Columbus, OH Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Design guidelines corresponding to the downtown district shall be developed and adopted for use by the downtown commission in reviewing applications for certificate of appropriateness. Topics to be addressed by said design guidelines include, but are not limited to: building setback, height and composition, pedestrian entrances and access, screening and landscaping, graphics, parking and vehicular access, plazas and common areas, and right-of-way encroachments. The design guidelines are intended to serve as a flexible policy framework for decisions by the downtown commission.B)Process to Amend Design Guidelines. From time to time, the commission may work with staff to develop proposed updates to the guidelines according to the following procedure:1.Upon completion, the availability of proposed updates for public review shall be published in the city bulletin and posted on the planning division website. The notice shall include the time and place of a public hearing regarding the guidelines as well as a deadline for submission of public comment.2.After incorporating any necessary revisions to the guidelines based on the public review process, the commission shall approve a final version, which shall be forwarded to city council for consideration. (Ord. No. 1532-2013, § 1, 7-15-2013)