 0 - 15 feet (0 = r.o.w. line) | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0 Over 15 - 25 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 3.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 3.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 5.0 Over 25 - 50 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 4.5 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 4.5 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 5.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 7.0 Over 50 - 75 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 7.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 7.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 8.0 Over 75 - 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 8.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 8.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 8.0 Over 100 feet | Two lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 6.0 Two lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 6.0 Multi-lane, 35 m.p.h. or less | 8.0 Multi-lane, over 35 m.p.h. | 8.0 Freeway, over 50 m.p.h. | 8.0 (Ord. 3398-98 § 7.; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.08 Illumination and special effects.

3377.08 - Illumination and special effects. A great deal of the character of an activity, street, place, neighborhood, or community is expressed by the effect of illumination and other special features of signs. It is the intent of this Graphics Code to allow for the utilization of special effects and their potential contribution to the visual character of a place. The following provisions shall apply to special effects in institutional, commercial and manufacturing districts: A. Sign Illumination. 1. A sign illuminated directly, indirectly, internally or by neon tubes bent in the form of letters or shapes is permitted for any use or activity, unless specifically prohibited by other provisions of this Graphics Code. 2. External illumination for a permanent on-premises sign displayed in zoning districts AR-O, I, and C-2 shall be limited to white light. The background of such internally illuminated sign shall be opaque. 3. The color of illumination and background opacity shall not be restricted for any other permanent on-premises sign displayed in a commercial and manufacturing district. 4. The light source, including fixture, of any sign utilizing external illumination shall be shielded from view from any public right-of-way and from any residential dwelling unit. 5. Flashing signs and bare bulb lamp illumination shall be permitted only in zoning districts C-3, C-4, C-5, and M. Each lamp in a flashing sign shall not exceed a luminance of 110 lumens. Non-flashing signs may use bare lamp illumination, but any one (1) lamp shall not exceed a luminance of 215 lumens. Internal or external reflectors shall not be used in conjunction with bare lamp illumination. 6. The use of open flame as a source of illumination shall be permitted only in the C-4, Commercial District. B. Changeable Copy Signs. 1. A manual changeable copy sign may be utilized in any zoning district covered by the Tables of Elements; however, an automatic changeable copy sign shall be permitted only in zoning districts C-3, C-4, C-5, and M. 2. At least 50 percent of the graphic area of a ground sign or projecting sign which utilizes changeable copy shall be non-changeable copy used for identification of the use which it serves. 3. A changeable copy sign shall not be permitted within any public right-of-way, except that a changeable copy wall sign extending no more than six inches into the right-of-way may be utilized. 4. A sign utilizing a copy change procedure shall display each individual message a minimum of eight (8) seconds. 5. The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous to the human eye without any transition effects. Transition effects include wipes, fades, or other special effects. 6. Each automatic changeable copy sign shall be equipped with a light sensing device that automatically adjusts the brightness of the sign as ambient light conditions change. 7. Each automatic changeable copy sign shall be operated with monitoring and methods in place that shall either turn off the display, or show a full black image on the display, in the event of a malfunction that affects more than fifty (50) percent of the sign face. 8. No automatic changeable copy sign shall exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured using a foot-candle (Lux) meter at a pre-set distance in accordance with the following procedure: a. At least 30 minutes past sunset, record the ambient light while the sign is off or displaying all black copy, or with the sign's illumination blocked. b. The light meter shall be held five feet above the finished grade in front of the sign. c. The meter shall be aimed toward the center of the automatic changeable copy sign. d. From the same location, a second reading shall be recorded while the sign is on and not blocked. 9. If the difference between the measurements is 0.3 foot candles or less, the brightness is properly adjusted; otherwise, the billboard must be adjusted to comply with the brightness adjustment standard set forth above. 10. The measurement distance shall be determined as shown in Table 1, which is derived and generalized from the formula shown for 180 square feet in the table; (the square root of) (the automatic changeable copy area times 100): Table 1. Distances from which to measure the brightness of on-premises automatic changeable copy graphics. Area of automatic changeable copy in square feet | Measurement distance in linear feet 10 | 32 20 | 45 30 | 55 40 | 63 50 | 71 60 | 77 70 | 84 80 | 89 90 | 95 100 | 100 120 | 110 140 | 118 160 | 126 180 x 100 = 18000; √18000 = 134 | 134 200 | 141 220 | 148 240 | 155 260 | 161 280 | 167 300 | 173 350 | 187 400 | 200 450 | 212 500 | 224 550 | 234 600 | 245 650 and greater | 254 11. Existing automatic changeable copy signs exception. An automatic changeable copy sign, which was lawfully established with no dimming capability, shall be considered a nonconforming graphic regarding the requirement for dimming control technology in section 3377.08(C)(6). C. Mechanical Movement. 1. A sign that physically revolves or moves up, down, or sideways; or any sign that contains mechanical movement or gives the appearance of movement through animation within the copy area shall be displayed only in zoning districts C-3, C-4, C-5, and M. 2. A revolving sign shall be limited to a maximum of eight revolutions per minute. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 7, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 29, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.09 Right-of-way encroachments.

3377.09 - Right-of-way encroachments. A. Encroachment By a Ground Sign or Projecting Sign. 1. A special permit shall be required where any part of a ground sign or projecting sign will extend into any street right-of-way by more than six and one-half feet, or extend into any alley right-of-way by more than six inches. 2. In no case shall the distance, measured horizontally between the back of the curb or edge of pavement and the outer edge of the sign, be less than two feet. 3. All parts of the sign within the right-of-way shall clear the established grade of the right-of-way at the sign location by at least ten feet. 4. Changeable copy signs, both automatic and manual, shall not be permitted within any public right-of-way. B. Encroachment By a Wall Sign. 1. A special permit shall be required where any part of a wall sign will extend into any public right-of-way by more than two and one-half feet, or extend into an alley right-of-way by more than six inches. 2. In no case shall the distance be less than two feet, measured horizontally between the back of the curb or edge of vehicular pavement and the outer edge of the sign. 3. All parts of said wall sign shall clear the established grade of the right-of-way at the sign location by at least eight feet. 4. Changeable copy signs, both automatic and manual, shall be prohibited within any public right-of-way. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 30, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.10 Permanent on-premises ground signs.

3377.10 - Permanent on-premises ground signs. This section contains general provisions for regulating permanent on-premises ground signs serving uses located in institutional, commercial and manufacturing districts of this Zoning Code, and mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code. Permanent on-premises ground signs are also subject to the provisions of Sections 3377.11 to 3377.18, inclusive, or 34.G.20.060 for mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code. A. A use situated in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district of this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, shall display no more than one permanent ground sign directed to each street which abuts the lot, except as provided in C.C. 3377.05(B), (C), (D) and (E), and erected in accordance with the provisions of this Graphics Code. B. Where such ground sign or signs are utilized, the use shall not display a projecting sign or a side wall sign directed to the same street. C. The graphic area and height of a permanent ground sign shall not exceed the maximum allowed by the Tables of Elements for each particular sign location, except where otherwise provided by this Graphics Code or the 2024 Zoning Code. D. No additional graphic elements shall be attached to any part of a ground sign, other than on a sign face approved as part of such sign. No attach-on signs shall be used. E. A ground sign identifying a use located in an AR-O, I or C-2 Zoning District, or other institutional district, shall display permanent copy only, no tenant panels or changeable copy. F. A ground sign identifying a use located in a P-1, P-2, C-1, M-1, M-2, CPD, EQ, C-3, C-4, C-5 or M Zoning District, other light or heavy commercial or manufacturing district, and a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code may display tenant panel(s) and/or changeable copy. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 31, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.11 Tenant panels and changeable copy.

3377.11 - Tenant panels and changeable copy. The following provisions shall apply to any tenant panel or changeable copy displayed on a permanent on-premises ground sign in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district of this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code: A. No more than four tenant panels shall be utilized and each tenant panel shall identify no more than one tenant. B. Changeable copy, either manual or automatic, in compliance with the provisions of C.C. 3377.08(C), may be used in lieu of one or more of the allowed four tenant panels. C. The portion of such ground sign utilized to display tenant panels and changeable copy shall be no more than 50 percent of the total graphic area of the sign. D. Where a commercial or manufacturing use contains five or more tenants or activities, no less than 50 percent of the total graphic area of said sign shall be utilized to identify the entire use. E. When any tenant for whom a tenant panel is displayed vacates the premises, the owner of the subject property shall remove said tenant panel from the subject ground sign within 30 calendar days following such tenant's vacating. Said removed tenant panel shall be replaced with either a new tenant panel or an infill panel which is designed to visually integrate with the subject ground sign. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.12 Street address requirements.

3377.12 - Street address requirements. Chapter 907, C.C., requires that the street address of each use or activity shall be displayed so as to be readable from the street fronting the use. Where that requirement is to be met by displaying the house number on a ground sign or ingress/egress sign serving an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use of this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, the following size standards shall be utilized: A. Where the speed limit of the fronting street is greater than 35 miles per hour (35 mph), the numeral size shall be no less than six inches. B. Where the speed limit of the fronting street is 35 miles per hour (35 mph) or less, the numeral size shall be no less than four inches. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.13 Large lot frontage provisions.

3377.13 - Large lot frontage provisions. An institutional, commercial or manufacturing use in a district of this Zoning Code, situated on a lot with more than 600 continuous lineal feet of frontage along an arterial street, shall display no more than two ground signs adjacent to and directed to said arterial street and with the following additional limitations: A. Each such ground sign shall be in compliance with the provisions of C.C. 3377.10 to C.C. 3377.12, inclusive. B. No more than one such sign shall be allowed for each major vehicular entrance to the subject property, and, in general, said sign shall be located adjacent to such entrance. C. Such ground signs shall be separated from each other by at least 300 lineal feet. D. The aggregate graphic area for all ground signs on said street frontage shall not exceed the maximum allowable graphic area for that street frontage. This Section does not apply to mixed-use districts of the 2024 Zoning Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.14 Signs at access points.

3377.14 - Signs at access points. An access point sign may be installed adjacent to any approved driveway or other approved vehicular access, for the purpose of aiding traffic flow, subject to the following provisions: A. No more than one such sign shall be allowed for each ingress and one for each egress. B. Graphic area shall be no more than six square feet. C. Sign height shall be limited to a maximum of 30 inches. D. Required sign setback shall be no less than two feet from any abutting street right-of-way line and no less than two feet from any public sidewalk or shared-use path. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 32, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.15 Ground signs requiring graphics plan approval.

3377.15 - Ground signs requiring graphics plan approval. The following types of ground signs may be approved by the graphics commission as part of a graphics plan: A. Where a property with more than 600 continuous lineal feet of frontage along an arterial street is being developed with an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use in a district of this Zoning Code, the graphics commission may approve a graphics plan to allow the installation of three or more ground signs for a district of this Zoning Code, as noted above, or of two or more ground signs for a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, adjacent to and directed to said arterial street. Each such sign shall otherwise be in compliance with C.C. 3377.10 to C.C. 3377.12, inclusive, or with Section 34.G.20.060 for a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code. B. Where a property is being developed with one or more free-standing uses adjacent to a fronting arterial street, typical of but not limited to outparcel development, along with a larger institutional, commercial or manufacturing use in a district under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, the graphics commission may approve a maximum of one additional monument-type ground sign to identify each free-standing use, subject to the following limitations: 1. Where such ground sign is to be utilized, said free-standing use shall not display or be served by any other ground sign, projecting sign or side wall sign directed to the same street. 2. Graphic area, height, setback and other applicable development standards shall be determined by the graphics commission for each such sign. C. One or more on-premises ground signs, including directory signs, may be utilized to identify or provide direction to functions or destinations within an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use in a district under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, including, but not limited to, parking facilities, service facilities or emergency facilities. Size, height, setback and other standards shall be determined by the graphics commission. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 33, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.16 Ground sign directed to a limited access highway.

3377.16 - Ground sign directed to a limited access highway. A motorist services use situated on a lot that either has one or more lot lines abutting a freeway limited-access right-of-way line, or does not abut the freeway right-of-way line, but all or part of which lies within 660 feet of said limited-access right-of-way line, measured perpendicularly from the limited-access right-of-way line and/or the fence that extends along said right-of-way line, shall display no more than one permanent on-premises ground sign directed to said freeway. A motorist services use ground sign shall be subject to the following provisions: A. Graphic area shall be no more than 300 square feet or the graphic area allowed by the Tables of Elements, whichever is less. B. Sign height shall not exceed 35 feet, except that a special permit shall be required for the installation of a motorist services use ground sign with a greater height, not to exceed 75 feet. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 34, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.17 Setback regulations for permanent on-premises ground signs.

3377.17 - Setback regulations for permanent on-premises ground signs. No portion of a permanent on-premises ground sign, including supporting structure and decorative elements, shall be located within a required sign setback, or in conflict with the vision clearance provisions of the general site development standards chapter of this zoning code except an ingress/egress sign in compliance with C.C. 3377.14. A. Setback from Abutting Street Required. The required sign setback line shall apply to each street which abuts the property. Except as otherwise provided by this Graphics Code or the graphics standards of the 2024 Zoning Code, a permanent ground sign shall be set back no less than 15 feet from any street right-of-way line. B. Side Yard Setback Required. In addition, a side yard setback of ten feet shall be required from the side lot line of a residentially zoned district; a side yard setback of five feet shall be required from the side lot line of an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district of this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code. C. Special Area Setback Exceptions. Exceptions to the required sign setback line, as determined by the Tables of Elements, shall be as follows: 1. Where the sign setback line is determined by the adopted standards and/or guidelines of an area of special graphics control or architectural review commission area. 2. Where the sign setback line is determined by the provisions of a special zoning district, such as but not limited to a planned-district or limited-district. 3. Where the sign setback line is determined by the provisions of an approved graphics plan. D. Visual Obstruction by Existing Building or Structure. Where a building or structure that constitutes a visual obstruction, other than another on-premises sign, precedes the subject property in the direction of traffic flow and lies within 160 feet of the mid-point of the street frontage of the subject property and is less than 20 feet behind the public right-of-way line, an on-premises ground sign may be erected with the trailing edge at the setback of the obstruction. Such ground sign may encroach upon the public right-of-way, subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.09, Right-of-way encroachments. E. Visual Obstruction by Existing Vegetation. In a location where the existing vegetation would prevent a conforming ground sign or projecting sign from being read by passing motorists, a ground sign may be located in advance of the required setback, subject to the following conditions: 1. Maximum sign height shall be four feet measured from the established grade of the public right-of-way adjacent to the sign location. 2. Minimum sign setback shall be five feet from the fronting street right-of-way line. F. Removal of Obstruction. Setback reductions allowed herein shall be temporary. The owner of any sign erected at reduced setback due to visual obstruction shall move said sign to a conforming location when the obstruction is removed. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 21, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.18 Permanent on-premises projecting signs.

3377.18 - Permanent on-premises projecting signs. This section contains general provisions for regulating permanent on-premises projecting signs serving uses located in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing zoning district under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code. Permanent on-premise projecting signs are also subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.19. A. Projecting Sign On a Building. A use situated in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, shall display no more than one permanent on-premises projecting sign directed to each street which abuts the lot, and erected in accordance with the provisions of this Graphics Code, subject to the following additional limitations: 1. Where such projecting sign is utilized, the use shall not display a ground sign or a side wall sign directed to the same street. 2. For the purpose of calculating allowable graphic area, the sign setback line for a permanent projecting sign shall be that of the wall of the building to which it is attached, except that where any part of a projecting sign encroaches upon any public right-of-way, the setback of the leading edge of said sign shall be utilized. 3. A side yard setback of ten feet shall be required from any residentially zoned district. 4. When installed entirely within private property a projecting sign shall clear the established grade at the sign location by at least eight feet. 5. No portion of a projecting sign shall extend above the wall or fascia to which it is attached. 6. A projecting sign may extend over the right-of-way of a street, regardless of the building location relative to the right-of-way line, subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.09, Right- of-way encroachments. B. Projecting Signs for Ground Floor Activities. Where a building contains two or more ground floor uses or activities which abut a fronting street, each ground floor use or activity shall utilize no more than one projecting sign, subject to the following conditions: 1. Such individual projecting signs shall be allowed only in lieu of a projecting sign or ground sign serving the entire use or building, and shall be subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.18(A). 2. The maximum allowable graphic area for each such projecting sign shall be calculated by dividing the allowable graphic area for a single projecting sign serving the entire ground floor by the total number of ground floor tenant spaces along that frontage. 3. Individual projecting signs serving each use or tenant shall be of uniform size and shall be installed on, or directly above, the portion of the wall enclosing said use or tenant and at a uniform height above grade. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.19 Projecting signs requiring graphics plan approval.

3377.19 - Projecting signs requiring graphics plan approval. The graphics commission may consider for approval as part of a graphics plan, one or more on- premises projecting signs to be utilized to identify or provide direction to functions within an institutional, commercial or manufacturing use under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code. Size, setback and other such standards shall be determined by the commission. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 35, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.20 Permanent on-premises wall and window signs.

3377.20 - Permanent on-premises wall and window signs. This section contains the general provisions for regulating permanent on-premises wall and window signs serving institutional, commercial or manufacturing use under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code. Where a lot is developed with a single use or activity, regardless of size, wall and/or window signs shall be allowed based on the characteristics of the entire use. Permanent on- premises wall and window signs are also subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.21 to C.C. 3377.25, inclusive. The following provisions shall apply to all wall and window signs allowed by this chapter: A. In order to qualify for a wall and/or window sign to be installed on the subject building, the use or activity to be served by the sign must occupy a portion of said building. Said sign shall be displayed only on a wall, or that portion of a wall, enclosing said use or activity. B. Permanent wall signs serving individual uses or activities shall be displayed only on a wall enclosing the ground and first (or first and second) floor levels of the building. However, an allowable permanent wall sign which serves to identify the entire use or building may be displayed on any part of said wall or facade including its parapet. C. Along each facade of a building, in addition to allowable window signs and/or under-canopy signs, each individual use or activity shall utilize no more than one of the following types of wall signs: Direct-mounted wall sign, awning sign, or canopy sign. D. The aggregate graphic area of wall signs on each facade shall not exceed the allowable graphic area as determined by this Graphics Code. E. Where a use or activity qualifies for a wall sign facing an abutting street, and provided said use or tenant is not also served by a ground sign or projecting sign directed to the same street, some or all of the allowable graphic area for wall signs may be utilized on the adjacent side walls enclosing the same use or activity. F. A wall sign shall not extend across, cover, or interfere with the functioning of major architectural features such as, but not limited to, windows and doors. G. A wall sign shall not extend beyond the perimeter of the wall to which it is attached, except as part of an approved awning or canopy. H. Only the primary face of a wall sign shall be used to display any sign copy. The primary face is that plane which is closest to parallel to the wall to which it is attached. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 8, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.21 Awning, canopy and under-canopy signs.

3377.21 - Awning, canopy and under-canopy signs. A. A permanent on-premises sign to be installed on an approved awning, fixed or retractable, or canopy shall be classed as a wall sign subject to the same requirements and limitations as other permanent wall signs. B. A permanent wall sign may be installed on an approved awning or canopy that extends into a public right-of-way, regardless of the building location relative to the right-of-way line, subject to the provisions of C.C. 3377.09, Right-of-way encroachments. C. Where a continuous canopy or other approved structure covers the pedestrian walkway serving a multiple-activity use, each use or activity may utilize one under-canopy sign installed perpendicular to the wall of the building with which it is associated. Such sign shall not exceed ten square feet in area. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.22 Wall signs and building recesses.

3377.22 - Wall signs and building recesses. Where the fronting wall of the subject building consists of more than a single, continuous plane, such as: (a) the first floor is recessed beneath the upper floor(s); or (b) a larger wall of the subject building lies behind the fronting wall or canopy, then a permanent wall sign may be located in the plane of the fronting wall or canopy, provided the following additional conditions are met: A. The sign face shall be enclosed to form a structural frame and background for the sign copy; B. The sign shall not extend beyond the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire building with which it is associated; C. The sign may be located at the front edge of an awning or canopy, however the awning or canopy shall be designed to support the additional load of the sign; D. Where installed beneath an awning, canopy, or fronting wall, the sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet when accessible to pedestrian traffic. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.23 Permanent and removable window signs.

3377.23 - Permanent and removable window signs. A permanent window sign, along with any removable window sign and any self contained graphic displayed in a window, shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the window with which it is associated. A permanent window sign with a graphic area greater than ten square feet shall be counted as part of the allowable graphic area for the activity or use. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.24 Wall signs for individual uses.

3377.24 - Wall signs for individual uses. A. An individual use or activity on a building facade facing an abutting street, may display one wall sign, comprised of one or more elements, and/or permanent window signs on that facade in accordance with the Tables of Elements. B. An individual use or activity which has a public entrance on a building face that is not oriented to a street abutting the lot, may display wall signs and/or permanent window signs on that facade in accordance with following setbacks and mass factors: Setback | Mass Factor 0—100 Feet | 1 101—300 Feet | 2 301—500 Feet | 3 over 500 Feet | 4 For this purpose, the setback is the perpendicular distance measured from the building wall that will support the sign to the nearest property line of the subject lot, regardless of other referents. C. Where the portion of the building being occupied does not include a wall facing a street which abuts the lot, such as, but not limited to, multiple-tenant office buildings, the use or activity may display one wall sign which shall not exceed ten square feet in area. Such sign shall be located adjacent to a pedestrian entrance to the building or adjacent to a driveway providing access to on-site parking. D. Each use or tenant shall display no more than one additional permanent on-premises wall sign on the side or rear of the subject building. Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and shall be static at all times and illuminated only during the hours which the activity is operating. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 9, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 36, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.25 Wall signs requiring graphics plan approval.

3377.25 - Wall signs requiring graphics plan approval. A. Where an individual use or activity does not have a direct public entrance from the outside of the subject building; such as, but not limited to, an enclosed mall shopping center, and occupies a portion of said building which faces a street abutting the subject lot, said use or activity may display one or more wall signs only as part of an approved graphics plan for the subject lot. B. One or more wall signs identifying the entire use or an entire building on a lot, may be utilized in addition to any allowable wall sign serving one or more individual activities, provided such signs are part of an approved graphics plan for the entire use or lot. Allowable graphic area shall be determined by applying the Tables of Elements to the portion of the building face not used in calculating the allowable graphic area for the individual uses or activities. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.26 Permanent on-premises roof signs.

3377.26 - Permanent on-premises roof signs. Graphics Plan Required. A permanent on-premises roof sign shall only be allowed as part of an approved graphics plan. The following guidelines shall be used by the graphics commission in determining an application for approval of a roof sign: A. A building more than 40 feet in height may display a roof sign in addition to other permanent wall signs allowed by this chapter, provided that the aggregate graphic area of roof signs and wall signs does not exceed the maximum graphic area allowed for the building. B. A building up to and including 40 feet in height may display a roof sign in lieu of other permanent wall signs allowed by this chapter. C. A roof sign permitted under either condition, whether a part of the initial design of the building or an addition after the building has been constructed, shall be designed to appear as an integral part of the supporting building. D. The structural support for said sign shall be enclosed to form a background for the sign copy. E. The plane of the sign face shall appear as a vertical continuation of the plane of the building wall with which the sign is associated, unless otherwise designed as an integral part of the building. F. A roof sign shall not extend beyond the vertical boundaries of the wall with which it is associated. G. The combined height of the building and the roof sign shall not exceed the height limitations of the underlying zoning district. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 37, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3377.27 Temporary on-premises signs—General provisions.

3377.27 - Temporary on-premises signs—General provisions. A single, temporary on-premises sign may be displayed on a lot in an institutional, commercial and manufacturing district under this Zoning Code, or a mixed-use district of the 2024 Zoning Code, subject to the following general provisions: A. A temporary permit shall be required to authorize the installation of any temporary sign with a graphic area larger than 10 square feet. B. Proof of approval, in a format determined by the director, shall be displayed on any temporary sign C. A temporary sign shall be displayed for no more than 365 consecutive days, renewable for one, consecutive, 365 day period without a fee . The maximum size shall be 32 square feet with a maximum height of 8 feet. D. No temporary sign shall be illuminated. E. A temporary sign shall be a rigid ground sign only, except in a situation where no conforming location for a ground sign exists. No temporary projecting sign or roof sign shall be permitted. No banner shall be used as a temporary sign. F. A temporary ground sign shall be set back at least two feet from the right-of-way line of any abutting street, or the setback required by this chapter, whichever is greater, and no less than two feet from any public sidewalk or shared-use path. Vision clearance shall be maintained. Where wall-mounted, allowable setback shall be that of the wall to which said sign is attached. (Ord. 2837-96 § 5 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 38, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)
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=TIT33ZOCO_CH3377EMSIINCO2024ZOCOMIEMADIFetched: 10/27/2026

Starting a business in Ohio? Ohio LLC guide: costs and requirements