COLUMBUS ART COMMISSION

Columbus City Codes tit. 31, ch. 3115

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3115.01 Definition.

3115.01 - Definition. "Art" shall include all forms of original works of art, regardless of permanence, created in any medium, material or combination thereof. Art includes, but is not limited to, sculptures, fountains, monuments, paintings, murals, arches, photographs, drawings, textiles, memorials and earthworks. Art may take the form of individual works, or site-specific installations integrated into the design and physical development of a building, facility, or structure, park, plaza, or other public spaces. Art may be integrated with the work of other design professionals and should encompass the broadest range of expression. (Ord. 2079-07) "Commission" means the Columbus Art Commission. (Ord. 2079-07) "Conservation" means repairs and/or restoration necessary to return artwork to its original condition and integrity. Conservation can be required due to flaws, neglect, aging, damage, or vandalism. A professional conservator usually carries out treatments, often in collaboration with artists, and other experts. (Ord. 1136-60; Ord. 2079 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1087-2011, § 1, 9-19-2011)

Columbus City Codes § 3115.02 Creation—Membership terms.

3115.02 - Creation—Membership terms. The Columbus art commission is created and established. The commission shall consist of ten (10) citizens of the city appointed by the mayor with the approval of council. The members of the commission shall be experienced and interested in the arts of architecture, landscape architecture, sculpture, painting or other similar arts and works of art and shall serve without compensation for a term of five (5) years, except that the terms of the original members shall be two (2) for one (1) year, two (2) for two (2) years, two (2) for three (3) years, two (2) for four (4) years, and two (2) for five (5) years. The commission shall annually select from its membership a chairperson who shall preside over its meetings and a vice-chairperson who shall serve in the absence of the chairperson. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote of those present shall be required for any action by the commission. (Ord. 1136-60; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 3115.03 Commission duties.

3115.03 - Commission duties. The commission shall: (A) Review, examine and consider all works of art to be acquired by the city whether by purchase, gift, or otherwise, and the location thereof prior to the acquisition thereof; (B) Require to be submitted to it, whenever it deems it necessary, a complete model or design of any work of art to be acquired by the city; (C) Review, examine, and consider the removal, relocation or alteration of any existing work of art in the possession of the city; (D) Examine, at least once every two (2) years, as city funding allows, all city monuments and works of art and make a report to the Mayor, with recommendation for the future care and maintenance thereof; (E) Establish rules and regulations for the procedures to be used in matters submitted to it for determination. (Ord. 387-86; Ord. 1102-05 § 1 (part). (F) Advocate for public art and the inclusion of public art and artists in the design and development of public spaces and facilities. (G) Review, consider and recommend on the conservation of art subject to Commission approval as provided in Section 3115.04. (Ord. 387-86; Ord. 1102-05 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1087-2011, § 2, 9-19-2011)

Columbus City Codes § 3115.04 Commission approval required.

3115.04 - Commission approval required. (A) The acquisition of all art by the City of Columbus, whether by commission, purchase, loan, gift, or otherwise, shall require the approval of the Commission. (B) The design and specific location of all art, regardless of ownership, proposed for placement in, on, or over property owned or leased by the City of Columbus, shall require the approval of the Commission. (C) The design and specific location of all art proposed for placement in, on, or over the public right-of-way shall require approval of the Commission. (D) Commission approval shall be required in addition to any other approval or permit that may be required by the City of Columbus prior to such placement or to allow continued placement. This includes, but is not limited to, the issuance or renewal of a Special Right-of-Way Permit pursuant to Chapter 910. (E) Any change to the design or placement of any art subject to Commission approval as provided in this section shall require the approval of the Commission. (F) The design and temporary placement of art in, on or over the public right-of-way or on property owned or leased by the City of Columbus, which is a component of a community event or festival not exceeding fourteen (14) days in duration, does not require Commission approval if the art is completely removed at the conclusion of the event or festival. (Ord. 1136-60; Ord. 2079-2007 § 1 (part); Ord. 1569-2008 § 1.)

Columbus City Codes § 3115.05 Determinations by commission.

3115.05 - Determinations by commission. In making the approvals and performing the duties set forth in C.C. 3115.01 to 3115.04, inclusive, it shall be guided by the preserving of the proper decor of the city, the maintenance of the proper aesthetic values, the providing for the orderly growth of the city and its artistic treasures, the providing and maintenance of an orderly balance in the location and design of works of art, the preservation of property and the uses and condition thereof, and the prevention of blight or deterioration in and around public buildings and works of art. Article II. Historic Preservation (Ord. 1136-60; Ord. No. 1087-2011, § 3, 9-19-2011)

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=TIT31PLHIPRCO_CH3115COARCOFetched: 10/27/2026