Definitions
Columbus City Codes § 3325.011
in effect3325.011 - Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: definitions contained within this section; definitions contained in Sections 3116.011 to 3116.019, inclusive, excepting only those exclusively applicable to architectural review commission areas or historic preservation listed properties; and definitions contained in Chapter 3303, and not in conflict with Chapter 3116 or this chapter. For parcels and properties with a 2024 Zoning Code district designation, the definitions contained within the 2024 Zoning Code prevail in the event of a conflict.
A. "Average cornice/eave height" means the result obtained by adding the existing cornice or eave heights, as measured from the respective finished grade line, of each principal residentially zoned and used building on each of five contiguous lots on each side of the subject lot on the same side of the street (disregarding any intersecting right-of-way 60 feet or less) and having frontage on the same street; then dividing the sum by the number of buildings measured. For calculation purposes, the cornice/eave height for a mansard-type roof or other double-pitched roof shall be the point where the roof-pitch changes. Note: See also height standards within the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Regional Commercial (RC) subarea sections of this chapter.
B. "Balcony" means a platform projecting from a wall of a building. A balcony has a railing or balustrade and is differentiated from a porch in that it is either cantilevered or supported by brackets and serves as a small, open outdoor space.
C. "Calculated floor area" for Residential and Apartment Residential districts means the gross floor area of all spaces, including attics, basements, cellars and crawl spaces, with a floor to ceiling height of six feet or more. Spaces and areas not included are: (1) a space obstructed by structural members, such as roof trusses; (2) the basement of an original contributing building being substantially rehabilitated, unless such space is designed or intended to be inhabited; (3) an open, covered or enclosed exterior or interior stairway (a stairway includes steps, landings, and 12 square feet of floor area per floor), lift, or other means of access from one story to another; (4) a garage or accessory building; and (5) any non-enclosed space outside the exterior walls such as, but not limited to, a porch (including screened), terrace, balcony, walkway, or deck. Note: See also Floor Area Ratio standards within the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Regional Commercial (RC) subarea sections of this chapter.
D. "Certificate of approval" means a certificate issued by the review board to an applicant stating that the proposed construction, alteration or site improvement is appropriate under the terms of the interim development guidelines of this subchapter and subsequent adopted development guidelines.
E. "Change of use" means an increase or decrease in the number of dwelling units in a building from the number of dwelling units of record.
F. "Contributing building" means a building determined to exhibit the architectural elements and/or lot position common to the original neighborhood character of the District, arranged in relationships reflective of that character. Although typically found in buildings built before 1950, elements of this neighborhood character may be found in successive generation buildings built to the standards of this overlay Determination of contributing status within the University Impact District is made by the University Impact District Review Board. Determination of contributing status outside the University Impact District is made by staff in consultation with the Historic Preservation Officer.
G. "Cornice/eave" means a projecting building element at the top of an exterior building wall or the under part of a sloping roof overhanging a wall.
H. "Deck" means an open and non-roofed platform supported from the ground by piers or posts. A deck's flooring shall allow passage of air and water.
I. "Dumpster" means a cubic yard container for storing refuse as approved by the director of public service.
J. "Finished grade line" means a reference plane established by averaging the finished ground level elevation at ten-foot intervals along a line five feet from and parallel to that portion of the foundation wall of the building and any extension thereof that faces a public street.
K. "Floor area ratio" means the proportion between the floor area of a building(s) and its lot area. Floor area ratio is calculated by dividing the total calculated floor area by the lot area. No portion of any right-of-way shall be considered as part of the lot area. Note: See also Floor Area Ratio standards within the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Regional Commercial (RC) subarea sections of this chapter.
L. "Impact district" means the University Impact District as bounded in C.C. 3325.023
M. "Lot area" means that area of a lot as bounded by its lot lines.
N. "Landscaped area" means that area required to be planted with grass and/or other live vegetation.
O. "Noncontributing building" means a building determined by the Review Board to exhibit architectural elements and/or lot position uncharacteristic of the original neighborhood character, arranged in relationships that are not in harmony with that character. Although typically found in buildings built after 1950, in some instances pre-1950 buildings may have been radically altered to the point of non-contributing status. Examples of intrusive, incompatible elements found in the area include, but are not limited to: massive building; facades obliterated by decking, stairs, and multilevel porches; stairs located in the front setback; minimal or blank facade treatment; side entrances; imitation mansard-type roof or shallow-pitched roof; first floor level at or below grade; varying cornice height; varying setbacks; front-yard parking; suburban-type deck substituting as a front porch; exposed wood elements; and uncharacteristic building materials.
P. "Porch" means a roofed projection from a building, separated from the rest of the building by its walls, and partially supported by foundation, piers, posts or columns. A porch serves as an open, well-defined area for use as an outdoor room and when required, has a railing or balustrade. A ground floor porch is accessed from either the building's interior or by steps from grade. A porch serving the second floor is accessed from either a building's interior or by stairs located behind the building line.
Q. "Review Board" means the University Impact District Review Board (UIDRB), formerly known as the University Area Review Board (UARB).
R. "Study" means University District Planning Study, report to city council, dated February 28, 1991.
S. "Substantial rehabilitation" means a rehabilitation of a building which meets the following criteria: (1) documentation that the total construction cost, which consists of current project cost plus any cost attributable to rehabilitation of the building within two years prior to the current application, shall exceed fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of that building, as determined from county tax records; and (2) determination shall be made that such efforts will considerably extend the utility of the building through repair, replacement, alteration or improvement which may include, but is not limited to: structural elements; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; building elements (such as foundation, walls, roof, windows, or doors) and their components; and architectural elements and features (such as porches, dormers, chimneys, gutters or ornamentation).
T. "Terrace" means a non-roofed outdoor platform serving as the roof of the structure below.
U. "Total calculated floor area" means the combined calculated floor area of all buildings on a lot.
V. "Walkway" means an exterior and open pedestrian circulation path either at grade or at any floor level. A walkway may be covered or uncovered, embraced by or extending from the building, and either is cantilevered, supported from the ground by piers or posts, or lies on the ground.
(Ord. No. 1003-2017, § 1, 5-1-2017; 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_CH3325UNDIZOOV_DEBO_3325.011DEFetched: 10/27/2026