The Downtown Commission was formed in 1997 with the adoption of a new Downtown District in the City Zoning Code. The Commission is the approval authority for Downtown Planning, Zoning, Graphics and Design Review issues and is supported by staff of the Planning Division. The Commission functions as the Board of Zoning & Adjustment, Planning Commission and Graphics Commission within the boundaries of the Downtown District. The authority given this Commission allows the zoning approval process to be streamlined by reviewing all issues for a downtown development project simultaneously. The Downtown District, as defined in Title 33 Chapter 3359.03 of the Columbus City Code, is zoned as mixed-use with most land uses permitted through design review. The concept of mixed-use zoning allows the market to determine the location of various land uses if the overall design contributes to the vitality of Downtown.

Meetings:
• Meetings are generally held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, with the exception of November and December. Meetings begin at 8:30 am and are conducted in the Department of Development’s first floor hearing room at 109 North Front Street.
• Meetings are subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
• See schedule below for meeting and application deadline calendar.

Applications: Applications and supporting materials are due at least 10 days prior to meetings. Applicants should contact the staff representative for more information regarding application deadlines and submittal requirements, as the Commission may elect to change a meeting time or date to ensure a quorum or to accommodate a long agenda.

Sign Language Interpreter: An interpreter will be made available for anyone in need of this service. To schedule an interpreter, please contact the City of Columbus, Planning Division at 645-8036 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.