The Planning Department receives, processes, reviews and makes recommendations on applications to rezone property in the County. Some re-zonings require amendments to the land use plan. These proposed land use plan amendments are processed in conjunction with their related rezoning requests, and must be approved prior to rezoning.

Provides an overview to process, classifications, and requirements.

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Steps involved applying for a rezoning case. The process takes approximately 60 to 90 days.

1. The applicant obtains an application from the Planning Department.
2. All necessary information is included on the application: site plan, legal description, picture(s) of the sign(s), and fees.
3. The GIS division prepares maps for the proposed rezoning case.
4. Notices are sent to property owners that live within 300 feet of the affected area, for a public hearing before the Planning Advisory Commission (PAC).
5. PAC holds a public hearing and recommends either approval, conditional approval, or denial.
6. The Planning Department completes its review and makes recommendation.
7. The recommendations, from PAC and the Planning Department, are sent to the Columbus City Council.
8. The application must be approved by the Planning Department to automatically be sent to Council. If the application is denied by the Planning Department, the applicant must send a letter to the Clerk of Council requesting to continue forward with the public hearing.
9. Ad is run for 15 days prior to Council meeting but no later than 45 days prior.
10. Notices are sent to property owners that live within 300 feet of the affected area, for a public hearing before Council.
11. The application is then taken before the City Council to be heard. This first meeting is the 1st Reading and is the public hearing.
12. The following meeting is called the 2nd Reading. There is no public hearing and the case is voted approved, approved with conditions, or denied.
13. If the application is approved, the applicant may move forward with the building permit process.

A special exception permit allows for certain land uses in a given zoning district that generally require a more in-depth study than permitted uses. The process ensures that all proposed special exception uses would be harmonious with and in accordance with the objectives of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the Comprehensive Plan. Special exceptions require an application and approval by the Columbus City Council.

To determine if a project requires a special exception, please review the Unified Development Ordinance or consult the Planning Department.

Steps involved applying for and obtaining a special exception. The process takes approximately 60 to 90 days.

1. An application is downloaded and completed ( includes site plan, legal description, picture(s) of the sign(s), and fees ). The application and two copies of site plan are sent to the Planning Department.
2. Notices are sent to property owners that live within 300 feet of the affected area, for a public hearing before the Planning Advisory Commission (PAC). Notices contain letter, map, and agenda.
3. PAC holds a public hearing and makes recommendation.
4. The Planning Department completes its review and makes recommendation; approval or denial.
5. The Planning Department sends a memo to Council advising of upcoming case.
6. An Ad is ran for 15 days prior to Council meeting, but no later than 45 days prior.
7. The recommendations, from PAC and the Planning Department, are sent to the Columbus City Council.
8. Notices are sent to property owners that live within 300 feet of the affected area, for a public hearing before Council.
9. Council holds a public hearing and votes on the application. The application is either approved, approved with conditions or denied. The City Council shall render its decision within sixty (60) days from the special exception use application deadline, unless the City Council can demonstrate that more time is required and a time extension is agreed by the applicant.
10. If the application is approved, the applicant may move forward with the building permit process.