Frequently Asked Questions

Water systems depend on water pressure to keep water flowing in the proper direction through the pipes. However, a sudden or unexpected change in water pressure can cause an undesirable reversal in the normal flow of water. This is called backflow.

During a backflow event, potentially non-potable water flows backwards from the consumer's internal plumbing system and returns to the public water supply, creating a possible health risk. For example, soapy water or other cleaning compounds can backflow through a hose submerged in a laundry basin.

Cross connections are locations within the consumer’s internal plumbing system where possible backflow can occur if a pressure differential exists. It is a point where non-potable water from the consumer’s internal plumbing system can potentially enter the public water supply.

Common cross connections for residential properties include lawn irrigation systems, garden hose connections to chemical solution aspirators, hose bibs, swimming pools and private wells. Common cross connections for commercial properties include fire sprinklers, boilers, chillers, chemical mixing tanks, pressure pumps as well as lawn irrigation systems.

A backflow device is a mechanical assembly installed in the water line to prevent backflow from occurring at cross connections. It ensures that a one-way system of flow is maintained and thus protects the public water supply. Backflow devices on residential properties are installed right after the water meter and before the first branch line in their private plumbing.

Yes. Per City Code, a backflow device must be installed on any cross connection which includes any residential irrigation system.

Regular testing of a backflow device ensures that it is working properly. Ultimately it protects your internal plumbing system and the public water supply from potential health risks.

Each backflow device must be tested once every 12 months after the previous test date. For example, if your device was tested in May, it must be tested by the last day of May the following year.

No. A backflow device must be tested by an Ohio Department of Commerce certified backflow tester. If you need a list of certified testers, please contact the Department of Public Service and Engineering at 614-342-4005.

The backflow tester should give you a copy of the test report. It is your responsibility to keep records of all tests and maintenance performed on your backflow device. The backflow testing company will also submit a copy of the test report to the City once the tester has returned to the office and logged the report.

A spring startup service is performed on the irrigation system as whole to check for leaks, clogs, etc. A backflow test is specifically performed on the device itself to ensure that is working properly.

Each backflow device must be tested once every 12 months after the previous test date, regardless of when the irrigation system is planned to be turned on or the startup service will be performed. For example, if your device was tested in May, it must be tested by the last day of May the following year. It is your responsibility to coordinate the device test and spring startup service with your irrigation company to ensure Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and testing timelines are met each year. The date of the spring startup may vary from year to year due to the weather but unfortunately the backflow test cannot. Testing the device once every 12 months after the previous test date is a firm deadline.

If your irrigation company will be turning on the system earlier than normal, it is recommended that you coordinate with them to have the spring startup performed but delay the backflow test until the month it is actually due to be tested. That way you can ensure your testing month remains the same each year regardless of when your system is turned on. For example, if your device was tested in May the previous year, but your system is turned on in March; you will want to instruct your irrigation company to perform the spring startup in March and then come back in May to test the backflow.

Yes, as long as the spring startup service falls within the testing timeline for the backflow device. Depending on the maintenance plan you have with your irrigation company, the backflow testing may or may not be included with the spring startup service. You will need to confirm this with your irrigation company. If the backflow test is not included in your maintenance plan, you will need to specifically state to your irrigation company that a backflow test needs to be done in addition to the spring startup service.

Since the backflow device must be tested by a certified tester, the irrigation company may send two employees to perform maintenance on your irrigation system. One employee may not be a certified tester; therefore, he or she will only perform the spring startup service. The other employee that is a certified tester will test the backflow device. These services may occur on the same day or possibly on different days.

Yes. Since the irrigation system is still physically connected to the public water supply, there is a potential for backflow to occur. Due to this reason, the backflow device must be tested once every 12 months after the previous test date regardless if you use the irrigation system or not.

The only option to be exempt from backflow testing requirements is to hire a contractor to "cut and cap" the physical water line extending to the irrigation system. This process disconnects the irrigation system and creates a physical break in the water pipe. Since there is no potential for the water to flow backwards into the public water supply, you would not be required to have the backflow device tested. The City must inspect the cut and cap once it is complete to make sure everything was done properly. There is no charge for this inspection. Upon inspection approval, the irrigation system is marked as inactive in the backflow compliance system.

Hiring a contractor to cut and cap the irrigation system may be initially more expensive than having the backflow device tested. However, if you plan to own the property for an extended period of time while never using the irrigation system, then this may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that a cut and cap is a more permanent solution. If you change your mind and want to use the system in the future, you would need to hire a contractor to come back out and reconnect the system. In addition, you must notify the City since the backflow device would require annual testing once the irrigation system is reconnected.

As of August 2023, the City no longer requires contractors to register or renew their registration to file for building permits. Contractors will be asked to provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with a minimum amount of $500,000 with their building permit application. 

As of May 2024, the City uses an online permitting software, OpenGov, to process all applications. Permit applications can be completed online. Application fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Please refer to the appropriate section of the City Code when completing an application. 

For plumbing inspections, please contact Franklin County Public Health online or at 614-525-3160. 

Applicants can request inspections online through their OpenGov account. 

Depending on the type of inspection, the City may conduct the inspection or it may be handled by another group. Inspection requests are all handled online through your OpenGov account. The following is a summary of the different inspection types:

• Building
  • Inspected by City Staff or third-party representatives.
• Electrical
  • Inspected by third-party representatives.
• Fire
  • Inspected by the appropriate fire department with City Staff.
• Gas
  • Inspected by City Staff or third-party representatives.
• HVAC
  • Inspected by City Staff or third-party representatives.
• Plumbing
  • Inspected by Franklin County Public Health.
  • Please schedule online or at 614-525-3160. 

Additional inspections can be purchased as needed with your building permit. Please log into your OpenGov account to request additional inspections.

Applicants can track their permits online through their OpenGov account. Additional guests can be added to a permit to view the status, pay fees, and access documents related to the permit. 

All permit and inspection fees are listed in the Fee Schedule (PDF). Each building permit includes a specific number of inspections that are covered by the base fee. Additional inspections or reinspections are paid for at a rate of $150 per hour ($200 for after-hours) of inspection required. 

Trick-or-Treat/Beggar's Night in central Ohio is determined by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). In 2009, MORPC passed Resolution 11-09 which recommends that when October 31 falls on the weekend nights of Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Trick-or-Treat will be held on the Thursday prior to October 31. If October 31 falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, it will be held on October 31. The time for the event is 6 to 8 pm.

Contact the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services for benefits information and filing applications at 1-877-644-6562 or apply online.

The closest Social Security office is located at 220 S Hamilton Road in Whitehall (not Gahanna). The building is just south of Broad Street on the east side of the street.

• Answer: Use the following techniques to identify a gas leak:
• Look: For dirt being blown or thrown in the air, water bubbling, fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above the ground, dead/dying vegetation near the pipeline right-of-way or a dry or frozen spot near a pipeline
• Listen: For hissing, blowing or a roaring sound
• Smell: For rotten eggs or a petroleum odor

If you suspect a gas leak inside a building, get outside immediately and move a safe distance away (do not remain inside and attempt to ventilate the building by opening the windows or doors). If you suspect a gas leak outside, turn off and abandon any motorized equipment and move a safe distance away immediately. Call 911 immediately once you have reached a safe distance. Remain at a safe distance and warn others to stay away from the building or area until emergency responders and/or Columbia Gas of Ohio service crews arrive. Do not use an open flame or anything that could spark ignition (ie: cell phones, flashlights, garage doors, motor vehicles, power tools, electrical equipment, etc). Do not attempt to operate any pipeline valves.

In an event of a pipeline emergency, emergency responders and Columbia Gas of Ohio service crews will evacuate and isolate the area, notify appropriate public safety officials, locate the site of the emergency, stop or reduce gas flow to the affected area, repair the equipment, restore service to customers and investigate the cause of the incident. Emergency responders and/or Columbia Gas of Ohio service crews will notify you when it's safe to return.

For more information on natural gas pipeline safety, visit the Columbia Gas of Ohio website or call their customer service at 800-344-4077.

All power outages should be reported directly to AEP at 800-277-2177. The AEP operator should be able to tell you when to expect power restoration. You may also report outages on the AEP Ohio website as well as check on the status of an outage or check the outage map to view the numbers and locations of any power outages in central Ohio.

For information about the annual Gahanna Lions Club Fourth of July Parade, Contact Chuck Rees at 614-415-5557.

Please visit the Community Links page. This will relocate you to a page with local youth sports leagues. Please call 614-342-4250 or email us if you need additional information.

There are several ways to register for a Parks and Recreation program.

1. Register online through Webtrac.
2. Register in person at the Parks and Recreation office at Gahanna City Hall, 200 S Hamilton Road.
3. Register via phone by calling 614-342-4250 and speaking to a front desk staff member.

Register for Active Senior programming in person at the Gahanna Senior Center.

Please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation 614-342-4250.

Street trees grow along roads and are generally located in the tree lawn, an area between the street and sidewalk. The tree lawn is within the public right of way.

The City of Gahanna operates under a mayor-council (strong mayor) form of government. The mayor-council form of government separates executive and legislative branches of government.

Council Members exercise their legislative powers when acting as a member of the City Council in Council meetings. The executive (or administrative) branch is comprised of the Mayor and the following departments: 

• Communications and Marketing
• Development
• Emergency Management
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Parks and Recreation
• Police
• Public Service

The Mayor, seven Council Members, and the City Attorney are elected. The Mayor is a full-time position, the City Attorney and Council Members are part-time elected officials. All elected officials in Gahanna serve nonpartisan posts.

The four Ward Council members are elected to two-year terms from individual geographic districts. These districts are reviewed approximately every 10 years and changes are made so that each district has approximately the same number of residents. The three At-Large Council members are elected to four-year terms from the entire City.

The Mayor and City Attorney also serve four year terms, and that election also runs citywide. All municipal elections in Ohio are held during odd-numbered years. In 2009, the four ward Council seats were up for election. In 2011 all elected positions in the City are up.

You can send an email message to the Council, or write your Council members at Council Office, 200 S Hamilton Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. You may call the Council Office at 614-342-4090, or fax comments to 614-342-4190.

The Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month in a regular meeting. If a Monday is an observed holiday for the City, Council meetings are then held on Tuesday. The regular meeting starts at 7 pm Council meetings are conducted by the President.

The Council meets in informal Committee meetings at 7 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (Tuesday if there is a holiday). These meetings allow Council Members to receive information and discuss pending issues. No formal action can be taken at a committee meeting.

Council Members exercise their legislative powers in Council meetings by voting on ordinances, resolutions or motions and conducting public hearings. Committee meetings are designed to provide information to the Council Members on issues that may be presented at a future Council meeting; these meetings can be considered as "briefing" sessions. Council members may not enact legislation during Committee meetings.

In accordance with Ohio's Open Meetings Law, all Regular Council and Committee Meetings are posted in advance of the meeting. Agendas are usually posted to the website on the Friday prior to a Monday or Tuesday meeting. Agendas are also posted on the City of Gahanna, Ohio - Government Facebook page in the days prior to the meeting. Agendas are also available in the Council Office on the Friday afternoon prior to a meeting. View Council agendas or call the Council office at 342-4090 for more information.

All Regular Council and Committee meeting minutes are posted on the website. The minutes of a regular meeting are completed and posted within a week or so of the Council meeting. Committee meeting minutes usually are posted the Friday following the meeting. Please use the Legislative Calendar to view Council minutes or call the Council office at 614-342-4090 for more information.

Your Council district is determined by where you reside in Gahanna. General neighborhood boundaries are outlined on the Ward Map or more details can be obtained by calling the Council Office at 614-342-4090. You may also obtain information as to your ward district through the Franklin County Board of Elections.

Yes. Audience members may make comments to the Council and Mayor during the "Hearing of Visitors" portion of the agenda or during Public Hearings by filling out a speaker slip provided by Council staff at the Council meetings. Audience members will be called by name to the lectern when it is their turn to speak. Comments are limited to three minutes. There is no comment period at Committee meetings, although the public is welcome to attend.

• No, the Court is presided over by a Magistrate who hears all cases.

• You can contest a ticket by appearing at the Clerk of Courts Office on the hearing date notated on the ticket.

• The court date is noted on the bottom right-hand corner of the citation. 
• For any other questions regarding a court date please contact the Clerk of Courts Office, 614-342-4080.

• Pleas must be submitted to the Court in person at the time of the defendant's appearance before the Court.

• A schedule of fines can be found here.

• You must appear in person at the Clerk of Courts Office at Gahanna City Hall, 200 S Hamilton Road and sign a form requesting a continuance.

• No. Attorneys may fax motions and pleas to be filed and requests for discovery.

• If it is an offense other than a minor misdemeanor, a written jury demand must be filed with the Clerk of Court.

The Director of Engineering assigns and certifies all addresses within city limits. All requests should be submitted via OpenGov.

OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) markings are placed by various underground utilities to mark their lines when a request to dig or build is submitted. If you need to have your lines marked before digging in your yard, call 811 or 800-362-2764.

Easements are for streets and utilities that provide benefit to the property. Easements should be noted on the property owner's deed. If assistance is needed, contact the Department of Engineering at (614) 342-4050.

The Director of Engineering assigns and certifies all addresses within city limits. All requests should be submitted in writing to engineering@gahanna.gov. A site plan/map detailing the location of the proposed building or lot and its vicinity must be included in the request.

A certified address is an address that is assigned and certified by the Director of Engineering for addresses within city limits. 

Click here to access the City's GIS Mapping Resources.

Please report dead birds to the Franklin County Board of Health at 614-462-3160.

The City of Gahanna has contracted with the Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) for mosquito control. FCPH uses an Integrated Pest Management approach with a public health focus to reduce and control disease carrying mosquitoes. Various tools and techniques are utilized throughout the mosquito season to help control the population. These include: larviciding areas of stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from hatching, surveillance of adult populations by the use of traps, testing of mosquitoes for the presence of disease, adulticiding (spraying) to reduce adult populations and implementing a variety of educational materials and awareness approaches.

Reporting

Call the FCPH Mosquito Bite Line at614-525-BITE (2483) to submit a request for service or to report mosquito problems or concerns. The Bite Line is a voicemail system so please leave a detailed message. All submissions will be processed in the order received. FCPH will make an attempt to respond to reported mosquito problems or concerns within one business day. This may include a site visit to the location reported and/or telephone call to try and obtain further information.

Testing & Spraying

During mosquito season, FCPH will set traps out every Monday night throughout central Ohio and test the mosquitoes on Tuesday for mosquito-borne diseases, such as the West Nile Virus. The criteria for spaying is based on an increase of mosquitoes trapped and/or if mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus. Click here to view the weekly trap data. If there is a need to treat a specific area in Gahanna, pre-spray maps will be featured on the City of Gahanna's website prior to treatment. Click here to view local spray maps.

Additional Information

Visit Franklin County Public Health's Mosquito Management Program homepage at www.myfcph.org for more detailed information regarding the general biology of mosquitoes, eliminating mosquitoes from your home, repellent information, management plan, spraying details and more. Forms are also available online to report problems or concerns (request for service) and do not spray requests.

The City of Gahanna contracts all health-related services through the Franklin County Board of Health. Please call 614-462-3160 for more information.

Call the City Council Office at 614-342-4090. The Records Coordinator will take your request and facilitate preparing the records with the custodial office.

No. However, you can choose to give us that information if you want us to call and let you know the records are ready, or want them delivered to you.

No. To be sure we understand your request, we might ask questions and make notes, or you can choose to put your request in writing through the City's Public Records Request Portal.

No. The law exempts some information. If we can't give you something, we will tell you the part of the law that exempts it.

We have retention periods for records based on their content. We can tell you how far back we have the records you want, and you can see our approved retention schedules.

Our goal is to provide good customer service and we comply with the law that requires us to prepare records promptly. The time you wait will depend on how many records you want and where they are stored.

No.

No. However, if you need a large number of records we will ask you some detailed questions to help identify your specific request. We will also estimate or calculate the cost and let you know in advance in case you want to ask for fewer records. If the cost is expected to be more than $25, we may request a $10 deposit in advance to help cover the cost of copying.

Letter-sized, black and white photocopies are $0.05 a page. Color copies, larger copies, and non-paper copies have different costs. We have an approved fee schedule based on what it actually costs in materials to make a copy and can provide you with that information.

You can have the copies in any format we store them in and can copy them in based on our normal business procedures.

No. Original records stay in the public office to be available to all citizens and the public employees. You may bring a camera to photograph paper documents in our office. Otherwise, we need to make the copies for you.

The City of Gahanna strives to assist citizens in every possible way. However, requests for information are not considered "public records requests" so we are not under the same legal obligations as we are for preparing records for you to look at or get copies of. We are not required to create customized records, tailored to your request. It is the requestor's responsibility to do their own research or summarizing.

Email messages are judged by the same criteria as records on paper or in any other format. If the content meets the law's definition of a public record, meaning that it documents the business activity of a public office, the message is a public record. Because an email inbox is not a storage system, public record messages are printed and filed with paper records of that subject.

Our computer system does not generate such a list and we don't create one manually.

All Waste Collection is picked up on Monday or Tuesday depending on the zone you are in. Bulk items can also be placed for pickup on these same days.  The waste hauler may begin service as early as 7 am. Place all containers at the curb or designated location by 6 am the day of collection but no earlier than 5 pm the day before.

Please follow the guidelines listed on the Refuse, Recycling, and Yard Waste webpage to ensure proper collection. If materials are not properly prepared, the waste hauler will leave a tag with an explanation. The first instance serves as a friendly reminder. The waste hauler may refuse collection upon subsequent instances.

Trash and yard waste should be placed per the guidelines provided. Trash considered to be a move-out pile will not be collected and may be subject to additional fees for collection

No, Items to be recycled can be mixed together in the same recycle bin. Recyclables should NOT be placed in plastic bags.

If your collection is missed, report it to the Department of Public Service at 614-342-4440 by 5 pm the day following your scheduled pickup. Items reported after that time must be held until the following week.  You can also submit a request online through Gahanna Direct.

New-Additional recycle containers can be requested from the Department of Public Service by calling 614-342-4440. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Upon approval a new-additional recycling container will be dropped off at your curb.

The City no longer offers curbside pick-up of leaves. However, the waste hauler will continue to pick up yard waste as scheduled, including leaves, as long as they are placed in the proper yard waste bags and set at the curb prior to 6 am on collection day.

Hazardous, corrosive, toxic or ignitable wastes (including medical and hospital wastes, liquids, and sludge) cannot be accepted by landfills due to Federal and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and are excluded from collection. Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) provides free household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal services for Franklin County residents. The drop-off location is located at 645 East 8th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201 (at the corner of East 8th Avenue and Essex Avenue just south of the fairgrounds). For a list of acceptable items, hours of operation and directions, visit the SWACO HHW website or call SWACO's HHW drop-off facility at 614-294-1300.

To find the recycling drop location closest to you please visit the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio's website.

Yes, Bull items can be set out on your regular waste collection day.  Guidelines for setting out these items must be followed. 

The City's snow removal policy places every street into one of four categories based on the street's usage, access and safety. The category determines the priority of when and how streets are treated and cleared. The four categories include: arterial (main streets), collector (streets that lead to arterials), residential (neighborhood streets) and courts. In a plowing event, arterial streets are plowed first. After all the arterial streets are cleared, plows will then work on the collector streets. Following collector streets are residential slopes and residential streets and then courts.

Please ensure that your mailbox follows the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) standards. The front mailbox and door should be 6 inches behind the back edge of the curb and 38 to 42 inches above the ground. If these guidelines are followed it will ensure that the City plows will not physically hit the mailbox. If your mailbox is damaged by a plow or by the force of snow coming off the plow, please contact the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Administrative Division at 614-342-4005.

Vehicles parked on the street during snow and ice events make it difficult for the snow plows to properly clear the streets and present a legitimate hazard. If possible, refrain from parking on the street during snow and ice events. This will enable the snow removal process to be completed efficiently. It will also prevent vehicles from being 'plowed in'. If a vehicle is plowed in, it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to dig it out.

The City does not come back to open private driveway approaches after the snow plows have passed. This is the responsibility of the property owner. If you are unable to remove the snow yourself, you will need to call a private snow removal company. Many local landscape companies provide this service.

You will need to call a private snow removal company. Many local landscape companies provide this service.

The annual street maintenance program is determined by the City Engineer based on the street ratings and the annual allocated budget. Rating the condition of all City-maintained streets is completed bi-annually. The following criteria determine a street's rating: extent of cracking, concrete condition, crack seal condition and pavement defects.

The major work items planned for your street are as follows: 

Asphalt Overlay:

• Approximately 3" of deteriorated asphalt will be milled and a new course of asphalt laid in its place.
• Spot curb and gutter repair will be completed.
• ADA curb ramps will be replaced when needed.
• Sidewalk maintenance will be preformed on these overlay streets (50% cost share applied). 

Rebuild:

• Complete removal and replacement of the roadway and curb.
• Removal and replacement of your driveway approach.
• Sidewalks, ADA curb ramps and driveway approaches will be completely rebuilt. 

The contract allows for a complete roadway closure of 15 business days. There will be additional intermittent interruptions to traffic for the work, but full closures should be limited to approximately 15 business days (weather dependent). 

The City will provide dumpsters at designated locations for each street rebuild project. 

During the street rebuild roadway closure, parking will be available on adjacent roadways in the area. We understand the inconvenience of hauling groceries, etc. long distances to your home. Wagons will be provided help transport heavy loads from your home to your vehicle and vice versa.

Door hangers will be provided throughout construction to provide residents with any pertinent notifications or updates regarding the roadway construction.  The contractor will also place no parking signs detailing the needs for off street parking restrictions.  You can also signup for electronic notifications through the City website.

General construction hours shall be ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset Monday through Saturday. The contractor will not be allowed to perform work on City observed holidays.

The contractor is not permitted to close any rebuild streets before the second week of May  and they must be completed by mid-August, weather permitting.  

Video detection cameras are set up to relay information for the traffic lights to change and to monitor traffic. They are not used for ticketing or traffic enforcement.

No.

Watch a YouTube video illustrating how to drive a roundabout, click here. Read and print the Franklin County Engineer's Roundabout User Guide (PDF).

The City is responsible for maintaining the sanitary mains. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the sanitary lateral, which runs from main to the building. If you smell a sewer odor or suspect a sewer backup, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue. If the obstruction is located within the sanitary main, the utility crew will clear it. If the obstruction is located within the sanitary lateral, it is the property owner's responsibility to have their lateral line cleared.

A deduct meter/sewer adjustment meter (SAM) is a water meter that is attached to the property owner's water line that registers outdoor water use (ie: irrigation system). After a SAM has been installed and inspected, there will be no sanitary charges for any water that passes through the meter since water for outdoor use does not enter the City's sanitary system. A SAM can be purchased through the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division. The property owner has the meter installed by a vendor of their choice and then inspected by the City. During inspection, the City will install the AMI transmitter. If the water from a SAM is being applied to an irrigation system, a backflow prevention device must also be installed. This also requires a plumbing permit. Review Gahanna's SAM installation standards and a detailed guide on how to install a SAM (PDF). For more information call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

The City is responsible for all manhole lids on stormwater, sanitary and water lines. If any lid is broken, dislodged or missing, please contact the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue.

Low water pressure could be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be a water leak or a bad meter. Before calling a plumber, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue.

The City is responsible for maintaining the water line from the curb box (located in the front of the property, near the sidewalk) to the water main and the mains themselves. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the water lateral, which runs from the curb box to the building. If you suspect a water break, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue. They will determine who is responsible for the repairs.

If the water looks or smells bad, do not drink, cook, clean or bathe with it. Contact the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. After 5 pm and on weekends and holidays, call 614-342-4240. The Utility Billing Division will dispatch a utility crew to investigate the situation and assess the issue.

Depending on the diameter of the pipe, it can take only a matter of hours to freeze during cold temperatures. Take the following precautions to protect your pipes: 

• Insulate water lines in unheated areas of your home (i.e.: garage, attic, basement, crawl space, etc.)
• Let the faucet drip to keep the water moving through vulnerable pipes (such as those located on an exterior wall)
• Keep cabinets or vanities open to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures and detach outdoor hoses from faucets allowing connecting pipes to drain

In addition, it is important to know where the master shutoff valve is located (typically where the water line comes into the home from the street) in case a leak occurs due to a freezing pipe.

During an extended and extreme cold period, pipes may freeze despite taking the precautions listed above. Using a low setting on a hairdryer is the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe. Wave the warm air back and forth along the pipe rather than concentrating on a single area. If a hairdryer is not available, wrapping the pipe with towels and pouring hot water over them is another option. Never use a torch with an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. This could cause a fire or overheat a section of the pipe and cause it to leak or burst.

If you have an unknown water leak inside your house or your pipes burst due to freezing temperatures, follow the steps below:

1. Shut off the water line into your house at the master shutoff valve. This is typically located before your water meter (where the water line comes into the home from the street). This will stop the water from flowing out of the leak.
2. If the water is still flowing from the leak after turning the shutoff valve, call the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440. They will dispatch a utility crew to shut off your water from the curb box/street tap.
3. Call a plumber to inspect the leak and perform repairs. A list of plumbers can be found in your local phone book. The City's utility crew are not licensed plumbers and cannot perform private water line repairs.

The Utility Billing Division generates bills between the 10th and 15th of each month. Bills are mailed and made available on-line.  Residents have 30 days to pay their current charges based on the bill date printed on the bill. Each bill includes charges for water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and refuse collection including recycling and yard waste.

All water meter readings are actual, except in cases where our water meter has lost connection.  These lost connections are identified and corrected each month.

The City offers automatic deduction from a bank account for payment of utility bills. If you are interested in signing up for automatic deduction, please contact the Department of Public Service, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440 for more information.

Automatic Withdrawal Form (PDF)

The City is mindful of the rising costs of public utilities including water and sewer. In an effort to aid those in need, Gahanna offers discounts to eligible residents on their water and sewer charges. Actual savings will be based on usage. Please contact the Department of Public Service, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440 for more information.

Low-income Assistance Application

Residents age 60 and over who are the head of household may sign up to receive a discount on the trash portion of their bill. Sign up by bringing your driver's license or other official ID to the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division office at City Hall. For details, please contact the Department of Public Service and Engineering, Utility Billing Division at 614-342-4440.

Rental property registration allows for better communication between the City and rental property owners. It requires a designated local person to be responsible for activities that occur on the property. The City’s goal is to have a direct contact or responsible party that can address any issues quickly, which in turn helps protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Gahanna Code Section 780.02(m) defines a Rental Dwelling Unit as any structure or part thereof rented or leased by a person or persons other than the owner for residential purposes. Rental dwelling units may also be known as a rental dwelling, rental unit, dwelling unit, or housekeeping unit.

Applications are to be completed and submitted biennially (every two years). If the rental contact information changes, the new contact shall be registered with the City of Gahanna within 30 days of the change. Approved rental permits are valid for two years and expire on December 31 of the second year. 

The registration includes providing the rental contact, processing the application, inspecting the property, and issuing a rental permit for properties in compliance with City Code. Any violations from the inspection must be addressed and brought into compliance before a permit can be issued.

Failure to respond to the Rental Registration Requirement Notices may result in the Owner, Agent, or Business receiving citation(s) and Court Summons with a mandatory court hearing for Failure to Register a Residential Rental Property within the City of Gahanna.

An owner or representative of a residential rental property must file with the City of Gahanna by March 15th on a biennial basis (every two years). If the property contact or ownership changes, then the new owner must apply within 30 days of the change or transfer of ownership.

If a property has multiple individual owners (John, Jane, and Joe Doe), only one individual is required to file as the contact agent. If a property has only one owner but is used as a rental property, the owner must register as the rental contact for the property.

If the property is not owned by an individual or group of individuals, then one of the following persons must file as the contact agent:

• a trust - a trustee must file 
• an estate - the executor or administrator must file 
• a partnership or a limited partnership - a general partner must file 
• a limited liability company - a member, manager, or officer of the company must file 
• an association - an associate representative must file 
• a corporation – a member, manager or officer must file 
• any other business entity - a member, manager, or office.

Please reference the table below. 

Single-family dwellings that are owner-occupied for more than 50 percent of the year are exempt from the registration requirement. Exemptions must be requested on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved. Please contact Code Enforcement for further information.

Yes, all Rental Dwelling Units at the property must be registered even if the owner also occupies one unit on the property. The exemption for owner-occupied single-family dwellings (detailed above) does not apply to duplexes or multi-unit complexes.

Yes, a Rental Dwelling Unit is any structure or part thereof rented or leased by a person or persons other than the owner for residential purposes. This includes friends and family. However, an exemption from the registration requirement may be requested if the property is occupied by a family member of the owner. Exemptions must be requested on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved. Please contact Code Enforcement for further information.

Yes, rent means the offering, holding out, or actual leasing of rental property to an occupant other than the owner and generally involves the payment of money or other considerations. Making repairs or updates to the property in place of rent payment is an “other consideration,” so the property must be registered.

Yes, a property used for Airbnb or similar hosting services is considered a Short-Term Rental, whether that is a whole-home rental or a room rental. Short-Term Rental means any dwelling that is rented wholly or partly for a fee for less than thirty (30) consecutive days by persons other than the permanent occupant or owner from which the permanent occupant or owner receives monetary compensation.

However, an exemption from the registration requirement may be requested if the short-term rental property is a single-family dwelling AND is occupied by the owner for more than 50 percent of the year. Exemptions must be requested on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved. Please contact Code Enforcement for further information.

No, you must provide an actual personal or business physical address. You may provide the P.O. Box as additional/supplemental information.

The new owner/landlord must register the property within 30 days of the transfer of ownership if the property will continue to be used as a rental.

The inspector will be performing an EXTERIOR inspection only. For your convenience, you can find a sample inspection sheet to use as a guideline on the Rental Registration website. Please note that this checklist is not an all-inclusive list and that other violations may be found that are not on the list.

No, a representative is not required to be present during the inspection. The property owner may contact Code Enforcement before the inspection to schedule if they wish to be present. The inspector will perform an exterior inspection and send the results to the address listed in the rental application along with instructions for a follow-up inspection if applicable.

You will receive an inspection report showing any violation(s) found. The property representative will be given ample time to correct the violations and a follow-up inspection will be scheduled to verify the violation(s) are resolved.

The program areas will follow the Gahanna Street Programs, which update curb ramps and crosswalks to be ADA compliant. This approach will allow the City to create a continuous ADA compliant pedestrian route within the program area.

Section 729.01 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for municipalities to require property owners to maintain the sidewalk that abuts their property. It is also a requirement set forth in City of Gahanna Ordinance 521.06. The City offers a 50% cost share program for property owners who have the work completed by the City and their contractor. Property owners who opt-out are not eligible for the 50% cost share.

No. Property owners may hire a private company or complete the repairs themselves. A right-of-way permit will be required prior to beginning any work, which details the specifications for sidewalk repairs.

Street trees that are on the prohibited tree list within the City’s Comprehensive Landscape Plan will be removed. This will include stump grinding and root bulb removal. Non-prohibited street trees identified as the cause of needed maintenance will be evaluated by the City Arborist to determine if tree removal or root pruning is necessary. Trees on private property that are the cause of needed maintenance will be root pruned by the City. No trees on private property will be removed by the City.

When the property owner participates in the program, the City will pay for the removal of identified street trees at no cost to the owner. Property owners who opt-out of the program will be responsible for the cost of tree removal and pruning.

Property owners who opt-out of the program will not be required to remove street trees. The City will not remove street trees for property owners who opt-out of the program.

The City will not replace street trees. However, a property owner may replace the tree on their own and at their own expense. All new or replacement trees within the right-of-way shall be approved by the City Arborist. A right-of-way permit will also be required prior to beginning any work.

Clearing sidewalks and driveway approaches are the responsibility of the property owner. City Code states "No owner or occupant of abutting lands shall fail to keep sidewalks, curbs or gutters in repair and free from snow, ice or any nuisance." (ORC 723.011) Please report all code violations to the City's Code Enforcement Officer at 614-342-4028.

Potholes may be reported to the Department of Public Service through our online Service Request Portal, Gahanna Direct. Click Here

You can also call 614-342-4005 to file a report.

Streetlight issues may be reported to the Department of Public Service through our online Service Request Portal, Gahanna Direct. Click Here  

You can also call 614-342-4005 to file a report. The City's contracted electrician typically works on Thursdays. Streetlights requiring routine maintenance (outages, cycling, etc.) that are reported prior to Thursday will be put on the current week's work log. If a series of lights are out and the electrician determines it is due to an underground issue, it may take up to several weeks to restore.

Contact the Department of Public Service at 614-342-4005. They will dispatch a street crew to pick up the dead animal.

All regulatory street signage (i.e.: "No Parking," etc.) is determined by the Chief of Police. Please contact the Police Department at 614-342-4240 with such a request.

Per Gahanna's Codified Ordinance 913, it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain and prune street trees. For concerns regarding the health of a street tree or to request removal of a street tree, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 614-342-4250. If a street tree is pushing up a section of sidewalk, contact the City's Forester to examine the tree prior to any concrete leveling or repair work to ensure that the street tree will withstand cutting of the roots.

Revisions need to be submitted to the Department of Engineering for review and approval. These revisions must be submitted to engineering@gahanna.gov. The Subject of the email should include the PV # or Public Improvement #, Type of Revision, and Revision #. An example Subject would be “PV-1000 – Sanitary Sewer Revision 1”. The revisions to the approved plans should be redlined onto the approved plan set.

Commercial projects are required to complete the Department of Engineering’s formal site civil engineering review process and submit payment for all applicable fees. A flowchart describing our process can be viewed here, Site Civil Engineering Review Process. All appliable fees are described in the Engineering Fee Schedule. The Private Development Checklist may be reviewed for more information regarding the specific requirements for private development projects. 

Residential projects including fence, shed, pool, deck, and other similar structures will require a basic site plan that details the location of the proposed improvement, existing easements, scenic areas, and no-build zones. Be advised, there may be additional requirements from other Departments such as permits and fees for these projects. 

If you are an eligible resident in the City of Gahanna, you should be automatically be enrolled in the Gahanna Energy Plus. If you were not automatically enrolled but would like to opt-in, you can call AEP Energy Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937 and request to be added to Gahanna's Municipal Aggregation Program.  The Customer Service team will enroll you at no cost and your rate will be updated on your next full billing cycle. 

If you are an eligible resident in the City of Gahanna, you will automatically be enrolled in the SOPEC Electric Aggregation Program. You do not need to take any action. However, you will receive a joint notice from the City and SOPEC which will detail the electric aggregation program’s terms.

If you decide the program is not right for you, you have the option to opt-out. Upon receiving the joint notice from SOPEC, AEP Energy, and the City, you will be given a 21-day window to make your decision. Instructions for opting out will be clearly outlined in the notice. If you miss the 21-day window, you can also choose to leave the program at any time without penalty. If you would like to opt-out, you can call AEP Energy Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937 and will be returned to AEP Ohio’s standard service offering.

You can also choose your own supplier by visiting Energy Choice Ohio's website.

While the default option for the program is 100% Renewable Energy, there is a “brown” fossil fuel energy rate available. To enroll in this option, you will need to call AEP Energy Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937.

The main change you will notice is the electricity supplier’s name listed on your bill will say AEP Energy when you are entered into the SOPEC Electric Aggregation Program for the City of Gahanna. AEP Energy is SOPEC’s supplier. Additionally, the rate charged for your electricity supply will be based on the SOPEC Electric Aggregation Program for the City of Gahanna rate instead of AEP Ohio’s standard service offer rate.  

No. You will continue to receive the same electric bill from AEP Ohio as you always have. The only difference is that SOPEC’s supplier, AEP Energy, will be listed as your electricity supplier instead of your previous supplier. When in the program, your electricity supply rate will be based on the SOPEC Electric Aggregation Program for the City of Gahanna rate.

Residents always have the choice to opt-out the program. You can also choose to leave the program at any time at no cost. If you would like to opt-out, you can call Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937 and will be returned to AEP Ohio’s standard service offer rate.

The Community Choice Aggregation Program for the City of Gahanna only impacts the supply portion of your electricity service. AEP Ohio will continue to deliver electricity to all residents in Gahanna regardless of who their chosen supplier is.  In addition, AEP will continue manage all electrical infrastructure (lines and poles etc.). The electricity supplier or generator is determined by SOPEC on behalf of the City of Gahanna. Aggregation allows communities like Gahanna to negotiate rates collectively and often securing better terms.  AEP Ohio remains the utility responsible for delivery, service reliability, and other customer service aspects.

In 1999, with Senate Bill 3, Ohio deregulated the energy market, meaning customers could choose who you buy your electricity generation or supply from.  This legislation paved the way for Community Choice Aggregation (CAA) programs. Some residents may already participate in selecting their supplier or you may have noticed marketers mailing you letters to purchase energy from them. In Ohio it is your choice to purchase from one of these marketers, stay with AEP Ohio as your default supplier, or participate in the Community Choice Aggregation Program offered by SOPEC and the City of Gahanna.  For more information on selecting your own supplier please visit https://energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplesToApples.aspx. Please note you may select your own natural gas provider through this site also.

Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) is a public service organization that the City has partnered with to run Gahanna’s electric aggregation program. SOPEC goes to the market on behalf of Gahanna residents to get the most competitive supply price.   SOPEC represents many other local governments throughout Ohio in an effort to bring reliable, cost effective, renewable energy, to residents and small businesses.

Any residents who already has a supply agreement in place (if you chose something on energychoice.ohio.gov) or if you are currently a PIPP customer, you are not automatically opted in.  You may opt-in at any time at no cost. by calling Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937.

The base power purchased on the open market by AEP Energy for SOPEC comes from various sources. SOPEC utilizes what are known as Green-e® RECs, (renewable energy certificates) which are the gold standard RECs.  SOPEC and AEP Energy investigate the RECs to ensure there are no environmental or fishery concerns. Carbon-free is a different concept and includes nuclear sources. SOPEC only utilizes wind, solar, and hydropower for its RECs.

https://www.green-e.org/long-rec-disclosure 

There are two parts to a utility bill- the delivery fee and the supply fee. The delivery fee is set by AEP Ohio and they will remain your electric utility. However, the supply charges will change to AEP Energy once the program is in place.  In the initial enrollment period, you will receive a notice from SOPEC and AEP Energy asking if you would like to opt-out of the aggregation program without charge. All residents will automatically be enrolled in the program unless you opt-out. You will also have the opportunity to leave the program for free at any time if you chose. The notice will have instructions on how to opt-out. 

Any residents who already has a supply agreement in place (if you chose something on energychoice.ohio.gov) or if you are currently a PIPP customer, you are not automatically opted in. You may opt-in at any time at no cost. by calling Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937.

If you want to be enrolled in the City’s program but would prefer to have brown energy (fossil fuels), you can choose the “step-down” option. To enroll in this option, you will need to call the Customer Care Center at 877-648-1937.

We advise that you NOT to sign anything, write down the representative's name, company information, and immediately contact PUCO at 800-686-7876. These companies are not part of the City's community choice aggregation program and could lock you into an unreasonable contract.

If PUCO does confirm an electricity supplier is certified, and you want to change energy suppliers we strongly recommend that you ask a number of questions:

• Are you offering a fixed rate electricity supply contract to me?
• What is that fixed rate price?
• How long will that fixed rate last? 1 month? 6 months? A year?  
• What happens to my initial term expires?
• Are there early termination fees?

You may opt-in or out of the City's Community Choice Aggregation Program at any time and at no cost.  To do so please call the Customer Care Center at 877-648-1937.  If opting out you will be retuned to AEP Ohio’s default Price to Compare.

You may shop for your own Energy Choice supplier by visiting the Energy Choice Ohio website by clicking here.  Please compare the Price to Compare with the cost of the City of Gahanna’s Community Choice Aggregation rate. Please keep these questions in mind:

• Is the supplier offering a fixed or variable rate?
• What is that fixed or variable rate?
• What is the term of the contract? 1 month? 6 months? A year? Longer?
• What happens to my term expires?
• Are there early termination fees or other fees associated with the contract?

Your net metering is not impacted if you join our Community Choice Aggregation Program.  You 1:1 net savings is and will always be maintained. 

Billing remains with AEP Ohio and there are no changes to the billing procedures.  If you are currently on a budget you will remain on the budget.

Street trees grow along roads and are generally located in the tree lawn, an area between the street and sidewalk. The tree lawn is within the public right of way.

Gahanna Codified Ordinance 913 places maintenance responsibility of street trees on the adjacent property owner. However, the City is offering limited street tree maintenance services including removal of trees in poor condition and stump grinding. Contact the Forestry Superintendent for more information.

To remove a tree in public right of way, a Right of Way Permit must be obtained.

Yes, Gahanna Codified Ordinance 913 currently places maintenance responsibility of street trees on the adjacent property owner. Topping and intentional damage to street trees is prohibited by Code. Pruning should be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist to ensure that the tree is not damaged.

To plant a tree in public right of way, a Right of Way Permit must be obtained.

Yes, the City will remove any Callery pear tree in public right of way by request of the adjacent property owner.

The City is offering a limited street tree planting program only for properties that have had a tree removed by the City within the last 12 months and areas impacted by recent, large-scale street tree removal programs. Eligible properties will receive direct communication from the City within 12 months of the removal. Non-eligible properties may plant street trees themselves by obtaining a Right of Way Permit.

If the removal occurred within the last 12 months, the City will offer an optional opt-in street tree replacement program within a year of the removal. Information will be sent directly to eligible properties inviting them to opt-in to the program.

The City will grind stumps in public right of way. Turf remediation is the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner.

Please contact the Forestry Superintendent to request a tree inspection. If the tree is in poor condition, the City may remove the tree. Healthy tree removals and sidewalk repairs are the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner and require a Right of Way Permit.

The application for the Memorial Tree Program can be found on this webpage. Creekside Park is at capacity for this program. Other park locations may be requested on the application.

The benefits of street sweeping include the following: 

• Removes unsightly debris, litter and trash to beautify roadways
• Prevents the formation of thick mats that cause localized street flooding
• Reduces the frequency of catch basin cleanings 
• Improves water quality by reducing pollutant loads before they enter the stormwater system that drain into waterways. 

No. The city does not provide street sweeping on private streets. 

There are various reasons that a section of a street was not swept.  Common ones include the following:  

• It is not time for that zone to be swept yet
• A car was parked on the street at the time of sweeping
• A significant deposit of lawn clippings, leaves, brush, branches or other yard waste was placed in the curb/gutter (proper disposal of such items is through the City’s yard waste collection service)
• Something was obstructing the path of the sweeper that could damage it (hanging tree limbs/branches, mailbox extending beyond the curb, etc). 

No. The city will not ticket nor tow vehicles in relation to sweeping operations. The City kindly asks residents to move vehicles parked on the street when their zone is being swept. This will ensure optimal results. Vehicles should be moved weekdays from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. The sweeper will move around any remaining parked vehicles. 

The street sweeper is not designed for large-scale yard waste pickup. Large quantities of yard waste, especially leaves, will clog sweeper filters, spreading the leaves over a large area. 

The sweeper operator may have determined that the first pass did not sufficiently clean the curb/gutter. 

The City’s street sweeping program is a systematic approach. Sweeper operators follow scheduled routes and work cyclically through each zone. Therefore, the City will not accept individual sweeping requests.

The following are a few helpful things that you can do to assist the street sweeping program and help make it successful: 

• Move all vehicles parked on the street when your zone is scheduled to be swept (if you end up having to park on the street, try to stagger your parking with vehicles on the other side of the street so that the sweeper can maneuver more easily) 
• Remind your friends and neighbors to move their vehicles 
• Do not place trash bins or yard waste bags in the curb/gutter when your zone is scheduled to be swept (please place them at the end of your driveway apron so that the sweeper does not have to swerve around them)
• Make sure your mailbox does not extend past the curb and obstruct the path of the sweeper 
• Do not rake, pile or blow debris, grass clippings, leaves or other yard waste into the street or gutter/gutter 

Residents have continually expressed, through public surveys and through direct engagement, a strong desire to ensure Creekside is a thriving destination that positions Gahanna as an ideal place to live, work, and play. Gahanna residents deserve a vibrant city center that meets the evolving needs of our growing community, while addressing critical improvements to enhance safety and flood mitigation.

The City began conversations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2020 to discuss required flood hazard mitigation improvements. These improvements require extensive work, along the creekbank and within the City parking structure. Dry flood proofing of the plaza would require removing all the brick pavers. The plaza, which was built nearly 20 years ago, is starting to show its age. The flood mitigation work is an excellent opportunity to consider refreshing the plaza to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our growing community.

Data shows that from 2019 to 2024, total visits to the district have decreased by 400,000, and the average time spent at Creekside has decreased by 14 minutes. The plaza revitalization will add new amenities and accessibility features that encourage people to visit and stay longer.

For over a year, the City of Gahanna has been engaging residents to gather feedback on the future of Creekside. Hundreds of community members have shared their perspectives through surveys, events, and conversations, offering valuable insights into how they want to see Creekside to evolve.

The city is focused on making critical infrastructure updates that are necessary to ensure ongoing safety and functionality of the Creekside Garage. Essential flood mitigation projects in the parking structure and along the creeks embankment, coordinated with FEMA, are designed to protect the facility from the Big Walnut Creek flood waters and strengthen its resilience, long-term. Additional improvements planned include new park and plaza features, such as an amphitheater and interactive water feature, along with improved lighting and signage in the garage, updated wayfinding, while incorporating both newly designed hard and softscapes will enhance the attractiveness and comfort of the plaza. 

There are many improvements that are needed to mitigate the impact of flood waters on the Creekside Garage and Plaza.  First, a clay cap of the creekbank will be installed to prevent water from infiltrating into the garage structure.  Critical infrastructure will be reconstructed in areas within the garage that sit outside of the impacted flood area.  Temporary flood wall systems would be deployed in advance of flood waters impacting the lower plaza, restroom facilities and the garage.  These temporary structures would be put in place prior to a flood event and be sized for a 100-year flood event.  These flood mitigation measures are being coordinated and required by FEMA.

The City will use available resources to pay for the public redevelopment project.  An additional tax levy will not be sought to fund this project. A full funding strategy will be presented to Council in the early part of 2026.

This public redevelopment project is in its preliminary design phase and as is customary, construction estimates are being developed and refined as this process takes shape.  A full funding strategy will be presented to Council in the early part of 2026.  In tandem, a construction schedule that takes into consideration mitigation to the small businesses located on the plaza and within the district is in development.  The City anticipates the required elements related to the flood mitigation to begin in the fall of 2026.

During construction of the public redevelopment project the existing Creekside parking garage will remain open.  While there is flood mitigation work taking place in the garage only smaller areas inside of the facility will be impacted. Overall the facility remains fully operational for both Creekside residents and visitors. 

Improvements to the existing Creekside parking garage emphasizing safety and security are a top priority. Additional updates being considered include AED lighting enhancements, new signage and painting (wayfinding), and the potential to add electric vehicle facilities.

The City is actively studying how businesses on the plaza and along Mill Street would be impacted by construction. The logistics surround construction will mitigate these impacts. The City will clearly communicate to businesses and the public any anticipated disruptions and how customers can access businesses during the time of construction.  

Once the construction schedule and logistics are determined we will have a better understanding of which events will be impacted.  

The preliminary designs for the plaza includes exciting new park and plaza features such as an amphitheater and interactive water feature along with improved lighting throughout the space. The primary event space will be moved from the rear of the property and to the lower lagoon and be connected to the upper plaza through a central stair.  This creates approximately thirteen-thousand square feet of interconnect space for programing in addition to the private patio seating areas and secondary plaza between buildings B and C.  The lower lagoon will be resized and the area transformed into an amphitheater to host reimagined community events. Enhancements are being made to connect the lower trail with the upper plaza while improving ADA access throughout the facility.  The lower trail area is being reconfigured to make greater connection with the Big Walnut Creek and trail system west of the plaza.  Through the mix of hard and softscapes the updated plaza will be more comfortable to visitors while offering more shaded opportunities with friends and family.

You can submit feedback by visiting the Contact Us page of this website or you can email the City directly at Creekside@Gahanna.gov. In addition, you can stay informed by subscribing the the City's Newsletter and social media channels.

Alongside the city’s work, a private developer-led project is being proposed to bring new housing, a hotel, and additional restaurant options to Creekside. The private investments aim to complement the city’s public redevelopment project by creating more activity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing Creekside’s role as a regional destination. 

In 2022, the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) conducted a plan that incorporated public input and a market analysis to envision a new development for the  Creekside District. The result was a mixed-use development with a significant housing component to create new residents, commercial uses like retail or restaurant, and a hotel to attract more visitors. A developer was then identified who had the expertise, high-quality product, and resources to execute the vision. Local companies, Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital were selected for the proposed project.  

City Council is in the process of discussing and ultimately voting on the the development agreement between the City, the Community Improvement Corporation and Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital.  It is anticipated that this agreement will be voted on in November 2025. If approved, that will begin the formal design and approval process.  The Planning and Engineering Departments will both receive application that will proceed to a formal hearing with the City Planning Commission. This process is anticipated to take approximately 12 months with construction likely begin in 2027.

The site assessment, design, and plan approval process is expected to take about 10-12 months. Construction would likely begin on the private mixed-use project in 2027 and will be completed within three years. Construction on the Phase II High Street townhouses will start after the larger mixed-use project has begun. Completion for both phases is expected by the end of 2029.  

The public redevelopment project of the plaza and flood improvements to the Creekside Garage would likely start prior to the private mixed use development.  The construction schedules would overlap.  Both projects would be closely coordinated to lessen the impacts on the Creekside District. 

The private mixed-use project will add more residents living within the Creekside District increasing foot traffic to local businesses and the plaza, creating a more active area.  

Phase I of the private mixed-use development will be fully self-parked through the addition of an aboveground parking facility. This new facility will ensure the mixed-use development will not add to the parking needs of the district.  

Phase II of the private mixed-use development would eliminate the municipal parking lot located on the corner of High and Towne Street. The City is currently studying ways to replace a portion of these spaces by increasing on-street parking and exploring other shared parking opportunities.  

Of note, improvements to the existing Creekside parking garage emphasizing safety and security are planned as part of the public redevelopment project. Additional updates being considered include AED lighting enhancements, new signage and painting (wayfinding), and the potential to add electric vehicle facilities.

The Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) received grant from the State of Ohio, funding the demolition of the structure currently located on the Phase I properties that front Mill Street (north of Walnut).  Demolition of these structure must take place by the end of 2025 as a requirement for the grant funding. 

The private mixed-use project is privately funded through Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital.  This investment group is brining there development experience and approximately $100 million in financial resources to Gahanna. The Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) in cooperation with the City has contributed the land towards the project. 

The Harry Bouser house is of particular interest to some residents because of its architectural and historical significance to the City of Gahanna. The land the house sits on is part of Phase II of the private mixed-use development. The City and CIC are currently evaluating if the house can be relocated or if it must be torn down. If it must be, then architectural features, like woodwork, will be salvaged. The island at Creekside is named after the former occupant of the house, Harry Bauer. The City is currently evaluating ways of commemorating Mr. Bauer.  

The current conceptual designs show two apartment structures, between six and seven stories, with a total of up to 263 apartments would face Mill Street.  The renderings being show are not final designs but provide an overall flavor of what the development could look like. The complex, along with hotel victors, would have access to a pool, workout facility, and co-working space. The entire development would be self parked and not add to the parking needs of the district.  

The development agreement between the City, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), and the developer has strict timelines for permitting and construction to not only start but also complete.  There are provisions in the agreement that could be enacted if timelines are not met or the developer does not execute the shared vision for the project. 

Traffic, and utility impact studies are required by city code to be reviewed and approved by City personnel before engineering and building permits can be issued, and construction can begin. The studies will determine if any improvements are needed to infrastructure and roads to accommodate the impacts from the development.

The City’s Economic Development Team is always actively working to attract new businesses to Gahanna. It uses public feedback and current data to determine what new businesses will be an ideal fit for our community and visitors to Gahanna. Using its network of business development resources it can contact businesses and entrepreneurs who would be a good fit. It is important to note that the private mixed-use and the existing Creekside development are privately owned and while the City works cooperatively with these owners they have the final say in what businesses move into certain spaces.

The Creekside Redevelopment Strategy, conducted by CIC in 2022, incorporated the public’s feedback about the type of businesses and activities they would like to see in the Creekside District. Through the past few years, the CIC has still been guided by this vision. Since the project was announced, the City has hosted 4 public engagement sessions to gather feedback and questions on the proposal.

The developers have pledged to extend the multi-use path from where it currently ends behind Creekside over to Carpenter Road. They will install a public art feature, support organizations with a presence in the Creekside District, and create internships for local students.

The apartments will be 1- and 2-bedroom units that rent at a market rate, similar to other local new construction apartments. The exact sizes and types will be determined through the permit approval process. City Council required that 10% of the units be reserved for households that earn 80% of the Area Median Income.

You can submit feedback by visiting the Contact Us page of this website or you can email the City directly at Creekside@Gahanna.gov. In addition, you can stay informed by subscribing the the City's Newsletter and social media channels.  

You can also visit the developer website for more information on the unique construction process.

1

Presentations

2025

• Sept. 24 - Community Conversation
• Aug. 11 - Creekside Plaza and Flood Improvements

2023

• May 22 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Committee

2021

• Dec 20 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Council
• Nov. 22 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Committee

2020

• Sept 8 - DLZ Update
• April 6 - DLZ Engineering - Council
• Mar. 19 - DLZ Engineering - Committee

Livestreams

2025

• Sept. 24 - Community Conversation
• Aug. 11 - Creekside Plaza and Flood Improvements

2023

• May 22 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Committee

2021

• Dec 20 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Council
• Nov. 22 - Fishbeck Engineering Contract - Committee

Media Links

2025

• Oct. 15 - Columbus Business First
• Oct. 15 - Columbus Dispatch
• Oct. 9 - Columbus Underground
• Oct. 6 - Columbus Dispatch
• Oct. 6 - 10TV News
• Oct. 1 - NBC 4 News
• Sept. 24 - Fox 28 Columbus
• Sept. 24 - ABC 6 News
• Sept. 22 - Columbus Business First
• Sept. 9 - NBC 4 News
• Aug. 29 - Columbus Business First

2024

• Dec. 24 - Columbus Business First
• Oct. 23 - Columbus Business First 
• Oct. 21 - Columbus Business First 
• Oct. 16 - Columbus Dispatch

2023

• Jan. 30 - Columbus Underground 

2022

• Nov. 21 - NBC 4 News
• Nov. 21 - Columbus Business First
• Nov. 18 - Columbus Dispatch
• Nov. 18 - NBC 4 News
• Nov. 18 - Columbus Business First

More to come

1

Presentations

2025

• Nov. 17 - Development Agreement
• Nov. 10 - Development Agreement
• Oct. 27 - Development Agreement
• Oct. 20 - Development Agreement
• Oct. 13 - Development Agreement
• Sept. 24 - Community Conversation
• Sept. 22 - Development Agreement - Committee
• Sept. 15 - Supplemental Appropriations - Council
• Sept. 8 - Supplemental Appropriations - Committee

2022

• Jun. 9 - Creekside Visioning Town Hall

Livestreams

2025

• Nov. 3 - Public Hearing
• Oct. 27 - Development Agreement
• Oct. 20 - Development Agreement
• Oct. 13 - Development Agreement
• Sept. 24 - Community Conversation
• Sept. 22 - Development Agreement
• Sept. 15 - Supplemental Appropriations - Council
• Sept. 8 - Supplemental Appropriations - Committee

2022

• Jun. 9 - Creekside Visioning Town Hall

Media Links

2025

• Oct. 15 - Columbus Business First
• Oct. 15 - Columbus Dispatch
• Oct. 9 - Columbus Underground
• Oct. 6 - Columbus Dispatch
• Oct. 6 - 10TV News
• Oct. 1 - NBC 4 News
• Sept. 24 - Fox 28 Columbus
• Sept. 24 - ABC 6 News
• Sept. 22 - Columbus Business First
• Sept. 9 - NBC 4 News
• Aug. 29 - Columbus Business First

2024

• Dec. 24 - Columbus Business First
• Oct. 23 - Columbus Business First 
• Oct. 21 - Columbus Business First 
• Oct. 16 - Columbus Dispatch

2023

• Jan. 30 - Columbus Underground 

2022

• Nov. 21 - NBC 4 News
• Nov. 21 - Columbus Business First
• Nov. 18 - Columbus Dispatch
• Nov. 18 - NBC 4 News
• Nov. 18 - Columbus Business First

More to come