Mayor's Office

The City of Gahanna is excited to announce Gahanna Direct – a new citizen-first tool that makes it easier for residents to request service and report non-emergency issues – allowing for more effective response and tracking of issues.

From traffic signal malfunctions, to potholes, missed waste collection, streetlight outages and more, residents can now alert the City when they see a problem with just a few simple clicks on your computer or mobile device.

You can also send the location of the issue, pictures, and specific descriptions – all valuable information needed to make sure that your concerns are addressed effectively. A report will be sent directly to the appropriate city department (ensuring that your concern gets to the correct person even faster), and you will receive updates on the City’s progress in fixing the issue.

To access Gahanna Direct, go to Gahanna.gov and click on “Service Requests.”

Planning

It’s that time of year when homeowners start to think about outdoor projects such as adding a fence, shed, deck or pool.  Before beginning any work, please keep in mind that a permit may be required.  For example:

• A new fence requires a Zoning Permit to ensure the fence meets setback requirements and is no taller than 6 feet. 
• A new shed that will be no larger than 200-square-feet requires a Zoning Certificate to ensure its location meets the Zoning Code. Sheds that will be more than 200-square-feet require a Building Permit.
• Zoning Permits are also necessary for pergolas, freestanding decks that will be less than 200-square feet, and any other structures that will be built on a residential property.
• Zoning Permits, Zoning Certificates and Building Permits can be found at GahannaOH.portal.opengov.com/categories/1086.

Decks and most pools require Building Permits, which can be found at GahannaOH.portal.opengov.com/ beginning on May 15. As a reminder, pools may also require a fence permit.

If you have any questions about whether you need a permit for your upcoming project, please refer to our “Do I Need a Permit” document here: Gahanna.gov/DocumentCenter/View/595/Do-I-Need-a-Permit-PDF?bidId=.

Public Safety

Officers from the Gahanna Division of Police recently participated in the 2nd annual Walk in Our Boots 5k, hosted by the American Legion Post #797 in Gahanna, to support homeless veterans in the area who are transitioning into new living quarters. In recognition of our uniformed armed forces, the officers completed the run wearing their SWAT or patrol uniforms which can weigh up to 40 lbs. depending on what they are wearing.

In June, officers from the Division, together with firefighters from Mifflin Township Fire, will participate in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. 80% of donations they receive will go toward the Gahanna Special Olympics, with the remainder directed to the Ohio Special Olympics Foundation.  If you’d like to support our first responders in this great cause, please visit the following link: Give.SOOH.org/team/574719.   

Human Resources

The City of Gahanna is hiring! If you would like to join our team and serve our amazing community, apply today for the following positions:

• Building Inspector
• Manager – Planning
• Marketing & Communications Specialist II
• Police Officer 
• Project Administrator I
• Senior Civil Engineer (Utilities)

For job descriptions, or to see future openings when they are posted, visit GovernmentJobs.com/careers/gahanna/fulltime.

Public Service

Spring is here, and it’s time to give your curb gutters some TLC!  If you’re unfamiliar, “curb gutters” are the concrete area between your curb and the street pavement.  Through the winter season and particularly after heavy rains, your curb gutters may have accumulated leaves, debris, and other buildup.  Keeping them free of debris and weeds can prevent sewer backups and other damage.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Wear gloves and consider wearing a reflective vest if you are working near a road.
• Use a small shovel, rake or broom to remove debris.
• Do NOT push debris into the sewer drain.
• Use a compost bin, paper trash bag or garbage can to dispose of collected debris.

Taking care of your curb gutters not only will help in the next rain, but also will help to keep your neighborhood looking great!

Parks & Recreation

Upcoming Events

Saturday, May 4
HERB DAY
Creekside Plaza, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presented Visit Gahanna and Tina Wedebrook, Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX Connection

Celebrate Gahanna's designation as Ohio’s Herb Capital at Herb Day!  Shop for plants, enjoy herb and plant-themed activities, and support local artists and herb-based vendors.

Saturday, May 4 – Saturday, May 10
HERB’N RESTAURANT WEEK
Presented by Visit Gahanna

Treat yourself to the “Herb Capital” Culinary Experience at select local Gahanna eateries! The event celebrates Gahanna’s title as the Herb Capital of Ohio and showcases the culinary talents of local chefs. Gahanna restaurants will feature an herb-infused item on their menu, promoting both the City’s unique designation as well as the importance of supporting our local businesses. More information can be found at VisitGahanna.com.

Saturday, May 18
YARD WASTE COLLECTION DAY
Gahanna Service Garage, Friendship Park, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
152 Oklahoma Avenue

Do you have extra yard waste that can’t fit in your weekly pickup? The City of Gahanna is hosting a special one-day event for you to drop off your yard waste at the Service Garage.  To access the Garage, enter through the gate on Lincoln Circle Drive (behind the Post Office). 

Acceptable items:

• Tree branches
• Grass clippings
• Wood chips
• Leaves
• Logs (up to 16" diameter)
• Bushes, shrubs, flowers without root balls
• Paper lawn bags (without plastic lining)

The following items will NOT be accepted:

• Soil/fill dirt
• Stumps/root balls
• Lumber
• Old fencing or railroad ties
• Rocks
• Plastic 
• Metal
• Glass

Sunday, May 19
CREEKSIDE BOUTIQUE HOP
Creekside District, 1 – 4 p.m.

The Creekside Boutique Hop returns, offering an afternoon of shopping, food, cocktails and connecting. For more details, visit Facebook.com/events/7583134275065622?ref=newsfeed.

Monday, May 27
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
Presented by VFW Tri Community Post 4719 and American Legion Post #797

Honor the military men and women who lost their lives while serving our country. Events are scheduled at four cemeteries, the bridge at Creekside, and Veterans Memorial Park. The scheduled stops, which include the wreath laying ceremony to honor service members lost at sea, can be found here:

9 a.m. – Riverside Cemetery
9:45 a.m. – Maplewood Cemetery
10:45 a.m. – Jefferson Cemetery
11:45 a.m. – Wreath Laying Ceremony at the bridge at Creekside
12:15 p.m. – Mifflin Cemetery
1 p.m. – Veterans Memorial Park    

Wednesdays, June through August
MIDWEEK AT THE CREEK
Creekside Plaza, 6 – 8 p.m.
Presented by Visit Gahanna

Enjoy “Wind Down Wednesdays” with live music on Creekside Plaza! Bring a lawn chair, grab a CORA beverage from a local Gahanna establishment, and settle in for this free music series.  For more details, see VisitGahanna.com.  

Friday, June 7, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23
CREEKSIDE LIVE
Creekside Plaza, 5 – 10 p.m.
Presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union

Celebrate the end of the week at Creekside with music from some of Central Ohio’s hottest bands! Opening acts will perform on the Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m., with headliners taking to the Creekside Rotary Stage from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.  Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes, and come on down!

Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16
CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Creekside District
Presented by Visit Gahanna

The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival officially kicks off summer in Gahanna with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. This three-day cultural celebration for all ages features world class musicians on three stages, mouthwatering cuisine, regional artisans, and more. For tickets and festival information, see CreeksideBluesAndJazz.com. 

Saturday, June 22
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF
Headley Park, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The City of Gahanna is excited to partner with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) to help you safely dispose of your household hazardous waste items. Look for keywords on the container such as poison, danger, caution, flammable, corrosive, or use in well-ventilated areas.  A list of items that will be accepted can be found here: gahanna.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=998&month=6&year=2024&day=22&calType=0

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, August 3
VETTES, RODS, AND CLASSICS
Creekside District, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Presented by the Capital City Corvette Club

Rev up your engines and head down to Gahanna’s Creekside District for the 22nd annual Vettes, Rods & Classics Charity Car Show!  Enjoy an afternoon of vintage cars, classic corvettes and rare gems from decades past, along with live music, raffles and more. For event information, see CapCityCorvette.com.