GENERAL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS—ALL STRUCTURES

Columbus City Codes tit. 41, ch. 4123

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 4123.01 General standards.

4123.01 - General standards. The standards established by this chapter shall apply to all building sites, buildings, and structures regulated by this code. Precautions During Construction (Ord. 1404-99 § 1 (part):Ord. 733-06 § 8.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.03 Prohibited activities.

4123.03 - Prohibited activities. No person shall place or store any material or equipment necessary for work under a building permit on a street, alley or public sidewalk, unless permitted by the director, nor shall any work be performed except in accordance with the provisions of this building code. A temporary permit to so use public property shall be obtained prior to any such use. No person shall perform any work on any building or structure endangering pedestrians on the street that abuts the property line, unless the pedestrians are protected as specified in this code. No advertising shall be placed on any fence, sidewalk or canopy erected under the provisions of this section, except the name of the building, the owner, architects, engineers and contractors. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.05 Locations for storage of material and equipment.

4123.05 - Locations for storage of material and equipment. Upon obtaining a street occupancy permit from the director of public service and/or their designee, in accordance with Chapter 903 of Columbus City Code and subject to subsequent revocation for cause, material or equipment necessary for the work under a building permit may be placed or stored on public property in the following locations: (A) In Front of the Building Site. In the one-third portion of the roadway of the street that is adjacent to the curb in front of the building site for which a building permit has been issued; provided that no material or equipment shall be placed or stored within 25 feet (7.62 m) of any rail of any railway track. When adjacent to railroad right-of-way, prior to placing any material or equipment that would interfere with the movement of rail traffic or create a close clearance hazard for railroad personnel, the railroad must be notified and assess said placement for potential hazards to railroad personnel and equipment. (B) In Front of the Adjoining Site. In the roadway of the street adjoining the building site for which a permit has been issued to the same extent and under the same restrictions as specified in subsection (A) of this section. A due waiver of claim against the city for damages on account of such placement or storage shall be obtained from the owner of such property and submitted to the director of public service and/or their designee at the time of street occupancy permit application. A copy of said waiver shall also be filed in the office of the chief building official before such material or equipment may be so placed or stored. (C) In the Alley. In the alley adjoining the building site for which a permit has been issued, provided that a clear and unobstructed roadway not less than ten feet (3048 mm) in width is maintained through such alley along the building site. (D) Public Sidewalk in Front of Building Site. On any portion of the public sidewalk in front of the building site for which a permit has been issued, except on the walkway required to be maintained. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 9; Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.07 Storage of materials and equipment on public property.

4123.07 - Storage of materials and equipment on public property. Storage of materials and equipment on public property required for work to be done under a building permit issued by the department must comply with Chapters 902 and 903 of Columbus City Code and shall have prior permission and approval of the director of public service and/or their designee. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 10; Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.09 Mixing mortar on public property.

4123.09 - Mixing mortar on public property. The mixing of mortar or concrete on public property shall be done in a mechanical mixer or in a tight box in such a manner as to prevent dripping or splashing on the public property. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.11 Off-site debris.

4123.11 - Off-site debris. No person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any debris, mud, dirt, or other excavation fill or other construction material onto any public or private property, street or right-of-way. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.13 Protection of public utilities.

4123.13 - Protection of public utilities. A substantial protective frame and boarding shall be built around and over every street lamp, utility box, fire or police alarm box, fire hydrant, catch basin and maintenance hole that may be damaged by any work being done under the permit. Such protection shall be maintained while such work is being done. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.15 Protection of pedestrians on public property.

4123.15 - Protection of pedestrians on public property. (A) Walkway. All temporary walkways located within the public right-of-way, at minimum, must conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines and the department of public service's standards, and must be pre-approved as to their design prior to construction by the director of public service and/or their designee. A walkway not less than four feet (1219 mm) wide with a railing on the street side shall be maintained on the sidewalk in front of the building site during construction, alteration, or demolition. Additionally the walkway shall be free of obstructions and provide five feet wide (1524 mm) and five feet in length (1524 mm) passing spaces at a maximum 200 feet (61 m) apart. Temporary and permanent walkways must conform to ADA requirements including but not limited to cross slopes, running slopes, walkway grades, detectable warnings requirements, surface discontinuities, joints, and gratings. The temporary walkway shall be on the same side of street unless an alternate path is approved by the director of public service and/or their designee and appropriate signs installed as required. (B) Type Required. Protection for pedestrians shall be provided between the walkway and the construction as set forth in C.C. Table 4123.15 and shall be constructed as specified in this chapter. Such protection shall be maintained in place and kept in good order for the entire length of time those pedestrians on the street and sidewalk, which abuts the property line, may be endangered, and such protection shall be completely removed as soon as such construction work will allow its safe removal. (C) Railing. The railing shall be substantially built and not less than three feet (914 mm) high. (D) Fence. Fences shall be substantially built of tight boards eight feet (2438 mm) high above grade and placed on the side of the walkway nearest to the building site. Fences shall extend the entire length of the building site and each end shall be turned and extended to the building line. Doorways may be cut in the fence if they are protected by doors that are kept closed, except when opened to permit materials or persons to pass through. (E) Barricades. Barricades shall be continuous, stable, non-flexible, and shall consist of a solid wall or fence or a Type II or Type III barricade as specified within the State of Ohio's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Section 6F-6O with the bottom or lower rail one and one-half inches (38 mm) maximum above the ground or walkway surface, and the top of the fence, wall, or upper rail 36 inches (914 mm) minimum above the ground or walking surface. Barricade support members shall not protrude beyond the barricade face into the pedestrian access route or alternative circulation path. (F) Canopy. The protective canopy shall have a clear height of ten feet (3048 mm) above the walkway. The roof shall be tightly boarded. Every canopy shall have a tight board fence built along its entire length, on the side next to the building site. The fence shall be solid from the sidewalk or walkway to the canopy roof and each end shall be turned and extended solid to the building site. The entire structure shall be designed to carry the loads to be imposed on it; provided, the minimum live load to be used in design shall be not less than 35 pounds per square foot (1673 N/m2), uniform load. If materials are stored or work is done on the roof of the canopy, the street sides and ends of the canopy roof shall be protected by a tight curb board not less than one foot (305 mm) high and a railing not less than three feet high (914 mm). The space under the canopy over the walkway and the approaches thereto shall be kept well lighted with artificial lighting continuously between sunset and sunrise. Table 4123.15 Type of Protection Required for Pedestrians Height of Construction | Distance from Construction to Walkway | Protection Required 8 feet or less | Less than 6 feet | Railing 8 feet or less | 6 feet or more | None More than 8 feet | Less than 6 feet | Fence and Canopy More than 8 feet | 6 feet or more and one-quarter height of construction or less | Fence and Canopy More than 8 feet | 6 feet or more and one-fourth to one-half height of construction | Fence More than 8 feet | 6 feet or more and at least one-half height of construction | None (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 12; Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.17 Walkway over and around excavation.

4123.17 - Walkway over and around excavation. When the area occupied by a public sidewalk or a portion thereof is to be excavated, the holder of the building permit shall construct a substantial temporary walkway not less than four feet (1219 mm) in width for pedestrian travel over the area to be excavated or around the same, in accordance with ADA requirements and as described within Section 4123.15(A). The walkway over the excavated area shall be designed for a uniform live load of 150 pounds per square foot (7170 N/m2). The walkway shall be provided with suitable ramps or stairs at each end and with a handrail not less than three feet (914 mm) high along each side or with a railing on one side and a fence on the other, as the case may require. The walkway around the excavated area shall be as close to the excavation on the street side as possible and! constructed with a rating not less than three feet (914 mm) high and a fence on the excavation side of the walkway. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 12.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.19 Temporary lights.

4123.19 - Temporary lights. Temporary lights shall be provided from sunset to sunrise on all material, equipment, walkways, railings, fences, and canopies located on public property. All such temporary lighting shall be subject to departmental approval. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.21 Handling of resultant debris.

4123.21 - Handling of resultant debris. The debris resulting from altering, repairing, constructing, or demolishing any building shall be thoroughly dampened to prevent the circulation of dust in the surrounding area. For demolition, this will require at least a one and one-half-inch (40 mm/DN) hose connected to a water tank truck or to a fire hydrant. Sufficient hose and such tank truck, or written approval for use of the fire hydrant, shall be on site prior to commencing demolition. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 13.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.23 Demolition standards.

4123.23 - Demolition standards. (A) Immediately prior to demolition of the premises, rodents, insects, and other vermin shall be eliminated therefrom by poisoning, spraying, fumigating, trapping, or by any other recognized and legal pest elimination methods approved by the health commissioner or designee. (B) All debris on the demolition site resulting from the demolition process shall be removed and disposed of by the demolition contractor on or before conclusion of the demolition. (C) In the event a building permit has been issued for new construction on the demolition site, the foundation hole may remain unfilled and barricaded for a period not to exceed 60 days. Immediately if no such permit is issued, or at the end of such 60-day period if construction has not commenced, the site shall be brought to a finished level evenly continuous with the abutting properties and shall be so graded and drained that run-off water neither is directed to abutting property nor can form standing pools on the demolition site. (D) Any damage to a public sidewalk shall be repaired. Gaps in a sidewalk left by the removal of trap doors, gratings, or similar openings shall be backfilled and paved with Portland cement concrete to the specifications of the director of public service and/or their designee in accordance with Chapter 905 of Columbus City Code for the balance of balance of the sidewalk. This work shall be accomplished within two weeks after the building has been demolished down to grade. (E) All coal hole covers, trapdoors, gratings, or other attachments in the sidewalk area shall be removed. The openings shall be filled in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 903 of Columbus City Code and the director of public service and/or their designee. (F) All entrance steps, including steps encroaching on the sidewalk, shall be removed. (G) Driveways, slabs, and sidewalks of concrete or other material within 24 inches (610 mm) the finished grade, shall be removed. (H) All structures, including foundation walls, columns, piers, partitions, and retaining walls, shall be removed down to a level 24 inches (610 mm) below the finished grade. Foundation walls and retaining walls supporting an abutting property shall be left in place. (I) Basement floor slabs of concrete shall be broken up into pieces having a maximum dimension of one foot (305 mm), and left in place. (J) Before any fill material is placed in any basement or other sub-grade cavity, all partitions, boxes, metal containers, wood, paper, trash, and any combustible or perishable matter shall be removed. (K) Trees that are not to be removed shall be so marked. (L) No open fire or other source of flame, except necessary cutting torches, will be permitted on the inside of a building which is being demolished, nor in close proximity to flammable materials outside of the building, and every precaution shall be taken to prevent the possibility of fire. General Limitations—All Structures (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part); Ord. 1909-01 § 1 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 14; Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.25 Projections—General.

4123.25 - Projections—General. (A) Projection Prohibited. No part of any structure or any appendage thereof, except a sign, shall project beyond the property line of the building site, except as specified in this chapter. (B) Material Used. Any structure or appendage regulated by this building code shall be constructed of materials as required elsewhere in this code. (C) Measurement. The projection of any structure or appendage shall be the distance measured horizontally from the property line to the outermost point of the projection. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.27 Projections into streets, alleys, or other public right-of-way.

4123.27 - Projections into streets, alleys, or other public right-of-way. No part of any structure or any appendage thereof, shall project into any streets, alleys, or other public rights-of-way without first having obtained the formal approval of the City of Columbus. Applications to place private improvements in, under, over, or upon the public right-of-way shall be made in writing to the director of public service and/or their designee. Any such applications for the installation of permanent private improvements within the public right-of-way shall be made in advance of their proposed construction date allowing for review time. Formal city council approval may be required. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 15; Ord. No. 0128-2009, § 1, 2-9-2009)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.29 Space below sidewalk.

4123.29 - Space below sidewalk. The space adjoining a building below a sidewalk on public property may be used and occupied in connection with the building for any purpose not inconsistent with this building code or other laws or ordinances regulating the use and occupancy of such space on condition that the right to use and occupy may be revoked by the city at any time and that the owner of the building shall construct the necessary walls and footing to separate such space from the building and pay all costs and expenses attendant therewith. A permit for use of such space shall be obtained from the director of public service. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.31 Regulation of doors.

4123.31 - Regulation of doors. Doors either fully opened or when opening shall not project beyond the property line unless approved by the chief building official. Foundation Systems and Site Requirements (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.33 Site drainage control.

4123.33 - Site drainage control. Newly constructed premises shall be graded so as to prevent property damage from surface water drainage, accumulation of stagnant surface water resulting from a lack of site drainage, and improper diversion of surface water. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 16.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.35 Site drainage plan.

4123.35 - Site drainage plan. (A) Plan Required. No person shall grade, excavate, or fill land without first submitting to the department and to the appropriate section or division of Columbus Water & Power a site drainage plan indicating the method to be used for proper drainage of surface water from the site and obtaining a permit for such plan. (B) Limitation on Permit Issuance. No building permit shall be issued for the erection, construction, extension, or movement of any building without an approved site drainage plan. (C) The site drainage plan shall be drawn at an approved scale with all elevations in feet and tenths of feet above sea level. The site drainage plan shall also conform to any approved subdivision grading plan (showing all control grades and the direction of surface water flow into approved storm drainage system) and shall indicate: (1) The site location; (2) All street, alleys, road, and drives; (3) All lot dimension, easements, utility services, and setback lines; (4) Location of all structures, garages, and parking areas; (5) All structures on abutting parcels that are within five feet (1524 mm) of the property line; (6) The finish grade at the foundation of all structures indicated at the structures corners; (7) The grade at the curb of all structures indicated at the structures corners. In the absence of a curb, the grade at the top of the pavement shall be indicated; (8) The elevation at the apron of any garage structure; (9) All drainage swales and drainage flow and designs of any abutting lot; (10) The general, overall site drainage provided for any lot shall not be less than a negative one and one-half percent from the defined finished grade elevation(s) at the foundation of the structure as shown on the plot plan, unless otherwise approved by the chief building official. (D) Drainage Flow. The site drainage plan shall provide for the effective drainage away from the house, or principal building on the lot with sufficient control so that surface water will flow into the street in front of the building, or into the drainage swale at the rear of the lot, and not into a house or other principal building on a neighboring lot, nor onto adjacent property. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 17; Ord. No. 1882-2026, § 1, 6-29-2026.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.37 Conformity to site drainage plan.

4123.37 - Conformity to site drainage plan. Construction authorized by a building permit shall proceed only in conformance to the site drainage plan. No person may alter an approved site drainage plan without first receiving the written approval of the department. No person may alter the topography or grade of any lot so as to prevent proper drainage of surface water to the street, existing storm sewers or surface water drainage systems; or to divert surface water onto adjacent property. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.39 Grade elevation at building.

4123.39 - Grade elevation at building. (A) Finished Grade. The finished grade at the building shall be of uniform height above the street and curb, in relation to the surrounding buildings, unless finished elevation grade at the building foundation is set to provide effective drainage of the entire lot. (B) Exception in Commercial Districts. However, in all commercially zoned districts, the first floor level of a commercial building may be lower than that of residences or noncommercial buildings on neighboring lots if approved by the chief building official. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.41 Driveways, finish grade.

4123.41 - Driveways, finish grade. A driveway shall be constructed at or above the elevation of the street to which it connects. The grade of the driveway between the curb cut and the garage apron shall rise at least one foot (305 mm) above the elevation of the street curb. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 18.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.43 Driveways, depressed.

4123.43 - Driveways, depressed. (A) Prohibition and Exception. A depressed driveway shall be prohibited unless: (1) The chief building official determines that the topography of the lot makes it impossible to provide otherwise; or (2) The elevation of the back of the sidewalk at the driveway is at least 20 inches (508 mm) above the nearest street sump (low point of the street). (B) Garage Floor. The floor of the garage serviced by a depressed driveway shall be at least four inches (102 mm) above the lowest elevation of the driveway. (C) Surface Water. If a depressed driveway is permitted, a method approved by the chief building official for controlling surface water must be provided. Surface water shall be controlled and diverted away from the house and garage either by natural diversion through appropriate site grading or by catch basin, sump, and sump pump which discharges onto the natural grade within the boundaries of the property or through the curb to the street. (Catch basins, sumps, and sump pumps shall not be connected to city storm sewers or basement sumps). Surface water shall not be permitted to flow into the garage serviced by a depressed driveway or be discharged onto adjacent property. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part): Ord. 733-06 § 19.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.45 Exceptional circumstances.

4123.45 - Exceptional circumstances. Where exceptionally irregular or unusual topography or the building itself, by design, prohibits full compliance with any provision of C.C. 4123.33 through, 4123.43 the chief building official may approve plans that vary from strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, if proper drainage of surface water is provided. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part); Ord. 1710-01 § 1.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.47 Lot line markers required.

4123.47 - Lot line markers required. Where required by the chief building official, before any work is started on the construction of a building or an addition to a building which is regulated under this code, all boundary lines shall be clearly marked at their intersections with permanent markers or with markers which are offset at a distance which is of record with the owner. (Ord. 1404-99 § 2 (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.49 Rat and rodent proofing required.

4123.49 - Rat and rodent proofing required. (A) Rat and rodent proofing: All buildings or structures and the walls enclosing habitable or occupiable rooms and spaces in which persons live, sleep, or work, or in which feed, food, or foodstuffs are stored, prepared, processed, served, or sold, shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this section. The provisions of this section shall apply to any building or structure that is governed under the model building codes adopted by the city of Columbus and promulgated in the Columbus Building Code. (B) Grade protection: Buildings not provided with a continuous foundation shall be provided with protection against rats and rodents at grade in accordance with either (B)(1) or (B)(2) that follows: (1) Apron: Where an apron is provided, the apron shall not be less than eight inches (203 mm) above, nor less than 24 inches (610 mm) below grade. In all cases, the apron shall not terminate below the lower edge of the siding material. The apron shall be constructed of an approved nondecayable, water-resistant, rat and rodent proofing material of required strength and shall be installed around the entire perimeter of the building or structure. Where constructed of masonry or concrete materials, the apron shall not be less than four inches (102 mm) in thickness. (2) Grade floors: Where continuous concrete grade floor slabs are provided, open spaces shall not be left between the slab and walls, and all openings in the slab shall be protected. (C) Opening protection: Openings shall be protected in accordance with (C)(1), (C)(2) and (C)(3) that follows: (1) Wall openings: Openings in the wall or apron required for ventilation or other purposes shall be guarded with corrosion-resistant rat and rodent proof shields of not less than nominal 0.034-inch (0.864 mm) perforated steel sheets, No 20 B&S Gage aluminum (0.032 inch/0.813 mm), or nominal 0.064 inch (1.63 mm) expanded steel or wire mesh screens, with not more than one-half inch (13 mm) mesh openings. (2) Slab openings: Access openings in grade floor slabs shall be protected with concrete, masonry, metal, or other corrosion-resistant noncombustible cover of adequate strength to support the floor loads. (3) Pipe and conduit openings: All openings for pipe, conduit, cable, or similar purposes at or near grade shall have snugly fitted collars to eliminate all open spaces. (Ord. 2273-03 § 1: Ord. 733-06 § 20.)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.51 Construction documents, permits and definitions.

4123.51 - Construction documents, permits and definitions. Construction documents (plans and specifications) and permits for structures to be located in the special flood hazard area shall comply with C.C. 1150 in addition to the provisions of Section 4123.50 through 4123.61, inclusive. For the purpose of Flood Plain Development only, the terms, phrases, words and their derivations as defined in C.C. Chapters 1150 shall apply. For the purpose of flood plain development only, where a conflict occurs, the most restrictive definition takes precedence. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.53 Floodplain construction materials and methods.

4123.53 - Floodplain construction materials and methods. All new construction and substantial improvements located in a designated special flood hazard area shall be compliant with C.C. 1150 and shall be, where applicable: (A) Constructed with materials resistant to flood damage. (B) Constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. (C) Constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities designed and/or elevated to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding. Where a structure, including its foundation members, is elevated on FEMA approved, compacted fill to or above the flood protection elevation, the requirements of this Section are satisfied. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.55 Anchoring.

4123.55 - Anchoring. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy. All manufactured homes, not otherwise regulated by the Ohio Revised Code pertaining to manufactured home parks, shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. Where a structure, including its foundation members, is elevated on FEMA approved, compacted fill to or above the flood protection level, the requirements of this section are satisfied. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.57 Residential buildings and structures.

4123.57 - Residential buildings and structures. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall comply with the following provisions: (A) The elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated to or above the flood protection elevation. In Zone AO areas with no elevations specified, the structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade. Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes, to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures. (B) Ingress and egress. All structures shall provide a means of ingress to and egress from land that is at or above the flood protection elevation. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.59 Nonresidential construction.

4123.59 - Nonresidential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure located in special flood hazard areas shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the level of the flood protection elevation; or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities shall: (A) Be floodproofed so the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water to the level of the flood protection elevation; and (B) Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and (C) Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the standards of this subsection through the use of the floodproofing certificate. Such certification shall be provided to the Director. In Zone AO areas with no elevations specified, the structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade. Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes, to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures. Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes, to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

Columbus City Codes § 4123.61 Enclosure below the lowest floor.

4123.61 - Enclosure below the lowest floor. The following standards apply to all new and substantially improved residential and nonresidential, non-basement structure which are elevated to the flood protection elevation using pilings, columns, posts or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to allow unimpeded movement of floodwaters. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement shall: (A) Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect; or (B) Meet or exceed the following criteria: (1) A minimum of two openings are provided having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area that would be subject to flooding; and (2) The bottom of all openings is no higher than one foot above grade; and (3) Openings equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices must permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters. (Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)

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=TIT41BUCO_CH4123GECOSTLLSTFetched: 10/27/2026