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Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department
★ FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO: Service.Progress.Excellence. ★
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Address

Main Office:
150 S. Front St., FSL Ste. 10
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Permit Counter:
142 S. Front St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone

Main
(614) 525-3095

Building
(614) 525-3166

Planning/Zoning
614) 525-3094

Hours

Main Office:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Permit Counter:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m

News 

New Columbus Region Relocation Guide  - February 14, 2023

A comprehensive guide on the Columbus region include information on business, lifestyle, education, healthcare, culture, and other resources.

Applications Open for Grant Program for Housing Innovation  - January 10, 2023

The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) helps fund home repairs and subsidizes housing-related initiatives for eligible nonprofits. Deadline to apply: January 27 at 4 pm.

Applications Open for Emerging Developers Accelerator Program - January 10, 2023

The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) offers a 6-month training program that supports developers who are women and people of color with comprehensive technical assistance, education, and access to capital to help build and preserve affordable housing. Deadline to apply: February 8 at 4 pm.

Resources Quick Links 

Franklin County Loan Program

The Franklin County Loan Fund was established to help entrepreneurs create jobs and spur growth in the region. We're offering small business loans at only 1% interest on the first $10,000 - and competitive rates up to $500,000. ​To be eligible, the address of business or applying business owner must be in Franklin County, outside of Columbus city limits. If this highly affordable loan funding would help your business expand, learn more and inquire today: ecdi.org/franklin-county. 

Rental Assistance Lookup Tool

Rental assistance is available! The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) created a rental assistance lookup tool for renters and landlords. Visit the the Rental Assistance Lookup Tool. 

FHA-Insured Mortgage Relief

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of COVID-19, help is available. Visit resources for homeowners or HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. 

IMPACT Community Action for Rent and Utility Assistance and Eviction Prevention Resolution

Do you or someone you know need rental assistance? Visit the IMPACT Community Action website, IMPACT Hope Fund application website or contact IMPACT by phone (614) 964-2906 or email [email protected]. 

Community Shelter Board Emergency Shelter Assistance

Do you or someone you know need help finding emergency shelter? Call the Community Shelter Board hotline at (614) 274-7000.

Resources Guide for Franklin County Businesses and Residents 

Here is a comprehensive guide on resources being provided by local, state, and federal government as well as utility companies and other private sector entities.

SBA Small Business Disaster Loans 

The Small Business Administration is providing disaster assistance for relief of hardship caused by the coronavirus.

Our Mission

The Franklin County Community Development section of the Economic Development & Planning Department is responsible for providing funding and technical assistance to support community development activities and initiatives in Franklin County outside the auspices of the City of Columbus. The planning and zoning department is responsible for all zoning, code enforcement and land-use planning activities in the unincorporated area of Franklin County.

SmartWorks Programs

Through the following suite of SmartWorks programs, the County’s goal is to make ongoing strategic investments in the areas of economic development, workforce development, and energy efficiency.

Our Programs

Zoning

Zoning

The Zoning Division is responsible for enforcing and administering the Franklin County Zoning Resolution.  The Zoning Resolution regulates buildings and land uses for the purpose of promoting public health, safety and general welfare throughout Franklin County.  Zoning accomplishes this purpose by encouraging appropriate land uses, stabilizing and preserving property values, preventing the overcrowding of land and avoiding undue concentrations of population.

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Forms and Applications

Forms and Applications

Go to our Forms and Applications page to find all of the important forms like Permits, Applications for Zoning, Affidavits and Annexations.

Visit the webpage

Land Use Planning

Land Use Planning

The Planning Division guides responsible growth in Franklin County by managing long-term changes in land use. The staff provides technical assistance to township officials, enabling citizen participation in shaping the future of their communities. The staff works closely with community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders to ensure the viability of future growth and maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by Franklin County residents.

Learn more

Energy Works

Energy Works

The EnergyWorks program is an ongoing partnership with the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority (CFFA) to capitalize the Columbus Region Energy Fund, which provides loan financing to Franklin County businesses and nonprofit organizations for cost-effective, energy efficiency improvements. EnergyWorks is designed to increase the energy efficiency of both existing and new facilities, resulting in lower energy costs, fewer carbon emissions, and economic growth in Franklin County.

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Infrastructure Works

InfrastructureWorks

The InfrastructureWorks program provides timely, innovative, and flexible loan financing through the Franklin County Infrastructure Bank (FCIB) to support economic development projects within the county that will create jobs and economic growth. The FCIB functions as a revolving loan fund that makes below market interest rate loans to city, village, and township borrowers located within Franklin County to finance the public infrastructure required to facilitate an economic development project.

Learn more