Board & Commissions
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
About the BZA
The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five members appointed by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside in the unincorporated area of one of the ten townships with County Zoning. It is a quasi-judicial board that takes action on administrative appeals, conditional uses, and variances. It is their duty to maintain the intent and spirit of the zoning district in conformity with the Zoning Resolution.
Where and When
BZA meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month at 369 South High Street (Judicial Services Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m.
Responsibilities of the BZA
The BZA is responsible for hearing and deciding on three types of applications related to the administration of the Franklin County Zoning Resolution. These include:
- Administrative Appeals - An appeal alleging an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of the Zoning Resolution
- Conditional Uses - A use that is essential to or would promote the public health, safety or welfare in an area but requires limitations on the location, size, extent and character of the use to protect the integrity and character of the area.
- Variances - A request to deviate from the literal interpretation of the Zoning Resolution's development standards or requirements.
Resources
BZA Schedule
Zoning Forms
Planning Commission
About Planning Commission
The Planning Commission consists of the three Franklin County Commissioners and eight members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Three of the eight members are appointed from individuals nominated by the city of Columbus, another three members are appointed from individuals residing in unincorporated Franklin County recommended by townships of the county and the final two members are appointed at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners with one member residing in unincorporated Franklin County and one member residing in a municipal corporation of the county.
Where and When
Planning Commission meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday of each month at 369 South High Street (Judicial Services Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m. in meeting room A.
Responsibilities of the Planning Commission
The specific powers and duties of the Planning Commission are identified in Section 713.23 of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally speaking, the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing major subdivision and rezoning requests, and for completing Comprehensive Plans for townships in Franklin County.
Resources
Planning Commission Schedule
Rezoning Schedule
Rezoning Schedule - Big Darby Accord
Rural Zoning Commission (RZC)
About the RZC
The Rural Zoning Commission consists of five members appointed by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside in the unincorporated area of one of the ten townships with County Zoning.
Where and When
RZC meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of each month at 369 South High Street (Judicial Services Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m.
Responsibilities of the RZC
The specific powers and duties of the RZC are identified in Section 303 of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally speaking, the RZC is responsible for hearing and making recommendations on requests to rezone land or alter the text of the Zoning Resolution.
Resources
Rural Zoning Commission Meeting Dates