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DEFINITIONS

Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3303
in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3303.00 Meaning of words and phrases.

3303.00 - Meaning of words and phrases. (A) The definitions in this chapter shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Zoning Code as well as the interpretation and enforcement of the 2024 Zoning Code unless otherwise specifically provided for in Title 34. (B) Italicized words or phrases contained within or as part of a definition in this chapter or otherwise as used throughout the Zoning Code have specific meanings and definitions. (C) Tense—Number—Lot—Building. For the purposes of this Zoning Code, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number. (D) The word "lot" includes the word "plot," and the word "building" includes the word "structure." (Ord. 1425-01 § 2; Ord. 546-03 § 2; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.01 Letter A.

3303.01 - Letter A. "Abutting" means bordering. "Accessory" means a subordinate use, building or structure located on the same lot with and of a nature incidental to the principal use, building or structure. "Accessory dwelling unit or ADU" means an additional dwelling unit which has a separate and independent means of ingress and egress that is located on the same lot as and is subordinate to a principal dwelling or apartment house. "Accessory Parking" and "Non-accessory Parking." 1. "Accessory parking" means automobile parking as a subordinate use and of a nature incidental to but supportive of the principal use, building or structure. Accessory parking is characterized as a free service for employees and/or customers of the principal use, building or structure. 2. "Non-accessory parking" means automobile parking as a principal rather than a subordinate land use and is neither accessory nor code-required. Non-accessory parking is generally characterized as a commercial service. "Activities, specified sexual." (See "Specified sexual activities.") "Activity" means an individual tenant, business, or other commercial or noncommercial establishment or occupancy. "Addition" means a part added to a building either by constructing so as to form one architectural whole, or by joining, as by a passage, so that each is a necessary adjunct or appurtenance of the other or so that they constitute the same building. "Administrator" when used without clarification means the director or designee. "Adult booth" means an area of an adult entertainment establishment or adult store separated from the rest of a building by a divider, partition or wall and used to: 1. Demonstrate, play, or show adult material, or 2. View a live performance distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the depiction description, exposure, or representation of specified anatomical areas or the conduct or simulation of specified sexual activities. "Adult entertainment establishment" means an auditorium, bar, cabaret, concert hall, nightclub, restaurant, theater or other similar commercial establishment that recurrently features or provides one or more of the following: 1. Persons who appear in the nude; 2. A live performance distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the depiction, description, exposure, or representation of specified anatomical areas or the conduct or simulation of specified sexual activities, or 3. Audio or video displays, computer displays, films, motion pictures, slides or other visual representations or recordings characterized or distinguished by an emphasis on the depiction, description, exposure or representation of specified anatomical areas, or the conduct or simulation of specified sexual activities. "Adult material" means items consisting of one or more of the following: 1. Digital or printed books, magazines, periodicals, audio, video displays, computer displays, films, motion pictures, slides, or other visual representations or recordings that are characterized or distinguished by an emphasis on the depiction, description, exposure, or representation of specified anatomical areas or the conduct or simulation of specified sexual activities, or 2. Devices, instruments, novelties or paraphernalia designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities, or that depict or describe specified anatomical areas. "Adult store" means one or more of the following: 1. An establishment which has a majority of its shelf space or square footage devoted to the display, rental, sale, or viewing of adult material for any form of consideration, or 2. An establishment with an adult booth. "Aggregate Graphic Area." (See "Graphic area.") "Alley" means a right-of-way not less than ten feet wide but less than 35 feet wide located at the rear or side of lots, dedicated to public use for travel or transportation and generally affording secondary access to abutting property. "Alley line" means a lot line bordering on an alley. "Alter" or "Alteration," and "Structural Alteration." "Alter" or "alteration" means any change, rearrangement or modification in construction or in the exit facilities or the moving of partitions from one location or position to another. "Structural alteration" means any change in the supporting members of a building such as bearing walls, columns, lintels, beams or girders or floor construction. "Amusement park" means any premises offering three or more amusement rides for hire on a per use basis or the charging of an admission fee for more than 21 calendar days in a calendar year. An amusement ride is a ride or device, aquatic device, or a combination of devices that carries or conveys passengers on, along, around, over, or through a fixed restricted course within a defined area for the purpose of giving its passenger's amusement pleasure, or excitement. "Amusement ride" includes carnival rides, bungee jumping, inflatable rides and fair rides. Amusement park does not include an approved special event allowed by C.C. Chapter 3390. "Anatomical areas, specified" (See: "specified anatomical areas.") "Animal kennel" or "animal shelter" means any building, structure, or premises which is used, arranged, intended or designed to be used for the boarding and/or breeding of animals for more than a consecutive 24-hour period and not located or operated in conjunction with the practice of a licensed veterinarian on the same parcel. Pet day care, pet grooming facilities, pet stores and pet supply stores, with no outside runs, shall not be considered an animal kennel. "Animated Graphic" (See "Graphic.") "Antenna" means any system of wires, poles, rods or similar devices for transmitting or receiving radio signals or television signals, or both, together with the structure used for the primary purpose of supporting same, including the foundation, guys, and all other components thereof. "Apartment complex" means a residential development under one control and consisting of two or more apartment houses erected on a lot which has frontage on and access to a public street through an approved system of private drives. In addition to apartment house buildings, an apartment complex may also include dwellings containing one, two, three, or four dwelling units. "Apartment hotel" means a building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by five or more individuals or groups of individuals living independently but having a common heating system and a general dining room. "Apartment house" means a building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by five or more individuals, groups of individuals or families living independently of each other and with cooking facilities for the exclusive use of each of the individuals, groups of individuals, or families who occupy the premises. The number which an apartment house is designed to accommodate shall be determined by the number of separate dwelling units in such dwelling. "Approved combustible material" means wood or any material not more combustible than wood, as specified in the most recent National Electrical Code; and approved plastics. "Architectural decoration" means an element, design or motif, other than an architectural feature; installed, attached, painted or applied to the exterior of a building or structure for the purpose of ornamentation or artistic expression (Compare with "Architectural feature.") "Architectural feature" means a window, door or other element of building design intended to be functional and any ornamentation associated therewith. (Compare with "Architectural decoration.") "Architectural review commission" when used without clarification means the historic resources commission created by Chapter 3117, C.C., or an architectural review commission created by Title 31, C.C. and having jurisdiction over the application. "Architectural review commission guidelines" means the document adopted by an architectural review commission that sets forth the architectural characteristics of a listed property or an architectural review commission area, or a specific property therein and provides design guidance for appropriate construction or alteration therein pursuant to the provisions of the pertinent chapter. Guidelines and standards are intended to be consistent with each other. "Art Gallery" means an establishment used primarily for displaying and/or offering for sale works of art to the general public and does not involve the preparation of food or drink or offering food or drink for sale or for consumption on site. "Arterial street" means any street for which the primary function is to move vehicles from one section of the city or county and which is so designated on the city of Columbus thoroughfare plan and arterial construction type adopted by city council and used for express, moderate speed travel (usually 35 to 50 miles per hour) within an urbanized area. "Automatic changeable copy." (See "Changeable copy.") "Aviation Field." See "Landing field." "Awning" means a hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building intended only for shelter or ornamentation. "Fixed awning" means an awning constructed with a rigid frame which cannot be retracted, folded or collapsed. "Illuminated awning" means a fixed awning covered with a translucent membrane and which is in whole or part, illuminated by light passing through the membrane from within the structure, also known as an "electric awning." "Retractable awning" means an awning, which can be, retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of the supporting building. "Canopy" means an awning, which is additionally supported by one or more columns. "Marquee" means a fixed awning or canopy, which requires additional loading for graphics. (Ord. 1306-99 § 1; Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 533-02 § 1; Ord. 1877-02 § 4; Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part): Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 0357-2009, §§ 1, 12, 4-6-2009; Ord. No. 0239-2010, § 1, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 0506-2017, § 1, 3-27-2017; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.02 Letter B.

3303.02 - Letter B. "Banner" means a non-rigid cloth, canvas, or plastic graphic, other than a flag, displaying on-premises or off-premises copy. "Bar" means an establishment used primarily for the dispensing, or sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-site consumption. "Bikeway" means a facility that explicitly provides for bicycle travel. A bikeway may vary from a completely separated facility to simple signed streets as follows: (a) "Shared-use path" (Class I Bikeway) means a bikeway outside the traveled way and physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the street or highway right-of-way or within an independent alignment. A shared-use path also may be used by pedestrians, including skaters, joggers, users of manual and motorized wheelchairs, and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users. (b) "Bike lane" (Class II Bikeway) is a marked lane contiguous to a travel lane within a roadway for the exclusive or semi-exclusive operation of bicycles in the same direction as the adjacent travel lane. The bike lane is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by painted lines, pavement coloration, curbing, parked vehicles or other barriers. (c) "Bike route" (Class III Bikeway) utilizes existing streets and roads. No separation of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic is provided as only signs are present to indicate the course of the bike route. "Billboard" means an off-premises sign which consists of one or more sign faces primarily intended by the sign owner to be available for sale, lease or rental for the purpose of promoting any business or other activity which is not situated on the same property as the billboard or of promoting any product or service which is not primarily available on the same property as the billboard; and incidentally used for the display of public service messages. "Breezeway" means a roofed, weather-protected, non-habitable space connecting a dwelling and a detached garage. "Building" means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, or any series of structures separated only by "fire separations" but contained under a common roof or within common walls, and requiring a building permit in accordance with Title 41 of the Building Code that is used for shelter, occupancy, enclosure, or support of persons, animals, or property. "Building line" means a clearance line limiting the approach to a lot line of a building or structure, exclusive of open porches, steps, terraces, walkways, or as otherwise provided in this Zoning Code. "Building service equipment" means any electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating or air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, or hydronic system. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 1143-02 § 1 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1182-2014, § 2, 6-16-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 1, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.03 Letter C.

3303.03 - Letter C. "Cabaret" means a nightclub, or restaurant where performers dance, sing, or engage in plays for patrons. "Caliper" means tree trunk diameter measured four and one-half feet from the ground on trees more than 12 inches in diameter. On trees more than four inches and up to 12 inches in diameter, caliper is measure 12 inches from the ground. On trees four inches or less in diameter, caliper is measured six inches from the ground. Canopy. See "Awning." "Call center" means a centralized office used for the purpose of receiving and transmitting a large volume of requests by telephone communications. Such centers may operate with extended hours and typically have a higher density of employees per square foot than traditional office uses "Carry-out" means a retail business operation, established on an individual tract of land or lot; occupying less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, engaged in the sale of food and beverages which are furnished to customers primarily for consumption or use off the premises. "Cemetery" means any non-publicly owned parcel of land designed, intended to be used, or used for the burial of deceased persons or animals. For purposes of this code, a burial lot and columbarium shall be included in the definition of cemetery. "Change of use" means any alteration in the primary use of a lot for zoning purposes which may entail the need for additional parking or loading facilities. Changeable Copy. "Automatic changeable copy" means an electrically (or any other power) activated sign whose variable content or message capability can be electronically programmed. "Manual changeable copy" means a sign, or portion of a sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, e.g., a reader board with changeable letters. "Chapter" when used without clarification means a chapter of the Columbus Zoning Code. "Child day care" means administering to the needs of infants, toddlers, pre-school children, and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians, or relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption for any part of the 24 hour day in a place or residence other than a child's own home. "Child day care center" means any place in which child day care is provided for seven or more infants, preschool children, or school-age children outside of school hours in average daily attendance, other than the children of the owner or operator of the center, with or without compensation, as all such minors are defined by Ohio Revised Code 5104.01. "Child day care type B home" means the permanent residence of the owner-operator in which child day care is provided for no more than six children at one time and in which no more than three children may be under two years of age at one time. Amplifications of Revised Code 5104.01 (E) shall apply. "Circulation area" means all of the area within a parking lot exclusive of driveways or off-street parking or loading spaces, which is provided for vehicular maneuvering, pedestrian movement or other accessory or incidental purposes. "Civic, social, religious, or other institutional organizations, non-assembly areas" means uses which are secondary to the purpose of the organization and are considered as providing services to members and other individuals. These areas include, but are not limited to, spaces for bookstores, cafeteria, child day care, educational classes, social services, and limited retail sales of organization-related materials. "Clearance" in the context of the Graphics Code means the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street; curb or land and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that grade. "Commercial swimming pool" means any in-ground, on-ground, or above-ground permanently affixed swimming pool, wading pool, lake or pond filled or capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 12 inches at any point therein and operated on a commercial basis through the charge of a per use, admission, or membership fee. A commercial swimming pool as defined here may be a primary use or accessory structure. Commercial Use. See "Use, institutional, commercial or manufacturing." "Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle used or designed to be used for business or commercial purposes and includes, but is not necessarily limited to: a bus, cement truck, commercial tree-trimming equipment, construction equipment; dump truck, garbage truck, panel truck, semi-tractor, semi-trailer, stake bed truck, step van, tank truck, tar truck, or other commercial type vehicle licensed by the Ohio State Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a commercial vehicle or truck. Community Residential Treatment Center. See "Halfway house." "Compost facility" means a structure or premises designed, intended to be used, or used for the processing, creation, and open air storage of compost for subsequent sale. Compost means the mixture of decaying organic ingredients and conditioners for use as fertilizer. A location containing pre-packaged compost or open air compost for use exclusively on the same parcel shall not be considered a compost facility for purposes of a Special Permit. Conditional means safeguards established by the development commission or board of zoning adjustment. Copy. See "Sign copy." "Copy area" means the area of the smallest basic geometric figure, such as a parallelogram, circle, triangle, or combination thereof, which can be described so as to enclose the actual copy of a sign. "Corner lot" means a lot at the intersection of and abutting on two streets not less than 30 feet in width. "Court" means an open, uncovered, unoccupied space other than a required yard or area containing off-street parking spaces, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, and located on the same lot with a building or buildings, and either surrounded by the walls of the building or enclosed on two or more sides by such walls. "Court-type development" means a residential type development in which the area of the court exclusive of all required yards and off-street parking spaces shall be not less than one-half of the gross ground floor area of the buildings the court is intended to serve, and the width or diameter of the court area shall be not less than the average height of the building or buildings it is intended to serve. "Crematory" means a structure designed, intended to be used, or used for the cremation of human or animal remains. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 0546 § 3 (part); Ord. 0230-04 § 3: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 1, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 0791-2011, § 1(Att. 1), 7-18-2011; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 1, 7-28-2014; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 2, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.04 Letter D.

3303.04 - Letter D. "Density" means a unit of measurement of the number of dwelling units per acre of land derived by dividing the total number of dwelling units within the particular project, development or subdivision for which an application is filed by the total number of acres contained in such project, development or subdivision excluding all dedicated public streets therein. "Densely planted planting strip" means a landscaped screen consisting of shrubs, trees, or other plants that provides year round opacity of at least 75%. "Department" when used without clarification means the department of building and zoning services. "Development" means any human-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials. A development may consist of either a single recorded lot or taxing parcel, or two or more contiguous parcels described and portrayed as a single unit and under a single ownership at the time of development. "Director" when used without clarification means the director of the department of building and zoning services or designee. When used with clarification, means the specified Director or designee. "District," for the general purposes of the Zoning Code but not for purposes of architectural review, all properties of the same use, height and area classification which adjoin or are continuous without intervening property of another classification regardless of any street, alley, easement or reserve that may intervene. "Dormitory" means a building arranged, intended, or designed to be occupied by unrelated persons as either individuals or groups who occupy common sleeping rooms and share related facilities such as bathrooms and washrooms. This type use differs from an "apartment house" in that separate cooking facilities are not available for each of the individuals, or groups of individuals, who occupy the building but common eating facilities and related cooking facilities may be provided in the building. "Double duplex" means a separate or detached four family residence, the first and second floors of which are each designed and arranged for use by two families separated by a vertical division wall, each unit of which is heated independently of the others. Each dwelling unit shall have its own separate, private means of ingress. Double-Faced Sign. See "Sign." "Drive-in" or "drive-in business" means a use of an individual tract of land or lot on which all of the following exist: The use is contained in a building with a gross floor area of less than 10,000 square feet; and The buildings and site are designed, developed, and operated as a business which is conducted primarily for convenience of customers arriving and departing from the place of business by automobile to purchase the products or receive services; and The business includes a limited range of food and beverage items or services for sale, a high volume of sales, and sales transactions are usually completed within five to 15 minutes. A drive-in is distinguishable from other businesses allowed in the C-1 through C-4 zones such as book stores, department stores, and supermarkets, where trade in the product or service is the primary purpose, and use of the automobile to patronize the business is incidental to purchasing the product or receiving the services. Products or services sold at a drive-in may be consumed or used either on or off the premises or lot. Drive-in includes a carry-out and fast-food business. "Drive-in theater" means a premises designed, intended to be used, or used to show films or provide other entertainment to patrons in their motor vehicles. "Drive-up unit" means a structural element allowing a customer to participate in business transactions while remaining in a motor vehicle. The term includes "pickup unit." "Dry cleaning establishment" means a use involving the cleaning or dyeing of fabrics, employing the services of more than three persons, the use of mechanical appliances requiring more than a three horsepower motor, and the use of volatile or explosive substances. "Dwelling" means a building containing a minimum of one but not more than four dwelling units. "Dwelling unit" means a single, self-contained unit providing independent living facilities for one or more individuals and which contains eating, living, sanitary and sleeping areas and one cooking facility, all for exclusive use by the occupants. This definition does not apply to units in dormitories, homeless shelters, hotels, motels or other buildings designed for transients. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1272-01 § 1 (part); Ord. 143- 2 § 1 (part); Ord. 1877-02 § 5; Ord. 0230-04 § 4: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 15, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 4, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.05 Letter E.

3303.05 - Letter E. "Eating and drinking establishment" means a, restaurant, bar, tavern, cabaret, fast-food business, nightclub, pub, dining room, dinner theater, and similar uses. "Embellishment" means an extension to an approved sign face of a billboard for flexibility of design, primarily for the purpose of accommodating national advertising designs. Electrical Graphic. See "Graphic." "Erect" means, generally, to construct, build, raise or establish either under, upon or above the ground surface. "Erect" in reference to a graphic means to affix, attach, build, construct, hang, locate, place, suspend, or paint. This term includes and is used interchangeably with the term "install." "Established grade" means the elevation of the street curb as fixed by the city. "Establishment" means a lawful entity, incorporated or unincorporated, that owns, rents, or leases space to conduct a commercial or noncommercial activity. "Extend" means to enlarge or increase an area used or occupied. "Explosives" means any materials or combination of materials classified as an explosive under C.C. Chapter 2556. Exterior Graphic. See "Graphic." (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part): Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 2, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 4, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 0162-2025, § 1, 2-10-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.005 Numbered terms.

3303.005 - Numbered terms. "2024 Zoning Code" means Title 34 of the Columbus City Codes (1959), as amended. (Ord. No. 0830-2024, § 1, 3-25-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.06 Letter F.

3303.06 - Letter F. "Facing," in reference to a sign, means the readable copy area visible to traffic proceeding in one direction along a public street. "Fast-food business" means a retail business operation, established on an individual tract of land or lot, occupying less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, where the products purchased by the customer consist of prepared food and beverages ready for immediate consumption. "Filling Station." See "Retail Filling Station." "Finished grade" means the final elevation of the ground plane after development. "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 or private street. "Fireworks" means any pyrotechnic devices classified as fireworks under C.C. Chapter 2556. "Firing range" means any non-publicly owned property or premises designed or used for the discharging of a firearm, including air rifles and air pistols. A game or exhibit that includes the use of an air rifle or air pistol exclusively for a period of no more than 21 calendar days in a single calendar year shall not be considered a firing range for purposes of this Code. "Fit to display" means, in the context of a flag or banner, that the entire flag or banner and supporting structure is in good and safe condition, with no holes, and that is not tattered, substantially faded or reduced in readability, or that is in a state of mechanical deterioration. "Flag" means an ensign, standard, colors, or emblem of a governmental body. "Flashing Graphic." See "Graphic." "Flood plain development." See C.C. Chapter 1150. "Freeway" means an arterial street with full control of access, and complete grade separation at all crossroads. Freeways accommodate heavy traffic at high speeds (usually 55 or greater miles per hour). "Front line of a building" and "front yard line" mean, respectively, that portion of the building line or yard line adjacent to the street line affording principal access to the building. (See also "Lot front.") "Frontage," of a building, and of a lot or property: 1. "Building frontage" means the facade of a building most nearly parallel to an abutting public right-of-way which affords principal access. 2. "Lot frontage" or "property frontage" means the length of the property line of any one premises along an abutting public right-of-way. "Fronting" means bordering, in the sense of affording principal access. "Fuel sales" means the retail sale of fuel for motor vehicles. (Ord. 1900-98 § 1; Ord. 0230-04 § 5: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. 0854-2008 § 1; Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 3, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 0791-2011, § 1(Att. 1), 7-18-2011; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 0162-2025, § 2, 2-10-2025; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.07 Letter G.

3303.07 - Letter G. "Garage repair shop" means any building in which repairs are made to motor vehicles. "Going out of business display" means a temporary graphic display for the purpose of calling attention to a special sale to be conducted by a commercial or manufacturing use, or a commercial or manufacturing tenant in at the time of, and in conjunction with, termination of said use or vacating of the premises by said tenant. "Grand opening display" means a temporary graphic display for the purpose of calling attention to the initial occupancy of a newly constructed or substantially remodeled residential complex, or institutional, commercial or manufacturing use, or a new institutional, commercial or manufacturing tenant in an existing facility. "Graphic" means any communication designed to be seen from any public place utilizing letters, words, numbers, symbols, pictures, color, illumination, geometric, or nongeometric shapes or planes, in whole or part, including all structural components. The term graphic specifically includes the terms sign, architectural decoration, mural, sculpture, show window display, outline lighting, and banner as defined herein. "Animated graphic" means any graphic, all or any part of which physically moves up, down or sideways, revolves, or gives the appearance of movement. "Electrical graphic" means a graphic in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used. "Exterior graphic" means a graphic displayed on the outside of a building, whether attached to the building or displayed elsewhere on the subject property; including a sign located inside a building and within three feet of a window so as to be readable from outside the building. (Compare with "Interior graphic.") "Flashing graphic" means a graphic which in any manner, wholly or partially, physically changes in light intensity or gives the appearance of such change. This definition does not include automatic changeable copy signs as defined in 3303.03. "Interior graphic" means a graphic displayed on the inside of a building so as not to be readable from outside the building. "Neon graphic" means a graphic formed in whole or part with neon. "Private graphic" means any graphic other than a public graphic. (See "Public graphic" and "Public sign.") "Projector graphic" means an optic system using illumination to project an image onto a screen, building wall, or other outdoor surface exclusive of an outdoor theater. "Public graphic" means a graphic of a governmental body, including but not limited to, a flag of any governmental body and a public sign. (See "Private graphic," "Flag," "Private sign," and "Public sign.") "Self-contained graphic" means an animated or illuminated graphic, including a sign, actuated either mechanically or electrically by batteries or connection to an approved electrical outlet. Graphic Area and Aggregate Graphic Area. "Graphic area" means the entire area enclosing the extreme limits of wording, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any background materials, color, or area defined by a border or frame, any of which forms an integral part of the display or serves to differentiate such display from the structure to which it is affixed. "Aggregate graphic area" means the accumulated or total graphic area of all existing and proposed signs of a single type (ground, projecting or wall) utilized on a given building frontage or property frontage. "Graphics Code" means Chapters 3375 to 3383, inclusive, of the Columbus City Codes. "Graphics plan" means a document, describing the specifications for the implementation of one or more, or all graphics on a specific property, submitted by the property owner for approval by the graphics commission. "Greatest dimensions" of the area included in a district, means the length of the projection of the district upon the center line of a street which passes through the district or upon which the property abuts, such projection being made at right angles to said street. "Greenway" means a natural corridor, typically consisting of a waterway and adjacent land. Ground Sign. See "Sign." "Gross floor area" means all of the area on each floor whether or not such area is enclosed by walls, exclusive of interior areas used for off-street parking or loading facilities only. (Ord. 1900-98 § 2; Ord. No. 0170-2014, § 2, 7-28-2014)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.08 Letter H.

3303.08 - Letter H. "Habitable space" means space in a dwelling unit or other approved accessory residential building used for cooking, eating, living or sleeping. "Halfway house" or "community residential treatment center" means a facility for supervision and rehabilitation of persons placed therein by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Federal Bureau of Prisons, a court, or otherwise for parole, probation, furlough, treatment of drug or alcohol abuse and addiction, vocational training and counseling, or adjustment to private life and noninstitutional society and which may be licensed and inspected by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Adult Parole Authority, the Ohio Department of Health or a similar agency. Height. "Height of a building" is the vertical distance measured in a straight line from the finished grade or, the highest of, the finished grade line to the: 1. Highest point of a flat roof. 2. Midpoint between the lowest edge of the highest eaves and the highest ridge of a pitched roof. 3. Midpoint of a sloped roof. Where a building is on a corner lot and there is more than one grade level the measurements shall be taken through the center of the facade on the street having the lowest elevation. Mechanical systems and equipment for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning or other utility hardware on the roof of a building are not included in the overall building height. Height of a sign. See "sign height." Helipad. See "landing field." Heliport. See "landing field." "Historic district" means a group of two or more sites, buildings, structures, or objects in the city designated as listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Columbus Register of Historic Properties, or within an architectural review commission area. "Historic site" means any site, building, structure or object in the city designated as listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Columbus Register of Historic Properties. "Home occupation" means an accessory use of a dwelling unit for a legitimate business, profession, trade or vocation conducted within an enclosed dwelling, which is clearly incidental and secondary to residential occupancy and does not change the residential character thereof. "Home for the aging" or "home for the aged" means a home that provides: 1. Personal assistance for three or more individuals who are dependent on the services of others by reason of age and physical or intellectual disability, but who do not require skilled nursing care; 2. Personal assistance and skilled nursing care for three or more individuals. A home for the aging or aged shall be licensed by the Ohio Director of Health. The part or unit of the home for the aging that provides personal assistance shall be licensed as a rest home. The part or unit that provides skilled nursing care shall be licensed as a nursing home. "Hotel" or "motel" means a building or part of a building, containing six or more guest rooms or suites offering temporary residence for compensation, primarily for transient guests. Hotels and motels may include a manger's unit, and incidental amenities and services customarily provided by hotels and motels. Incidental services may include: cooking facilities within units; furnishings; linen service; maid service; food service; banquet, reception, meeting and recreational facilities; and ancillary internal retail sales and services provided for the convenience of hotel and motel guests. "Hotel, Extended Stay" means a building or part of a building, containing six or more guest rooms or suites, offering temporary residence for compensation and specifically constructed, licensed, and/or maintained, all or in part, for non-transient extended stays and/or stays longer than 30 days, regardless of the presence of leases for shorter periods of time. "Housing for the elderly" means a use of property to provide housing for elderly persons applicable for such assistance under existing state and federal programs. Housing for the elderly is to be distinguished from other uses in that dwellings devoted to this use shall contain some or all of the following: 1. Ramps or elevators for wheelchair use; 2. Doors of sufficient width to accommodate wheelchairs in all rooms; 3. Grab bars around tubs and toilets; and 4. Special features associated with group living such as dispensaries, medical facilities, common dining facilities, group recreation facilities and similar or related facilities. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1143-02 § 1 (part): Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2342-2013, § 1, 3-3-2014; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.09 Letter I.

3303.09 - Letter I. Illegal Sign. See "Sign." "Illuminated Sign." See "Sign." "Impound lot" means any non-publicly owned and operated land designed, intended to be used, or used for the keeping of motor vehicles seized or retained by law. "Incinerator" means any building, structure, or premises designed, intended to be used, or used for the incineration of anything other than human or animal remains. "Industry" embraces operations involved in manufacture, production or processing of articles of use. "Installation permit" means a single permit required in lieu of building and electrical permits for the installation of a new sign or modification of a sign whenever either improvement requires a permit. Institutional Use. See "Use, institutional, commercial or manufacturing." Interior Graphic. See "Graphic." "Interior lot" means a lot other than a corner lot, or that portion of a corner lot's area in excess of 7,200 square feet. "Interstate system" means all portions of Interstate highways I-70, I-71, I-270, and I-670 located within the city limits, along with ingress and egress ramps thereof. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 0203-04 § 6: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 5, 6-12-2017)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.10 Letter J.

3303.10 - Letter J. "Junk" means any personal property which is bought, bartered, acquired, possessed, collected, accumulated, dismantled, sorted or stored for reuse or resale such as, but not limited to: salvage metal, metal alloys, metal compounds and combinations, used or salvaged fabric, fibers, bags, paper' rags, glass or any latex or plastic product, used or salvaged motor vehicles which are primarily used for parts or scrap metal and similar or related articles or property. "Junk dealer" means any person who buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores or sells any article defined as junk or salvage. "Junk yard" means any place where any person who is a junk dealer or salvage dealer buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores, accumulates, sells or otherwise transfers junk or salvaged material. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.12 Letter L.

3303.12 - Letter L. "Landing field" means any non-publicly owned and operated location either on land or water of such size and nature as to permit the landing or taking off of aircraft, including but not limited to airplanes, helicopters, or any other contrivance used or designed for flight in air, and used for that purpose. "Landscape" means an expanse of scenery including lawns, plants, trees, and other natural materials, such as rock, stone, wood chips; and decorative features, including fountains, sculptures, walks, and water features. "Landscape plan" means a component of a development and/or site plan on which is shown: (1) proposed landscape species including number, size, spacing, and planting details; (2) proposals for protection of existing vegetation during and after construction; (3) proposed decorative features; grade changes; buffers and screening; and (4) any other information required in order that authorized review bodies can make an informed decision to approve or deny the submission. "Least dimension" means the shortest lineal dimension of any front, side, or rear yard. If two opposite sides of a yard are not parallel, the "least dimension" is deemed the shorter distance of the two measurements. "Living quarters" means that portion of a dwelling, apartment house, or other building which is constructed with ceilings and walls finished on the inside in accordance with the Building Code, Titles 41 and 43 of the City Codes. "Loading space" means a rectangular area accessible from a public way and designed for the purpose of loading to or unloading from motor vehicles. "Lot" means a parcel of land occupied or designed to be occupied as a unit by one building, one apartment complex, one multiple dwelling development, or one commercial complex and the accessory buildings or uses customarily incident to it, if any, including such open spaces as are required by this Zoning Code and such open spaces as are arranged and designed to be used in connection with such building or buildings. Such lot shall be of record in the appropriate county recorder's office. "Lot front" means that portion of a lot which abuts a public street (or alley if there is no public street frontage) and provides access to the property. If a lot abuts more than one public street, the property owner prior to development may choose which fronting portion shall be the "lot front." If a lot or parcel does not abut a public street then that side or end of the lot or parcel which is nearest to a public street shall be considered to be the "lot front." Lot Frontage. See "Frontage." "Lot line" means the line of demarcation between properties either public or private. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 19-01 § 1: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 4, 5-3-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.13 Letter M.

3303.13 - Letter M. "Maintenance" means, in reference to a graphic, cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure. "Manual Changeable Copy." See "Changeable copy." "Manufactured home" means a building unit or assembly of closed construction that is fabricated in an off-site facility and constructed in conformance with the federal construction and safety standards established by the secretary of housing and urban development pursuant to the "Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 700, 42 U.S.C.A. 5401, 5403 and that has a permanent label or tag affixed to it, as specified in 42 U.S.C.A. 5415, certifying compliance with all applicable federal construction and safety standards. "Manufactured home pad" means that portion of a manufactured home site that is designed, constructed, and improved in such a manner as to provide a base upon which a manufactured home shall rest, and which also serves as a base upon which blocks or other materials are placed to assist in leveling the floor of the manufactured home and provide a temporary type of foundation. "Manufactured home park" means one or more contiguous parcels of land under a single management which have been designed and developed in such a manner as to provide individual manufactured home sites for one or more manufactured homes. The term manufactured home park shall mean the same as a trailer park, trailer court, or trailer camp; however, only mobile homes or trailers with the HUD certification shall be located therein. "Manufactured home site" means an area of land within a manufactured home park that is designed and developed in such a manner as to provide a location for one manufactured home. "Manufacturing Use." See "Use, institutional, commercial or manufacturing." "Marquee." See "Awning, fixed." "Meat packing plant" means a place, other than a slaughterhouse, where animals other than fowl or game are processed, cured and/or made ready for cold storage or sale. "Message center" means an automatic changeable copy sign, a display capable of transmitting variable information to the public, such as the date, time and temperature; public service messages; or a wide variety of promotional announcements. "Minimum floor area" means that area computed for the floors in the dwelling above the lot grade line. The second floor in each case qualifying for living quarters shall have access thereto by a permanent built-in stairway. "Minimum net floor area for living quarters" excludes rooms for garage purposes, outside vestibules, and open or closed porches or verandas. "Living quarters" means that portion of the building which is constructed with ceilings and walls finished on the inside in accordance with the Building Code. "Mobile home" means any vehicle manufactured as a single-family residence, comprised of one or more sections, excluding recreational vehicles, which has been designed and manufactured for transportation on the public streets and highways on its own wheels, arriving at the site ready for occupancy except for normal unpacking, assembly operations and connections to utilities. This term shall not include a modular home as defined in this chapter, or an industrialized unit as defined in Section 3781.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, but includes a manufactured home as defined in this chapter. "Modular home" means a residence comprised of one or more self-sufficient sections, except site preparations, transported on a vehicle from the place of manufacture to a site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling. This term shall not include a mobile home or a manufactured home. "Monopole telecommunication antenna" means the combination of a single tubular or rod-shaped support structure and transceiving devices, including, but not limited to, panel and whip antennas, used to facilitate wireless radio and telecommunication transmissions. This definition excludes lattice, guyed, dish, or erector-style antennas. "Monument Sign." See "Sign." "Motel." See "Hotel." "Motorist services use" means an activity or land use providing fuel, food or lodging and described as a "motorist services use" by the Ohio Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD), latest revision. "Multi-Faced Sign." See "Sign." "Multiple-dwelling development" means a residential development under one control and consisting of two or more multiple-dwelling buildings each containing a minimum of two and a maximum of four dwelling units erected on a lot which has frontage on and access to a public street through an approved system of private drives. In addition to multiple-dwelling buildings, a multiple-dwelling development may also include single-unit dwellings. "Mural" means a graphic displayed on the exterior of a building, generally for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression without on- or off-premise advertising or commercial copy, including, but not limited to, painting, fresco or mosaic. A mural that qualifies as an on- or off-premise sign shall be classified as a sign and not a mural. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 90-98 § 1; Ord. No. 0618-2014, § 1, 5-4-2015; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 6, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.14 Letter N.

3303.14 - Letter N. "Nameplate" means an on-premises sign displaying only the address of the building on which it is attached, the name of the occupant, or both. "Neon" means a custom manufactured cold cathode lighting system, generally consisting of one or more neon gas discharge tubes, filled with neon or a mixture of other inert gases, electrodes, high voltage cables, and one or more transformers. Neon Graphic. See "Graphic." Neon Outline Lighting. See "Outline lighting." Neon Sign. See "Sign." "Nightclub" means an establishment serving alcoholic beverages and food and which recurrently features dancing, entertainment, singing, or live music. Nonconforming. "Nonconforming building" means a building which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted zoning regulations for the district in which it is located. "Nonconforming graphic" means a graphic which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted provisions of the Graphics Code. "Nonconforming use" means a use which was initiated legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted regulations of the use district in which it is situated. Nonilluminated Sign. See "Sign." "Nude" or "state of nudity" means a state of dress or undress that exposes to view: 1. Less than a complete and opaque covering of a human anus, genitals, pubic region, or human female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areolae, but not including a portion of the cleavage of the female breast exhibited by a bathing suit, blouse, dress, leotard, shirt, or other wearing apparel, provided that neither the areolae nor nipples are exposed. 2. Human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state, even with a complete and opaque covering, or 3. A covering or device that when worn, depicts, represents, or simulates human female genitals, human female areolae or nipples, or human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state. "Nursing home" means a home used for the reception and care of a total of three or more individuals composed of those who by reason of illness or physical or intellectual disability require skilled nursing care and/or those who require personal assistance but not skilled nursing care. A nursing home shall be licensed by the Ohio Director of Health under Chapter 3721 of the Revised Code to provide personal assistance and skilled nursing care. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.15 Letter O.

3303.15 - Letter O. "Occupancy" means the portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented, or otherwise occupied for a given use. The term also pertains to the purpose for which a building or part of a building is used or intended to be used. Change of occupancy is not construed to include change of tenants or proprietors, when a nonconforming use is being considered. Off-Premises Sign. See "Sign." "Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Licensed Facility" means Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Testing Laboratory, Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Retail Dispensary, Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Cultivator, and Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Processors, for both adult-use and medical purposes. "Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Testing Laboratory" means an independent laboratory located in Ohio licensed or receiving a certificate of operation under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code and any rules promulgated thereunder to have custody and use of controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes and for purposes of instruction, research, or analysis. "Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Dispensary" means an entity licensed or receiving a certificate of operation under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code and any rules promulgated thereunder to sell adult-use or medical marijuana to qualifying customers. "Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Cultivator" means an entity licensed or receiving a certificate of operation under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code and any rules promulgated thereunder to grow, harvest, package, and transport adult-use or medical marijuana. "Ohio Division of Cannabis Control Processor" means an entity licensed or receiving a certificate of operation under Title 37 of the Ohio Revised Code and any rules promulgated thereunder to manufacture adult-use or medical marijuana products. On-Premises Sign. See "Sign." "Opaque" means a completely nontransparent and nontranslucent material. "Open court" means open, uncovered, unoccupied space on the same lot with a building wholly surrounded by or bordered on two or more sides by the building walls. Open Porch. See "Porch." "Outdoor amphitheater" means any non-publicly owned or operated land or open faced structure or building designed, intended to be used, or used to accommodate patrons in tiered seating and exclusive from motor vehicles. Outline Lighting and Neon Outline Lighting. "Outline lighting" means an arrangement of lights, lamps or electric discharge tubing that outlines or calls attention to certain features of a building such as its shape or the decoration of a window. "Neon outline lighting" means outline lighting formed in whole or part with neon. "Overlay" means an additional special classification together with regulations therefore which is superimposed on an area already subject to a district classification and general zoning regulations. "Owner" means any person, as defined in C.C. 3303.16, who is the owner of record as shown on the current tax list of the county auditor; the mortgage holder of record, if any, as shown in the mortgage records of the county recorder, and any purchaser under a land contract. "Owner" also means any person who has a freehold or lesser estate in the premises; a mortgagee or vendee in possession; or any person who has charge, care or control of the premises as agent, executor, administrator, assignee, receiver, trustee, guardian or lessee. (Ord. 1692-98 § 1; Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part); Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 3023-2018, § 1, 12-3-2018; Ord. No. 0162-2025, § 3, 2-10-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.16 Letter P.

3303.16 - Letter P. "Panel antenna" means the combination of a rectangular panel not to exceed two feet wide by six feet tall by six inches deep and any associated support structure used to facilitate wireless radio and telecommunication transmissions. This definition excludes lattice, guyed, dish or erector-style antennas. "Parking space" means a rectangular area, exclusive of any driveway or other circulation area, accessible from a street, alley, or maneuvering area and designed for parking a motor vehicle. "Parking lot" means any off-street area or facility which meets one of the following conditions: 1. Contains one or more parking, loading or stacking space for commercial, institutional or industrial use; or 2. Contains five or more parking spaces for any residential use. "Pennant" means a flag or banner that is triangular in shape. (See "Banner," "Flag" and "String of pennants.") "Permanent Sign." See "Sign." "Person" means, without limitation, a natural person, the person's beneficiaries, executors, administrators, or assigns, and also includes a corporation, partnership, an unincorporated society or association, or any other type of business or association, including respective successors or assigns, recognized now or in the future under the laws of the state or the city. "Personal assistance" means supervision as required and services including help in walking, bathing, dressing, feeding, or getting in and out of bed. "Pickup unit" means a building or portion thereof that, by design, permits customers to receive goods or services while remaining in a motor vehicle. "Pitch" means the slope of a roof expressed in feet as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. "Pole cover" means a decorative enclosure that covers the structural support of a sign. "Porch" means a roofed platform projecting from a building at an entrance and is separated from the building by the walls of the building, and is partially supported by piers, posts or columns. A porch may be open, enclosed or partially enclosed. "Open porch" means a porch which is unenclosed (except possibly for screens) by anything higher than 36 inches above the floor except for the roof and roof supports. "Portable building" means any building or vehicle designed with running gear permanently attached for transportation on the public streets and highways under its own power or towed behind another vehicle, arriving at the site, substantially ready for use, whether for residential, office, commercial or manufacturing use. Removal of packing and baffles; interconnection of two or more buildings or vehicles; and connection of or to utilities shall not be considered in determining whether a portable building is substantially ready for use. The towing hitch, wheels, axles, and other running gear may not be removed from a portable building preventing it from being portable. "Portable Sign." See "Sign." "Portable storage container" means a non-permanent, non-habitable, self-contained structure of less than 169 square feet in size and eight feet in height designed for temporary placement on and subsequent removal from a parcel for the purpose of facilitating off-site storage. "Premises" means land together with the buildings and structures thereon. "Primary building frontage" means a building frontage that abuts a street listed as a primary street in the applicable overlay areas. "Principal building" means a building in which the principal use of the property is conducted. All parcels containing at least one building shall be deemed to have a principal building. "Principal dwelling" means a principal building that is used for residential purposes containing one, two, three, or four dwelling units. "Private access" means driveway as defined and regulated in the parking chapter hereof. "Private club" means a building and accessory facilities owned and operated by an association, a corporation, or a group of individuals established for the cultural, educational, recreational, or social enrichment of its members and not primarily for profit, and whose members pay dues and meet certain prescribed qualifications for membership. "Private garage" means a building or portion of a building for the housing of motor vehicles as an accessory use permitted in a residential district or an apartment district and in which no service, work, trade, occupation, or business is carried on connected in any way with a motor vehicle as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01. "Private residence" means a place of usual or customary abode. "Private roadway" means a privately owned and maintained strip of land designed, improved, and intended to be used for vehicular traffic. "Produce Stand" means a stand that is an open and non-enclosed structure that is not a building and does not exceed 120 square feet in gross floor area for the display, sale, and/or pickup of fresh, unprocessed vegetables or produce (as defined by Chapter 3717 of the Ohio Revised Code), flowers, orchard products, or ornamental crops. The stand shall not employ the use of appliances or mechanical refrigeration. Projecting Sign. See "Sign." Projector Graphic. See "Graphic." Property Frontage. See "Frontage." Property Owner. See "Owner." "Public garage" means any building or portion of a building other than a private garage, for the housing of commercial or noncommercial motor vehicles. "Public notice" of a hearing or proceedings means ten days' notice of the time and place thereof printed (see "printed" in 101.03 Interpretation) in The City Bulletin. "Public nuisance" means any structure which is permitted to be or remain in any of the following conditions: (A) In a dilapidated, decayed, unsafe or unsanitary condition detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare, or well-being of the surrounding area; or (B) A fire hazard; or (C) Any vacant building that is not secured and maintained in compliance with Chapter 4513; or (D) Land, real estate, houses, buildings, residences, apartments, or premises of any kind which are used in violation of any division of Section 2925.13, Ohio Revised Code. "Public nuisance" also means any structure or real property which is not in compliance with any building, housing, zoning, fire, safety, air pollution, health or sanitation ordinance of the Columbus City Code or Columbus City Health Code, or any real property upon which its real property taxes have remained unpaid in excess of one year from date of assessment. "Public police station" means all government police uses including but not limited to police stations and substations; police headquarters; community policing centers; police heliports; police administrative offices; and police academies. "Public service announcement" means a temporary graphic display for the purpose of informing the public about events or activities involving the arts, or involving community service or not-for-profit organizations. "Public-private setback zone" means an area between a principal building and a public street utilized for seating, outdoor dining, public art and/or other pedestrian amenities. Public Sign. See "Public graphic" and "Sign." "Public way" means an alley, boulevard, bridge, channel, ditch, easement, expressway, freeway, highway, lane, parkway, right-of-way, road, sidewalk, street, subway, tunnel, viaduct, walk or other way in which a public entity has a proprietary right, or which is dedicated whether or not it has been improved. (Ord. 1692-98 § 2; Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 2044-01 § 4; Ord. 1143-02 § 1 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part): Ord. 1436-06 § 1: Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. 0854-2008 § 2; Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 5, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 7, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1029-2021, § 1, 5-24-2021; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 3061-2021, § 1, 12-13-2021; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.18 Letter R.

3303.18 - Letter R. "Rear of a building," "Rear line of a building" and "rear yard line," respectively mean that portion, building line or yard line opposite to the front line of a building, whether or not affording service access to the building. "Reconstruction" means the replacement or rebuilding of a building, premises or structure. "Recreational vehicle" means a vehicle manufactured or modified to contain temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, or vacation purposes including, but not necessarily limited to, camper, travel trailer, truck camper, and motor home. "Religious facility" means a building or structure in which worship, ceremonies, rituals and education pertaining to a particular system of beliefs are held. "Residence" is the general term implying place exclusively used for human habitation and embracing both residential and apartment residential district classifications. "Residential care facility" means a use of a dwelling unit or dwelling units within a building primarily for providing supervised room, board and care in a residential setting to residents thereof whose disabilities or status limit their ability to live independently, and secondarily for training, rehabilitation and nonclinical services. The term excludes use as a clinic, institution, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home, school, child day care center, nursery school, dormitory or other similar use. The term shall not be applied to owner-occupied premises with one or two roomers. However, for the purpose of licensing, the term is included within "rooming house" as defined in Section 4501.32. "Residential complex" means a residential development with 15 or more dwelling units situated on the same tax parcel. "Residential district" means a zoning district permitting dwelling units as a principal use. Residential Use. See "Use, residential." "Restaurant" means an establishment that involves the preparation of food and drink, served to and consumed by patrons primarily within the building. "Rest home" means a home that provides personal assistance for three or more individuals who are dependent on the services of others by reason of age or physical or intellectual disability but who do not require skilled nursing care. A rest home shall be licensed under Chapter 3721 of the Revised Code to provide only accommodations and personal assistance and may not admit individuals requiring skilled nursing care. "Retail filling station" means a use involving the supplying to individual vehicles for their use only, of oil, grease, gasoline, or other fuel or power source, with other optional customary incidental service. "Right-of-way" has the same meaning as defined in Section 900.06. "Right-of-way line" means the limit of publicly owned land or easement encompassing a street or alley. "Roof line" means in the case of a flat roof, the uppermost line of the roof of a building; in the case of a pitched roof, the lower edge of the eave; or in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost height of said facade or parapet. Roof Sign. See "Sign." "Rooming house" means a residential building, other than a hotel, in which part or parts are kept, used or held out to be a place where sleeping accommodations are offered for hire for three or more persons. "Row" is a group of attached residences, separated by vertical fire walls, in which each residence has its own front and rear yards, and has appropriated to it the entire building between the fire walls. (Ord. 1900-98 § 3; Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 1272 § 1 (part); Ord. 1143-02 § 1 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part); Ord. 0230-04 § 7; Ord. 0854-2008 § 3 (part); Ord. No. 0455-2010, § 16, 4-5-2010; Ord. No. 0791-2011, § 1(Att. 1), 7-18-2011; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 8, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021; Ord. No. 3314-2025, § 1(Exh. A), 12-15-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.19 Letter S.

3303.19 - Letter S. "Salvage" means any personal property which is bought, bartered, acquired, possessed, collected, accumulated, dismantled, processed, sorted or stored for reuse or resale such as: any type of used building material, such as, but not limited to, lumber, brick, concrete and masonry, steel beams, girders and columns, trusses, plumbing pipe and fixtures, and any other material formerly used for the construction of a structure, used or salvaged motor vehicles which are primarily used for parts, used steel drums and used containers, used fats, oils and greases, used tires, and similar or related articles or property. "Salvage dealer" means any person who buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores or sells any article defined as junk or salvage. "Salvage yard" means any place where a person who is a junk dealer or salvage dealer buys, exchanges, collects, receives, stores, accumulates, sells or otherwise transfers junk or salvaged material. "School" means an educational facility for children whose attendance is required by the laws of the state and/or a state licensed early care and education program, such as, but not limited to, preschool education programs and school-age child education programs and does not include facilities licensed only for or providing only daycare services. "Sculpture" means a three-dimensional construction or form, generally executed for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression; and displayed in any place accessible to the public. Self-Contained Graphic. See "Graphic." Self-Propelled Sign. See "Sign." "Self storage" means use of a site for individual property storage. Self-storage establishments provide secure indoor or outdoor space where clients can store and retrieve their goods. "Service station" means a filling station with accessory retail store, car wash, trailer rental, vehicle rental, or automotive repair shop. "Setback line" means the building line. "Shall" means mandatory and not only directory. "Shared living facility" means a dwelling unit cooperatively used by six or more individuals, unrelated to each other by blood or marriage, as a single housekeeping unit wherein each of the common areas of the unit such as, but not limited to, the kitchen, living room and dining room, is available to each such individual who participates in the costs and maintenance of the unit. The term "shared living facility" expressly excludes use as a boarding home, child day care center, clinic, convalescent home, dormitory, hospital, institution, nursery school, nursing home, rooming house, school, or other similar use. For the purpose of licensing and regulating such use, however, the term "shared living facility" is included within the term "rooming house" as defined in C.C. 4501.32 and as used in Title 45, C.C. The term shall include each "residential care facility" composed of six or more individuals. "Shed" means a roofed accessory storage structure that is not a garage, detached from and located on the same premises as a principal building, not designed for independent dwelling purposes. "Shipping container" means a standardized cargo container, usually made of steel, designed and built for intermodal freight transport, meaning these containers were designed to be used across different modes of transport, from ship to rail to truck, without unloading and reloading their cargo. "Shopping center" means a structure or building of at least 150,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA), with common or shared parking facilities, used for retail, office, theater, and eating or drinking establishments. Out parcels shall not be included for GFA and parking requirement calculations. "Show window display" means a display of goods or advertising materials in a show window as defined in Article 100 of the National Electrical Code, most recent version. Side Wall Sign. See "Sign." "Sign" means a name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or painted upon or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of a window or door, or inside a building within three feet of a window or door so as to be readable from outside the building, and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, business, or the like. The term "sign" includes any associated sign face, sign structure, pole cover, embellishment, decorative element and source of illumination; but excludes architectural decoration, mural, sculpture, show window display, outline lighting and projector graphic. "Abandoned sign" means a sign which no longer identifies or advertises the service, product, or activity with which the sign was most recently associated and/or for which the owner cannot be found. "Double-faced sign" means a sign with two sign faces arranged back-to-back parallel to each other and separated by no more than two feet, or arranged back-to-back with the faces separated by an angle of no more than 60 degrees. Where directed to a public street, the sign faces of a double-faced sign shall be perpendicular to that street "Ground sign" means a freestanding detached sign whose support structure is imbedded in the ground. "Illegal sign" means a sign which does not meet the requirements of the Graphics Code and which is not a nonconforming sign. "Illuminated sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign. "Monument sign" means a ground sign, usually low in profile, with a monolithic, base. "Multi-faced sign" means a sign with more than two sign faces arranged so that some or all of the faces are not parallel to each other, and/or directed to different streets or vantage points. "Neon sign" means a sign formed in whole or part with neon. "Nonilluminated sign" means a sign without lighting of any kind as part of the sign installation or structure. "Off-premises sign" means a sign used to advertise, promote, or provide direction to any person, activity, establishment, product or service available, produced or manufactured at a location other than on the property on which the sign is located; including any display surface, supporting structure, lighting, maintenance walkway and embellishment. The term includes "billboard" as defined in C.C. 3303.02. "On-premises sign" means a sign which pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located. "Permanent sign" means a legal sign which is not restricted as to the duration of time it may be displayed. "Portable sign" means a sign designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes. The term does not include a self-propelled or trailer sign. "Private sign" means any sign other than a public sign. "Projecting sign" means a sign that is attached to the facade of a building or to an awning or canopy attached to a building facade; which projects outward from the facade more than 24 inches and which is installed with the sign faces between 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to said facade or to the street to which the sign is directed. "Public sign" means a sign required by law or governmental regulations, including but not limited to legal notices and traffic controls or similar regulatory devices. "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon the roof of a building, any portion of which is above the roof line of the building. "Self-propelled sign" means an off-premises sign that is mounted on or attached to a self-propelled vehicle. "Side wall sign" means an on-premises wall sign attached to or displayed on a building facade which is most nearly perpendicular to a public street bordering the subject site. "Single-faced sign" means a sign with one facing only. "Temporary sign" means a rigid sign having a specific limitation as to the length of time it may be displayed. "Trailer sign" means a sign mounted on a trailer chassis with or without wheels and used as an on-premises or off-premises sign. "Wall sign" means a sign that is mounted on or attached to a building facade or other structure which supports a roof, including any sign which is part of or attached to an awning or canopy; that does not project outward more than 24 inches from the surface to which it is attached; and that is less than 45 degrees from parallel to the plane of the facade to which it is attached. "Window sign" means a sign applied to a window or door and readable from the outside. (See also "Exterior graphic" and "Interior graphic.") "Sign copy" means any combination of letters, numerals, words, symbols, pictures, emblems or other characters that constitute a message in either permanent or removable form. "Sign face" means the surface or plane on which the copy and other individual graphic elements constituting a sign are displayed. "Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. (Compare with "Clearance.") "Sign setback line" means the boundary of an area adjacent to a public right-of-way or other lot line and within which no part of a sign shall be located. "Required sign setback" means the minimum allowable separation between a sign and a property line or right-of-way line. "Sign structure" means the portion of a sign which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign face and/or copy. Single-faced sign. See "Sign." "Single-family dwelling" means a residential building consisting of one dwelling unit. The term shall not include a manufactured home or a mobile home. This definition includes a single-unit dwelling. "Single-unit dwelling" means a residential building, other than a manufactured or mobile home, consisting of one dwelling unit. "Skilled nursing care" means procedures that require technical skills and knowledge beyond those the untrained person possesses and that are commonly employed in providing for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the ill or otherwise incapacitated, including, without limitation, procedures such as: 1. Irrigations, catheterization, application of dressings, and supervision of special diets; 2. Objective observation of changes in the patient's condition as a means of analyzing and determining the nursing care required and the need for further medical diagnosis and treatment; 3. Special procedures contributing to rehabilitation; 4. Administration of medication by any method ordered by a physician such as hypodermically, rectally, or orally; 5. Carrying out other treatments prescribed by the physician that involve a similar level of complexity and skill administration. "Slaughterhouse" means a use of a building arranged or devoted to the killing of animals other than poultry or game. Special Event and Approved Special Event. "Special event" means a preplanned major activity sponsored by an organization, proposed to be held on public property or private property and open to the public, for the purpose(s) of entertainment, celebration, amusement, cultural recognition, arts and crafts displays and/or sales, amateur sports demonstration or competition, or similar activities. "Approved special event" means a special event for which all permits, licenses or other approvals required by the city, or other governmental body have been obtained. "Specified anatomical area" means the following: 1. A human anus, buttocks, genitals, or pubic region with less than a complete and opaque covering, 2. A human female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola, but not including a portion of the cleavage of the female breast exhibited by a bathing suit, blouse, dress, leotard, shirt, or other wearing apparel, provided that neither the areola nor nipples are exposed, 3. Human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state, even with a complete and opaque covering, or 4. A covering or device that when worn, simulates human female genitals, human female areola or nipples, or human male genitals in a discernibly tumid state. "Specified sexual activities" means the following: 1. Actual or simulated sex acts including masturbation, oral copulation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy; 2. Fondling or other erotic touching of a human anus, buttocks, genitals, pubic region, or female breast, whether self-directed or as part of direct contact between two or more persons; 3. Human genitals in a state of sexual arousal, stimulation, or tumescence; or 4. Excretory functions as part of or in connection with an activity listed in numbers 1 through 3 of this definition. "Stockyard" means an area enclosed by fence or other structural means for the keeping of livestock. Story and Half Story. "Story" means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. When the ceiling of the lower story of a building can be used for any purpose except service equipment pertaining to the building such lower and or attic story shall be a story for the purpose of this Zoning Code. The first floor level shall mean the floor level at or nearest the grade level at the principal entrance. "Half story" means a story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof, the wall plates of at least two of the exterior walls being not more than three feet above the floor of such story. "Storage yard" means an open place where materials other than junk or salvage are stored. "Street" means any public thoroughfare or public park not less than 35 feet in width which has been dedicated or deeded to the city for public uses. "Street line" means the lot line bordering a street, park or other public way other than an alley. "String of lights" means four or more electric lamps, bulbs, or other light emitting sources arranged with or without individual lampholders supported and powered by electrical conductors which may be exposed to view, including light sources connected in-line to form outline lighting. "String of pennants" means a display consisting of four or more pennants attached to the same flag pole or to a string, rope, wire or the like. "Structure" means a combination of materials, including a building, to form a construction that is safe and stable, including but not limited to, stadium, gospel or circus tent, reviewing stand, platforms, staging, observation tower, shed, or a fence. The term "structure" shall be construed as if followed by the words "or parts thereof." "Studio" means the working room of an artist, painter, sculptor, or by extension, one engaged in any more or less artistic employment such as photography or design. "Supermarket" means a store which is primarily for the retail sale of food and which has a gross floor area, including all types of storage rooms, restrooms, and other incidental rooms or areas, of 10,000 square feet or more. "Swimming pool, private" means any in-ground, on-ground, or above-ground permanently affixed pool filled or capable of being filled with water to a depth greater than 30 inches at any point therein and maintained solely for use by a property owner and guests as an accessory use and structure to a residence. "Swimming pool, portable" means any non-permanent on-ground or above-ground swimming or wading pool filled or capable of being filled with a water depth of no more than 30 inches at any point therein. A portable swimming pool is considered a structure under this Code. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part): Ord. 0764-2005 § 1 (part); Ord. 0854-2008 § 4; Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1537-2009, § 6, 5-3-2010; Ord. No. 1200-2017, § 9, 6-12-2017; Ord. No. 1501-2022, § 1, 6-13-2022; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.20 Letter T.

3303.20 - Letter T. Temporary sign. See "Sign." "Temporary use" means the application of a parcel of land, building, or structure, to a particular purpose intended or designed to be used, or used in a non-permanent manner for a specific limited period of time as prescribed in this Code. "Tenant panel" means that portion of a ground sign for an institutional, commercial, or manufacturing complex which identifies any one tenant or activity. "Tenement house" means a house or building all or any portion of which is rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be occupied as the home or residence of two or more families living independently of each other and doing their cooking upon the premises, and having a common right in the halls and or stairways, but having no water supplied and drains connected for bath and or washstand within each apartment. "Through lot" means a lot which has either opposite ends, or opposite sides, each abutting a public street. "Town house" means one dwelling unit of a row situated on its own lot in a recorded subdivision. "Town house development" means a residential development of town houses as regulated by Chapter 3333, C.C. "Trade" embraces such commercial activities as are entailed in interchange, but not including operations of manufacture. Trailer Sign. See "Sign." "Two-family dwelling" means a residential building consisting of two dwelling units each of which adjoins the other either horizontally or vertically, and is arranged, intended or designed for one family. Each dwelling unit shall have its own separate, private means of ingress and egress. The term "two-family dwelling" shall not include a manufactured home or a mobile home. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 1425-01 § 3 (part); Ord. 546-03 § 3 (part): Ord. 1436-06 § 2.)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.21 Letter U.

3303.21 - Letter U. "Use" means the application of premises or a building to a particular purpose. "Institutional use," "commercial use" or "manufacturing use" means one or more activities which have been established, or for which a certificate of zoning clearance has been issued, on a property zoned for institutional, commercial or manufacturing uses according to the Columbus Zoning Code. "Mixed use" means the combination of residential and non-residential activities within the same building or development which have been established, or for which a certificate of zoning clearance has been issued, on a property zoned for institutional, commercial, manufacturing, or residential uses according to the Zoning Code and the 2024 Zoning Code. "Residential use" means one or more activities which have been established, or for which a certificate of zoning clearance has been issued, on a property zoned for residential uses, according to the Columbus Zoning Code. "Utility enclosure" means an above-ground facility, structure, or cabinet that shelters electrical, water metering, or other utility equipment that is required to be installed by the City of Columbus for a development. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025.)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.23 Letter W.

3303.23 - Letter W. Wall Sign. See "Sign." "Watercourse" means a river, stream, creek, brook, run, tributary or any body of water moving over the earth's surface in a channel or bed. "Whip antenna" means the combination of a cylindrical or rod-shaped device not to exceed three inches in diameter and 20 feet in length and any associated support structure used to facilitate wireless radio and telecommunication transmissions. This definition excludes lattice, guyed, dish or erector-style antennas. "Window sign." (See "Sign.") (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. 90-98 § 4.)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.25 Letter Y.

3303.25 - Letter Y. "Yard" means an open, uncovered, unoccupied space other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, located on the same lot with a building and lying between one of the walls of the building and one of the lot lines. "Front yard" means that yard located between the front lot line and the building on the lot nearest to the front lot line extending between one side lot line and the other side lot line. "Interior side yard" means that yard located on a side of the lot where the side lot line also serves as a lot line for an abutting lot. "Perimeter yard" means a yard which substitutes for side and rear yards. "Rear yard" means that yard located between the rear lot line and the rear surface or surfaces of the principal building on the lot extending between one side lot line and the other side lot line. "Required yard" means that portion of any yard abutting a lot line and which has a minimum depth or area as measured from the subject lot line which is equal to the minimum depth or area required for that particular use in the zoning district in which it is located. "Side yard" means that yard located between a side lot line and the building nearest to that lot line extending from the front yard to the rear yard. In the event there is no front yard, the side yard extends to the front lot line; in the event there is no rear yard, the side yard extends to the rear lot line. "Street side yard" means that yard located on a side of the lot where the side lot line also serves as a right-of-way line for an abutting alley, road or street. "Yard use" means the use of open ground area by an operation or by storage. (Ord. 19-01 § 2.)

Columbus City Codes § 3303.26 Letter Z.

3303.26 - Letter Z. "Zoning Code" or "Zoning Ordinance" means Ordinance 2130-76, as amended, including Title 33 of the Columbus City Codes (1959), unless otherwise specifically stated. "Zone In Initiative" means the phased creation of the new 2024 Zoning Code resulting from the collective city planning and zoning work of the Zone In project team consistent with the objectives of Resolution 0179X-2023 and the anticipated series of Digital Zoning Map amendments to apply the 2024 Zoning Code to properties in a phased progression across the City of Columbus. (Ord. 2837-96 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 0830-2024, § 1, 3-25-2024)
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_CH3303DEFetched: 10/27/2026

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