Planning, Building and Zoning

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Zoning Division handles various permit applications including those for fences, Planning Commission and signage. Please refer to the appropriate section in the City Code when completing an application. Application fees may be paid by cash, check, credit card or money order.

For Code Enforcement, call (614) 342-4022 or email for assistance in the application process. NOTE: The concerns below are not regulated by Code Enforcement. To report these concerns, please call the Gahanna Police Department non-emergency line at (614) 342-4240 at the time of the incident.

Noise violations, barking dogs, or loose dogs
Structures placed on the street (e.g., basketball hoops or storage units)
Vehicles or trailers parked on the street
Vehicles or trailers parked obstructing the portion of the sidewalk in the driveway

Download: Current Fee Schedule, City Code, Do I Need a Permit?

RENTAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

The City has adopted Ord 0053-2018 which requires all owners of residential rental properties located in the City to register each rental property annually. All properties will be inspected externally to ensure they are in compliance with the City’s property maintenance code. Application fees may be paid by cash, check, credit card or money order. Please contact Code Enforcement at 614-342-4022 or via email for assistance in the application process.

Download: Notification Announcement, Rental Registration Application, Inspection Checklist, FAQ

Rental registration applications can now be completed online!

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Access Online Permit Portal

FENCES

No new fence shall be erected without an approved permit, which must clearly be displayed during construction. Upon installation of a fence, please contact the Zoning Division at 614-342-4025 for an inspection.

Download: Fence Application, City Code

SHEDS

A survey with the location of the shed shown along with a copy of the manufacturers brochure or drawing must be submitted with the residential building permit application.

NEW Shed Permit: (Download)

ZONING CERTIFICATE

Zoning Certificates are used to permit structures that are not regulated by the Building Code such as pergolas and freestanding decks under 200 square feet. Requirements such as setbacks and location are reviewed to verify compliance with the Zoning Code Please contact the Zoning Division at 614-342-4025 with any questions.

Download: Zoning Certificate Application

PLANNING COMMISSION

Planning Commission, required by City Charter, is a commission that evaluates and acts on plans, maps and applications for changes to the physical characteristics of Gahanna and advises City Council on issues concerning the preparation of plans and maps for the future physical development and harmonious improvements of the city.

In cases dealing with zoning changes, amendments or alterations, Planning Commission acts in an advisory role by submitting a recommendation to City Council on the proper course of action. Visit the Planning Commission’s webpage for more information including hearing dates.

The Zoning Division is the liaison between developers and Planning Commission. As such, the following applications are to be submitted to the Zoning Division with the intent to be seen by Planning Commission. Applications with an * may or may not be seen by the Planning Commission and may be approved administratively, as deemed appropriate by the Zoning administrator.

(Land use plans can be obtained on the Department of Planning and Development webpage.)

SIGNAGE

A sign permit is required to install or erect a new sign or to enlarge or modify an existing sign. No sign may be installed, relocated, altered or modified prior to obtaining an approved permit. After the sign application has been approved, the City will contact the applicant and provide a copy of the approved sign permit. The applicant or property owner must retain the approved sign permit for the duration of the sign installation. In addition, all signage work must be performed by a contractor registered with the City.

COMMUNITY SIGNS

Community signs are used to promote non-profit, non-commercial and non-political organizations along with locally sponsored events taking place in the city. There is no charge for the permit; however, it must be reviewed by the Parks & Facilities Superintendent for approval. These signs measure 47 5/8″ by 47 5/8″ (one half of the sign structure).

There are ten (10) community sign structures located at major intersections throughout the city. These include:

S Hamilton Rd & Morrison Rd
S Hamilton Rd & Techcenter Dr
Havens Corners Rd & Taylor Station Rd
E Johnstown Rd & Cherry Bottom Rd
E Johnstown Rd & YMCA Place

W Johnstown Rd & I-270 Exit
Morse Rd & Cherry Bottom Rd
Stygler Rd & Eastbound US-62
Stygler Rd & Westbound US-62
Stygler Rd & McCutcheon Rd

Download: Community Sign Permit Application

PERMANENT SIGNS

The City has determined that the individual user’s right to convey a message must be balanced with the public’s right to be free of signs which unreasonably compete, distract drivers and pedestrians and produce confusion as determined by the Zoning Department. It is the City’s intent to provide business and industry in the municipality with equitable sign standards in accordance with fair competition and aesthetic standards acceptable to the community; to provide the public with a safe and effective means of locating businesses, services and points of interest within the municipality; and to provide for a safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic environment.

Permanent signs include: ground signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, pole signs, wall signs, window signs, awning signs, projecting signs and illuminating signs. In addition to the permanent sign permit application, a commercial and industrial building permit application is required for all permanent signage with the exception of face replacements and signs under 6’ tall.

Download: Permanent Sign Application, City Code

TEMPORARY SIGNS

Temporary signs include, but are not limited to, portable menu boards, banners, window signs, wall signs, freestanding signs and attention flags. There is no charge for the temporary sign permit; however, it must be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator for approval.

Download: Temporary Sign Application, City Code

ZONING MAP

To find the zoning designation and codes for a particular parcel, simply type an address into the search bar or zoom into an area of the map. Click on the parcel to get a pop-up with the zoning classification and a direct link to the codes. In addition, you can expand the legend to see all of the color classifications per zone.