Columbus requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their property. Grass and weeds must not exceed 12 inches in height. Vacant lots must be free of litter, debris, and hazardous conditions. The Columbus Land Bank (Central Ohio Community Land Trust) works to return abandoned vacant lots to productive use.
Under Columbus City Code, vacant lot owners must keep vegetation trimmed below 12 inches, remove debris, and maintain safe conditions. The city may mow or clean a neglected lot and assess the cost against the property. The Columbus Land Bank acquires tax-delinquent vacant parcels and facilitates redevelopment through side-lot programs and affordable housing initiatives.
The city may mow overgrown lots and bill the property owner. Liens may be placed on properties for unpaid abatement costs. Chronic neglect may result in the property being referred to the Land Bank.
Columbus, OH
Columbus Fire Code Title 25 incorporates the International Fire Code Chapter 61 governing propane and LP-gas storage. Residential cylinders are limited in si...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The Title 33 Graphics Code ...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no zoning, building, or graphics-code provision specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The Title 33 Graphics Code exem...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Columbus Graphics Code (Title...
Columbus, OH
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Columbus require permits from the Department of Building and Zoning Services when they involve gas-line extensions, electrical w...
Columbus, OH
Columbus has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance provis...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Columbus's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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