The Commission meetings are conducted monthly to review new construction and renovation projects which require their approval.  The Commission functions as the Board of Zoning & Adjustment, Planning Commission and Graphics Commission within the boundaries of the Downtown District.  The authority given this Commission allows the zoning approval process to be streamlined by reviewing all issues for a downtown development project simultaneously. The Downtown District, as defined in Title 33 Chapter 3359.03 of the Columbus City Code, is zoned as mixed-use with most land uses permitted through design review.  The Commission is given authority to review exterior design of each project.  The concept of mixed-use zoning allows the market to determine the location of various land uses if the overall design contributes to the vitality of Downtown.

Downtown Commission Members

Harrison Smith, Chairman
Otto Beatty, Jr.
Kenneth Cookson
Kyle Katz
Robert Loversidge
Mike Lusk
Jana Maniace

Downtown Commission meetings are conducted at the Department of Development, 150 S. Front Street in the large conference room.  Commission meetings commence at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month.  Please note that the Commission may elect to change a meeting time or date to ensure a quorum or to accommodate a long agenda.

Downtown Commission Schedule

January 23, 2008

February 27, 2008

March 26, 2008

April 23, 2008

May 28, 2008

June 25, 2008

July 23, 2008

August 27, 2008

September 24, 2008

October 22, 2008

November 25, 2008 (Fourth Tuesday)

December 17, 2008 (Third Wednesday)

For additional information or inquiries regarding an application to appear before the Commission, you may contact Steven Cochrun in the Downtown & Economic Development Office at 614-645-6305.