Utility enclosures.
Columbus City Codes § 3321.17
in effect3321.17 - Utility enclosures.
A. Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply only to applications for a certificate of zoning clearance for a new development, or for existing developments where utility enclosures are required to be installed by the City of Columbus on or after the effective date of this ordinance.
B. Utility enclosures shall be permitted to be installed in front of the required building line in accordance with the following conditions:
1. General Requirements for utility enclosures in residential zoning districts:
a. A utility enclosure up to 60 inches in height and with a footprint up to 30 square feet is not to be considered a structure.
b. Multiple utility enclosures within the same building setback area shall be allowed so long as the aggregate height and footprint of the above ground utility enclosures do not exceed a total of 60 inches in height and 30 square feet, respectively.
c. Where the City of Columbus requires the installation of one or more utility enclosures in an existing development for residential uses, said enclosures are not subject to building line restrictions so long as they are the minimum height and size necessary to enclose the utility equipment and are not used to shelter non-utility equipment.
d. Notwithstanding the above provisions, placement of utility enclosures shall be in compliance with Section 3321.05, Vision clearance.
e. All utility enclosures must be shown on the site plan submitted for zoning clearance, or a note shall be provided on the site plan that alerts the reviewer to the page on which the utility enclosures are shown.
f. Small utility cabinets having dimensions of less than 36 inches (height, width and length) are exempt from these requirements.
2. General Requirements for utility enclosures in non-residential zoning districts:
a. Any utility enclosures in non-residential zoning districts shall be installed such that they present the least encroachment, impact, and size necessary to enclose the utility equipment.
b. Notwithstanding the above provisions, placement of utility enclosures shall be in compliance with Section 3321.05, Vision clearance.
c. All utility enclosures must be shown on the site plan submitted for zoning clearance, or a note shall be provided on the site plan that alerts the reviewer to the page on which the utility boxes are shown.
d. Small utility cabinets having dimensions of less than 36 inches (height, width and length) are exempt from these requirements.
C. Screening shall be required for utility enclosures required by the City of Columbus that are in excess of 60 inches in height and 30 square feet per the screening requirements in Section 3321.11, Screening of mechanical systems.
(Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)
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_CH3321GESIDEST_3321.17UTENFetched: 10/27/2026