Downtown Commission

Every wonder who decides what gets built downtown? And what the exterior design should look like?

New construction and renovation projects that require approval fall under the jurisdiction of a zoning authority for the City's Downtown District. That zoning authority is the nine-member Downtown Commission, which meets monthly to review pending projects and conduct a review of the exterior design of those projects.

The Commission works to streamline the zoning approval process by functioning as the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Planning Commission and Graphics Commission within the boundaries of the Downtown District. That means it has the authority to look comprehensively at all issues related to a project.

The Downtown District, as defined in Title 33 Section 3359.03 of the Columbus City Code, is zoned as mixed-use with most land uses permitted through design review.

For additional information on zoning applications or appearances before the Commission, contact Daniel Thomas, urban design manager, in the Downtown Development Office at (614) 645-8404.

Commission meetings are held at the Department of Development, 109 N. Front St., in the first-floor hearing room. Please check the meeting schedule for exact dates and times.