Variances by Board of Zoning Adjustment.
Columbus City Codes § 3307.09
in effect3307.09 - Variances by Board of Zoning Adjustment.
A. The board of zoning adjustment shall have the power, upon application, to grant variances from the provisions and requirements of this Zoning Code and the 2024 Zoning Code (except for those under the jurisdiction of the graphics commission and except for use variances under the jurisdiction of the council). No variance shall be granted unless the board finds that the applicant has demonstrated practical difficulties that unreasonably deprive the applicant of the permitted use of the property. The board shall weigh the following factors in determining whether the applicant has encountered practical difficulties in the use of the property.
1. Whether the property in question will yield a reasonable return or whether there can be any beneficial use of the property without the variance.
2. Whether the variance is substantial.
3. Whether the essential character of the neighborhood would be substantially altered or whether adjoining properties would suffer a substantial detriment as a result of the variance.
4. Whether the variance would adversely affect the delivery of governmental services (e.g., water, sewer, refuse service).
5. Whether the property owner purchased the property with knowledge of the zoning restriction.
6. Whether the property owner's predicament feasibly can be obviated through some method other than a variance.
7. Whether the spirit and intent behind the zoning requirement would be observed and substantial justice done by granting the variance.
B. In granting a variance, the board may impose such requirements and conditions regarding the location, character, and other features of the proposed uses or structures as the board deems necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Zoning Code and the 2024 Zoning Code and to otherwise safeguard the public safety and welfare.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the board to affect changes in the zoning map or to add to the uses permitted in any district.
(Ord. No. 3026-2016, § 1, 12-12-2016; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT33ZOCO_CH3307BOZOADAPVA_3307.09VABOZOADFetched: 10/27/2026