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ZONING MAP AND ZONING MAP DISTRICTS

Columbus City Codes tit. 33, ch. 3309
in effect

Columbus City Codes § 3309.01 Digital zoning map establishment, interpretation and maintenance.

3309.01 - Digital zoning map establishment, interpretation and maintenance. Columbus city council has adopted the Official Zoning Map (also known as the "Digital Zoning Map" or "Zoning Map") in digital form and deems the Digital Zoning Map to be the Official Zoning Map for the city of Columbus. This map contains the districts as described in the 2024 Zoning Code and conforms to provisions of the 2024 Zoning Code and all ordinances and laws related to zoning that are now in effect and which in the future may be in effect. This map also contains the districts and all overlay boundaries as described in this Zoning Code and conforms to provisions of this Zoning Code and all ordinances and laws related to zoning that are now in effect and which in the future may be in effect. The repository for the Official Zoning Map, in any form including digital, is the Department. Responsibility for maintenance of the Official Zoning Map is established in the Department. The Director has the authority to determine what districts an unnamed use is of similar enough character and nature to warrant inclusion in and may publish such determinations. The Director also has the authority to make determinations as to district boundaries when a conflict exists in determining exact district boundaries as indicated on the Official Zoning Map. (Ord. 577-84; Ord. 1272-01 § 1 (part); Ord. 179-03 § 1; Ord. 1284-04 § 3; Ord. No. 0830-2024, § 1, 3-25-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.02 Zoning map districts.

3309.02 - Zoning map districts. The area, height, overlay and use districts as designated in this Zoning Code, and the 2024 Zoning Code will be part of the Zoning Map. (Ord. 1368-81; Ord. 179-03 § 2; Ord. No. 0830-2024, § 1, 3-25-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.03 Establishment of districts; rezoning to the 2024 Zoning Code.

3309.03 - Establishment of districts; rezoning to the 2024 Zoning Code. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the city is divided into classes of use districts, height districts and area districts as provided for by this Zoning Code and as may be indicated in Title 33. Property legislatively rezoned from a Zoning Code district to a 2024 Zoning Code district pursuant to this chapter are divided into districts as provided for in the 2024 Zoning Code, found in Title 34 of the Columbus City Codes. (Ord. 1368-81; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 0830-2024, § 1, 3-25-2024)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.04 Multiple use districts.

3309.04 - Multiple use districts. The following multiple districts are established and their designating symbols shall be: Planned Community District .....PC Downtown District .....DD East Franklinton District .....EFD Traditional Neighborhood Development .....NE, NG, NC, TC (Ord. 1368-81; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.05 Residential use districts.

3309.05 - Residential use districts. There are hereby established the following residential use districts and their designating symbols shall be: Rural District .....R Limited Rural Residential District .....LRR Restricted Rural Residential District .....RR Rural Residential District .....RR Suburban Residential District .....SR R-1 Residential District .....R-1 R-2 Residential District .....R-2 R-3 Residential District .....R-3 R-2F Residential District .....R-2F R-4 Residential District .....R-4 MHD Manufactured Home Development District .....MHD (Ord. 1049-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.06 Apartment residential use districts.

3309.06 - Apartment residential use districts. There are hereby established the following apartment residential use districts and their designating symbols shall be: AR-12 Apartment Residential-12 District .....AR-12 ARLD Apartment Residential Low Density District .....ARLD AR-1 Apartment-Residential District .....AR-1 AR-2 Apartment Residential District .....AR-2 AR-3 Apartment Residential District .....AR-3 AR-4 Apartment Residential District .....AR-4 AR-O Apartment Residential District .....AR-O (Ord. 1368-81.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.07 Manufactured home park district.

3309.07 - Manufactured home park district. There is hereby established the following manufactured home park use district and its designating symbol shall be: Manufactured Home Park District .....MHP (Ord. 2170-89.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.08 Planned residential and multi-family use districts.

3309.08 - Planned residential and multi-family use districts. There are hereby established the following planned residential and multi-family use districts and their designating symbols shall be: Planned Unit Development-2 District .....PUD-2 Planned Unit Development-4 District .....PUD-4 Planned Unit Development-6 District .....PUD-6 Planned Unit Development-8 District .....PUD-8 Planned Community District .....PC (Ord. 1049-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.09 Institutional use district.

3309.09 - Institutional use district. There is hereby established the following institutional use district and its designating symbol shall be: Institutional District .....I (Ord. 1368-81.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.10 Commercial use districts.

3309.10 - Commercial use districts. The following commercial use district are established and their designating symbols shall be: C-1 Commercial District .....C-1 C-2 Commercial District .....C-2 C-3 Commercial District .....C-3 C-4 Commercial District .....C-4 C-5 Commercial District .....C-5 Commercial Planned Development District .....CPD (Ord. 1368-81; Ord. No. 1871-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.11 Manufacturing use districts.

3309.11 - Manufacturing use districts. There are hereby established the following manufacturing districts and their designating symbols shall be: M-2 Manufacturing District .....M-2 M-1 Manufacturing District .....M-1 M Manufacturing District .....M Excavating & Quarrying District .....EQ (Ord. 1368-81.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.13 Parking use districts.

3309.13 - Parking use districts. There are hereby established the following parking use districts and their designating symbols shall be: Private Parking District .....P-1 Public Parking District .....P-2 (Ord. 1368-81.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.14 Height districts.

3309.14 - Height districts. There are hereby established the following height districts and their designating symbols shall be: 35-foot height district .....H-35 60-foot height district .....H-60 110-foot height district .....H-110 200-foot height district .....H-200 A. In a 35-foot height district, designated as H-35, no building or structure shall be erected to a height in excess of 35 feet; B. In a 60-foot height district, designated as H-60, no building or structure shall be erected to a height in excess of 60 feet; C. In a 110-foot height district, designated as H-110, no building or structure shall be erected to a height in excess of 110 feet; D. In a 200-foot height district, designated as H-200, no building or structure shall be erected to a height in excess of 200 feet. (Ord. 2450-85.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.16 Digital zoning map.

3309.16 - Digital zoning map. Use district and data tables designated in C.C. 3309.04 through 3309.13 shall be contained in the digital zoning map. (Ord. 1368-81; Ord. 179-03 § 4.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.17 Interpretation of zoning district boundaries.

3309.17 - Interpretation of zoning district boundaries. Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of any zoning district, the following rules shall apply: A. Boundaries Follow Streets, Alleys or Highways. Where a district boundary is indicated as approximately following the right-of-way line of a highway, street, or alley, that line is deemed to be the district boundary. B. Boundaries Parallel Street, Alley or Right-of-Way Lines. Where a district boundary is indicated as approximately parallel to the right-of-way line of a highway, street or alley, the district boundary shall be deemed as being parallel and at a distance as contained in the digital zoning map. If no distance is given, determination of dimensions will be made by reference to the appropriate zoning case file. If there is no file, the scale contained in the digital zoning map will determine the dimension. C. Boundaries Follow Lot Lines. Where a district boundary is indicated as approximately following a lot line, the lot line is deemed to be the boundary. D. Boundaries Follow Railroad Lines. Where the boundary of a district follows a railroad line, such boundary is deemed to be located midway between the right-of-way lines of the railroad line. E. Boundaries Follow Waterways. Where the boundary of a district follows a stream, lake or other body of water, the boundary line is deemed to be at the limit of the jurisdiction of the city unless otherwise indicated. F. Submerged Areas. All areas within the corporate limits which are under water and are not shown as included within any district are subject to all of the regulations of the district which immediately adjoins the water area. If the water area adjoins two or more districts, the boundaries of each district is deemed to extend into the water area in straight lines until they meet boundary lines or extended boundary lines of another district. G. District Regulations Apply to All Other Uses. Any area shown on the zoning map as a park, playground, school, cemetery, or water is subject to the zoning regulations of the district in which it is located. In case of doubt, the zoning regulations of the most restrictive adjoining district shall govern. H. Property Not Included in District. Premises not specifically included within a district, or which has become a part of the city by annexation, shall automatically be classified as lying and being in the R Rural District or as specified in C.C. 3310.09, Zoning of annexed territory, until the classification is changed by an amendment to the official zoning map as provided by law. I. Vacation of Right-of-Way. Whenever any street, alley or other right-of-way is vacated in the manner authorized by law, the zoning district adjoining each side of the street, alley or right-of-way is automatically extended to the center of the vacated area, which is then subject to all regulations of the extended districts. (Ord. 1738-84; Ord. 2564-00 § 1; Ord. 179-03 § 5.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.115 University-College Research Park district.

3309.115 - University-College Research Park district. Pursuant to Chapter 3374, the University-College Research Park District is hereby established and its designating symbol shall be UCRPD. (Ord. 1049-88.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.131 Airport Environs overlay.

3309.131 - Airport Environs overlay. Upon the establishment of the Airport Environs Overlay on a lot or premises by ordinance of council, a designation of that overlay and all subdistricts shall be included with the designation of the underlying zoning as part of the Official Zoning Map. (Ord. 2493-95; Ord. 179-03 § 13.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.135 Limited overlay.

3309.135 - Limited overlay. Upon the establishment of a Limited Overlay on a lot or premises by ordinance of Council, a designation of that overlay shall be included with the designation of the underlying zoning as part of the Official Zoning Map. (Ord. 1852-84; Ord. 179-03 § 14.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.137 Planning overlay.

3309.137 - Planning overlay. Upon the establishment of a Planning Overlay on a lot or premises by ordinance of Council, a designation of that overlay shall be included with the designation of the underlying zoning as part of the Official Zoning Map. (Ord. 1049-88; Ord. 22 1-99 § 2; Ord. 179-03 § 16.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.139 Hellbranch Run watershed protection overlay.

3309.139 - Hellbranch Run watershed protection overlay. Upon the establishment of the Hellbranch Run Watershed protection overlay on a lot or premises by ordinance of council, a designation of that overlay shall be included with the designation of the underlying zoning as part of the official zoning map. (Ord. 856-02 § 2; Ord. 179-03 § 17.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.141 Basic height district established.

3309.141 - Basic height district established. Premises for which no height limitation is specified are classified in the 35 foot height district. (Ord. 2450-85; Ord. 179-03 § 3.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.142 Height district exceptions.

3309.142 - Height district exceptions. The following exceptions to C.C. 3309.14 shall be permitted: (A) 35 and 60-foot Height Districts. In a 35-foot height district or a 60-foot height district, any portion of a building (excluding free-standing antennas or monopoles) may be erected to a height in excess of the respective height limits as specified in C.C. 3309.14 provided that: in an institutional, commercial or manufacturing district such portion of such building is set back from all required set back lines one foot for each one foot of such additional height; and in a residential or an apartment residential district such portion of such building is set back from all required set back lines two feet for each one foot of such additional height. (B) 110- and 200-foot Height Districts. In a 110-foot height district or a 200-foot height district any portion of a building (excluding free-standing antennas or monopoles) may be erected to a height in excess of the respective height limits as specified in C.C. 3309.14 provided that such portion of such building is set back from all required set back lines one foot for each two feet of such additional height. (C) Rooftop telecommunication installations not taller than 20 feet for receiving or transmitting wireless telecommunications and not regulated by C.C. 3309.145 may, where concealment inside the existing structure is not possible, be erected on: a. Buildings or structures 60 feet or more in height in a residential or apartment zoning district as allowed by code without regard to additional set back requirements of the underlying height district, b. Buildings or structures 50 feet or more height in all other zoning districts as allowed by code without regard to additional set back requirements of the underlying height district. The following provision shall apply: 1. At no time shall any antenna have affixed or attached to it in any way any lights, reflectors, signs, banners, graphics, or other illumination device, except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Communication Commission. All exterior finishes shall be, unless otherwise required, matched to the supporting building or structure's exterior color and finish to appear unobtrusive. 2. If the building or structure is listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties, or is included in an architectural review commission area, the antenna's placement shall be subject to approval by the appropriate architectural review commission. (Ord. 552-88; Ord. 90-98 § 5.)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.145 Thirty-five foot height district exception.

3309.145 - Thirty-five foot height district exception. (A) An antenna as defined in C.C. 3303.01 for private, noncommercial radio communication may be erected up to a maximum height of 60 feet as an exception to C.C. 3309.14(A) provided such antenna complies with the following conditions: (1) The base of any such antenna which exceeds 35 feet in height shall be set back from all property lines one foot for every foot such antenna exceeds 35 feet. The height shall be measured vertically from the grade level to the uppermost point of the antenna and in no case shall such height exceed 60 feet nor shall such antenna be capable of exceeding the maximum height allowable under this paragraph. (2) No more than one such antenna over 35 feet in height shall exist at any one time on any one lot. (3) Neither the antenna nor any of its appurtenant parts shall be located in a front yard or required side yard area. (4) Prior to installation, the property owner shall first obtain: (a) A certificate of appropriateness from the architectural review commission having jurisdiction, if any. (b) A certificate of zoning clearance; and (c) A building permit; (5) The proposed installation shall at all times be in full compliance with the Columbus City Codes, the Ohio Basic Building Code and the National Electrical Code. (6) No part of any communication antenna or its appurtenant parts including, but not limited to, lines, guys and braces, shall at any time extend across or over any part of the public right-of-way or any property line. (7) No antenna shall have affixed or attached to it in any way except during reasonable time of repair or installation any lights, reflectors, flashers, or other illumination device, except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Communications Commission; or any sign, platform, catwalk, crow's nest, or like structure. (8) Any ground supported antenna shall be protected to discourage climbing thereon by unauthorized persons. (B) An antenna as defined in city codes 3303.01 for private, noncommercial radio communication may be erected to a height of more than 60 feet but not more than 75 feet as an exception to city codes 3309.14(A) provided such antenna complies with the following conditions: (1) The base of any such antenna which exceeds 60 feet in height shall be set back from all property lines one foot for every foot of the antenna's height. The height shall be measured vertically from the grade level to the uppermost point of the antenna; (2) The antenna complies with all provisions of A(2) through (8) above. (Ord. 2429-85; Ord. 1132-2008 Attach. (part).)

Columbus City Codes § 3309.148 Area districts.

3309.148 - Area districts. There are hereby established the following area districts and their designating symbols and maximum density as defined in Chapter 3303 shall be: District | Symbol | Maximum Density (dwelling units) R-Rural Area | R | one per five acres LRR Area | LRR | one per acre RRR Area | RRR | one per 20,000 sq. ft. RR Area | RR | one per 10,000 sq. ft. SR Area | SR | one per 7,200 sq. ft. R-1 Area | R-1 | one per 7,200 sq. ft. R-2 Area | R-2 | one per 5,000 sq. ft. R-3 Area | R-3 | one per 5,000 sq. ft. R-2F Area | R-2F | one per 6,000 sq. ft. for single-family; one per 3,600 sq. ft. for 1 story two-family; one per 3,000 sq. ft. for 2 story two-family. R-4 Area | R-4 | one per 5,000 sq. ft. for single-family; one per 2,500 sq. ft. for multi-family. AR-12 Area | AR-12 | one per 3,600 sq. ft. ARLD Area | ARLD | one per 2,500 sq. ft. AR-1 Area | AR-1 | one per 1,200 sq. ft. AR-2 Area | AR-2 | one per 800 sq. ft. AR-3 Area | AR-3 | unrestricted for new construction only AR-4 Area | AR-4 | one per 1,200 sq. ft. AR-O Area | AR-O | unrestricted for new construction only MHD Area | MHD | one per 7,200 sq. ft. MHP Area | MHP | six per acre PUD-2 Area | PUD-2 | two per acre PUD-4 Area | PUD-4 | four per acre PUD-6 Area | PUD-6 | six per acre PUD-8 Area | PUD-8 | eight per acre PC Area | PC | fourteen per acre (Ord. 1049-88.)
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_CH3309ZOMAZOMADIFetched: 10/27/2026

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