EDP Boards & Commissions
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
About the BZA
The Board of Zoning Appeals consists of five members appointed by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside in the unincorporated area of one of the ten townships with County Zoning. It is a quasi-judicial board that takes action on administrative appeals, conditional uses, and variances. It is their duty to maintain the intent and spirit of the zoning district in conformity with the Zoning Resolution.
Where and When
BZA meetings are generally held on the third Monday of each month at 369 South High Street (Michael J. Dorrian Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m.
Responsibilities of the BZA
The BZA is responsible for hearing and deciding on three types of applications related to the administration of the Franklin County Zoning Resolution. These include:
- Administrative Appeals - An appeal alleging an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of the Zoning Resolution.
- Conditional Uses - A use that is essential to or would promote the public health, safety or welfare in an area but requires limitations on the location, size, extent and character of the use to protect the integrity and character of the area.
- Variances - A request to deviate from the literal interpretation of the Zoning Resolution's development standards or requirements.
Resources
About Planning Commission
The Planning Commission consists of the three Franklin County Commissioners and eight members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Three of the eight members are appointed from individuals nominated by the city of Columbus, another three members are appointed from individuals residing in unincorporated Franklin County recommended by townships of the county and the final two members are appointed at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners with one member residing in unincorporated Franklin County and one member residing in a municipal corporation of the county.
Where and When
Planning Commission meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday of each month at 369 South High Street (Michael J. Dorrian Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m. in meeting room A.
Responsibilities of the Planning Commission
The specific powers and duties of the Planning Commission are identified in Section 713.23 of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally speaking, the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing major subdivision and rezoning requests, and for completing Comprehensive Plans for townships in Franklin County.
Resources
Planning Commission Schedule(PDF, 139KB)
Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting Materials(PDF, 23MB)
Upcoming meeting materials will be posted one (1) week the by the first Wednesday of each month
About the RZC
The Rural Zoning Commission consists of five members appointed by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. Members must reside in the unincorporated area of one of the ten townships with County Zoning.
Where and When
RZC meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of each month at 369 South High Street (Michael J. Dorrian Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These meetings start at 1:30 p.m.
Responsibilities of the RZC
The specific powers and duties of the RZC are identified in Section 303 of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally speaking, the RZC is responsible for hearing and making recommendations on requests to rezone land or alter the text of the Zoning Resolution.
Resources
Meeting materials will be updated one (1) week prior to the meeting.
- Upcoming Rural Zoning Commission Meeting Materials
About the BOC Rezoning Hearings
The BOC Rezoning Hearing is comprised of the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. At BOC Rezoning Hearings, the County Commissioners adopt or deny the recommendations and actions of the RZC on proposed changes or amendments to the Franklin County Zoning Resolution (FCZR), Zoning District Map, Special District Map, or Comprehensive (Master) Plans for areas in the unincorporated Franklin County that are subject to the FCZR.
Where and When
BOC Rezoning hearings are scheduled within 30 days upon receipt of a recommendation from the RZC. These meetings are generally scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at 369 South High Street (Michael J. Dorrian Building), Commissioners' Hearing Room, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio. These final schedule for these meetings may vary, but will be posted below in the event of any changes to the scheduled time or dates.
Resources
BOC Rezoning Schedule
Meeting materials will be updated one (1) week prior to the meeting.
BOC Rezoning Hearing Meeting Materials
About the TRC
The TRC is an advisory group to the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department consisting of the Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District office and representation from the following Franklin County agencies: Public Health, County Engineer’s office, County Drainage Engineer’s office and Sanitary Engineer’s office. Other parties may also participate in Technical Review Committee activities, depending on the nature and location of the proposed activity.
Where and When
TRC meetings are virtual and are generally held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Applicants will be notified should the meeting be cancelled.
Virtual meetings are hosted through Zoom and may be accessed at the following link:
https://franklincountyohio.zoom.us/j/91134010004?pwd=VXBrWkNQNXcwOXE3TVQ4dDJoczJ0QT09,
or via Microsoft Teams at the link below:
Click here to join the meeting via Teams
Resources
Meeting materials will be updated one (1) week prior to the meeting.
(PDF, 9MB)July-2025-TRC-e-packet.pdf(PDF, 30MB)