Columbus’ Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) brings building permits, plan review, inspections, zoning, engineering, code enforcement, and contractor licensing into one department. Many permit and zoning transactions are handled through the City’s Citizen Access Portal, where applicants can submit eligible applications, upload documents, track reviews, schedule inspections, and search permit records.
Zoning review is closely tied to the construction process. Columbus zoning regulates permitted uses, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, parking, and other site standards. Zoning clearance is generally required for site alterations and changes of use, and projects that do not meet the zoning code may need a variance, special permit, rezoning, or other public-hearing approval before the related construction permit can proceed.
Historic and design-review areas create another layer of approval. Exterior alterations, demolition, new construction, signs, landscaping, and some land-use changes within Columbus Register historic districts or other designated review areas may require a Certificate of Appropriateness or similar approval. These applications can also be submitted through Citizen Access.
Work beyond the private property line follows separate rules. The Department of Public Service administers permits for excavation, sidewalks, driveway approaches, curb work, and other activities within the public right-of-way. Forestry approval is also required for planting or certain work involving trees on City property or within the street right-of-way. Applicants can start with Building & Zoning Services and then identify any zoning, historic, right-of-way, or forestry approvals required for the site.