Need to File an Application?
Application Submittal Process
Land Use and Long Range Planning has two application submittal deadlines each month. All application materials must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on application day.
Appointments for application submittal are still required on the day applications are due and may be scheduled with a planner in 30-minute intervals. Call Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600 and ask to speak to one of our planners to set up a pre-application review meeting.
What happens during the application process?
Sample Application Process Timeline
- Application Deadline Day: Although applications may be filed at any time, there are two days each month that are set aside for filing zoning applications. Specific appointments are required if filing on an application day. Applications must be filed by noon on application day. You may call 614-410-4600 to set up an appointment. A planner will be available to review your application for completeness and answer questions regarding scheduling or other issues. Once an application has been filed with Planning, the application is assigned a case number and a case manager, who will assist the applicant through the application approval process.
- Plan Review Phase: All application materials will be reviewed by applicable City departments for accuracy and adherence to the Zoning Code and other City requirements. The departments involved are Planning, Building Standards, Engineering, Review Services, Parks, Police, Streets and Utilities, and the Law Director.
- Review Comments: The case manager works with the applicant to resolve issues identified during the review period. Depending on the complexity of the case, a comment letter outlining issues and concerns from each department is typically issued to the applicant within two weeks of the application submission. Additional plans and information may be required as a result of the initial review. If so, the applicant will be informed of all deadlines for the submission of revised plans, if necessary.
- Meeting Agenda: If additional or revised materials are received and appropriate changes have been made, the application is scheduled for an agenda of the appropriate reviewing body.
- Notices: Agendas and notices for the meeting are sent to the applicant, surrounding property owners, and registered homeowner associations in the area generally up to two weeks prior to the meeting.
- Planning Report: On the Friday prior to the scheduled meeting, a Planning Report will be faxed or emailed to the applicant and posted on the City’s website. The Report contains a description of the proposal, location information, and, if appropriate to the type of application, a recommendation from Planning of approval, disapproval, or approval with conditions.
- Meeting: All meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway, unless posted otherwise.
- Hearing: The meeting procedure includes a presentation from Planning followed by a brief presentation by the applicant. Following the presentation, the Commission or Board members may ask questions in order to clarify any outstanding issues before making their decision. Members of the public are then invited to make comments, followed by comments and a decision for approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval by the reviewing body.
- Record of Decisions: Once a decision is rendered a Record of Action (Planning and Zoning Commission) Board of Zoning Appeals and Board Order (Architectural Review Board) will be sent to the applicant, typically within one month of the meeting, to document the decision and conditions that may have been attached.
- Final Decision: Certain decisions will require City Council action. Should this be necessary you will be advised of the required materials, schedules, and meeting format.
- Permits: Once a final decision is rendered applicants may proceed with obtaining a building permit or required permits.
General Application Requirements
Land Use and Long Range Planning is responsible for the operation of three City of Dublin Boards and Commissions: the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Architectural Review Board. The meeting schedule and application requirements for each are slightly different. Have any questions? Please call Planning at 614-410-4600.
There are several general guidelines that apply to all Boards and Commissions:
1. Make an appointment by calling 410-4600. 2012 Application Deadlines (PDF)
2. Submit a complete application. Don't forget the check lists specific to each application type.
3. Staple, fold, and collate application material and plans. How To Fold Large Plans
4. Provide adjacent property owners mailing information. Proximity Search | Labels (Word)
5. Provide digital copies of all application materials in Microsoft Office products, Adobe products, PDFs, JPEGs, and AutoCAD files.
6. Complete writeable PDFs, applications. Click here to download Adobe Reader.
7. Application fees are due at the time the application is submitted. 2012 Fees
Board and Commission Application Forms
Applications consist of the original application form complete with the applicant’s contact information, required plans, and other information. We have created a checklist that includes the required information for each application type.
Not sure which application you need to file? Please contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600 to speak with a planner.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and approves or makes recommendations to City Council on several different types of planning and development applications, including planned development districts, plats, rezonings, and Zoning Code amendments. The Commission generally holds two meetings per month at the Dublin Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise advertised.
PZC Planned Unit Development District (PUD) Applications
PZC Application Form | Current PZC Applications
Application Deadlines | PZC Agendas, Minutes, and Record of Action
PZC Planned Unit Development District (PUD) Application Requirements
Concept Plan (CP) - Application Requirement
The concept plan is often the first step of the Planned Unit Development District approval process, although it is not required. While not legally binding, concept plans allow the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the general concept of the proposed development with the applicant and determine whether the proposed development is appropriate for the site, consistent with the Community Plan, and worthy of moving forward through the planned development approval process. Concept plans may be reviewed by City Council if desired by the applicant.
Rezoning / Preliminary Development Plan (Z/PDP) - Application Requirement
The rezoning/preliminary development plan is the first formal step in the Planned Unit Development District approval process. Approval of the preliminary development plan establishes the permitted uses, density, development requirements, and general layout of the site. The Planning and Zoning Commission makes a recommendation for approval, disapproval, or approval with conditions to City Council, which makes the final decision.
Final Development Plan (FDP) - Application Requirement
The final development plan is typically the final step in the Planned Unit Development District approval process and requires the highest level of detail and plan refinement. The Planning and Zoning Commission determines if the proposal is consistent with the approved preliminary development plan and is ready to proceed to building permit and Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval submittal.
Amended Final Development Plan (AFDP) - Application Requirement
Amended final development plan applications are required for revisions to approved final development plans.
Other PZC Application Forms
Informal (INF) - Application Requirement
In unique circumstances, proposed developments may warrant this preliminary review by the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to filing a formal application. Please contact Planning at (614) 410-4600 to determine if your proposal qualifies for informal review.
Rezoning – Standard District - Application Requirement
Rezoning changes the zoning classification of a property, which may include different permitted and conditional uses, and development standards. Standard District rezonings require review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission and two readings by City Council. The Planning and Zoning Commission makes a recommendation to City Council on standard district rezoning applications.
Conditional Use (CU) - Application Requirement
While often desirable in the zoning district in which they are proposed, conditional uses have the potential of having greater effects on their surroundings than permitted uses and require additional scrutiny to ensure the use is appropriate for the location. A Certificate of Zoning Plan Approval must be obtained for the property within one year of the conditional use approval.
Corridor Development District (CDD) - Application Requirement
The Corridor Development District covers the areas west of Sawmill Road, north of Martin Road, south of I-270, and east of the Scioto River. Review of development in the CDD is intended to ensure that proposed commercial land uses and traffic improvements are developed in a manner that maintains Dublin as a quality community.
Corridor Development District Signs (CDDS) - Application Requirement
New and modified signs in the CDD are also reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Preliminary Plat (PP) - Application Requirement
The preliminary plat application is the first step in creating a subdivision that will identify preliminary placement of development lots, public streets and other associated facilities. Preliminary plats are sometimes reviewed concurrently with a planned unit development. The Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on preliminary plat applications.
Final Plat (FP) - Application Requirement
The final plat application is a refinement of the preliminary plat and presents the final configuration of lots within a subdivision and/or finalizes the placement of public streets and utilities. In Planned Districts, the final plat may be reviewed concurrently with the final development plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on final plat applications.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The City of Dublin Board of Zoning Appeals must review and approve all applications for variance requests, administrative appeals for zoning or building decisions issued by the City, and special permits for heliports, dish antennas, portable classrooms or construction trailers. The Board generally holds a meeting the fourth Thursday of each month at the Dublin Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise advertised.
BZA Application Forms
BZA Application Form | Current BZA Applications
Application Deadlines | BZA Agendas, Minutes, and Board Order
BZA Application Requirements
Appeals (AA or BCA) - Application Requirement
Appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals may be taken by any person that disagrees with decisions made by decisions rendered by Planning regarding Zoning Code regulations. The BZA also hears appeals from the Building Code or the Property Maintenance Code.
Non-Use (Area) Variance (V) - Application Requirement
Applicants may request a non-use variance when an aspect of a proposed development does not meet one or more requirements of the Zoning Code (or Planned Development text in residential districts), such as setback, height, or other similar requirement. Variances are approved only after the BZA finds that conditions unique to the property make it impractical to meet the requirements of the Code.
Use Variance (V) - Application Requirement
Applicants may request a use variance when the property in question cannot reasonably be used for any of the permitted or conditional uses allowed by the district in which the property is located. Use variances may be granted only after a showing by the applicant that a hardship unique to their property prevents them from using the property as zoned. City Council makes a final determination of use variance requests after receiving a recommendation from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Special Permits (SP) - Application Requirement
Due to unique characteristics relative to location, design, size, operation, traffic circulation, or need for public services, a few specific uses outlined in the Zoning Code require review and approval by the BZA to ensure the use is appropriate for the proposed location.
Architectural Review Board
The Architectural Review Board reviews modifications to any site or structure within the limits of the Architectural Review District (Dublin Historic District) in addition to any properties identified with Appendix G of the Zoning Code. Modifications include plans to construct, alter, demolish, or change the exterior of any structure (windows, doors, siding, exterior paint colors, etc.). Site improvements such as parking lots, fencing, extensive landscaping, and signs also require ARB review and approval. The Board typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Dublin Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise advertised.
ARB Application Forms
ARB Application Form | Current ARB Applications
Application Deadlines | ARB Agendas, Minutes, and Board Order
ARB Application Requirements
ARB Application - Application Requirement
The Architectural Review Board is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the Architectural Review District and historic sites throughout the city. The reviews architectural and site modifications, as well as new and replacement signs.
Informal ARB Application - Application Requirement
An application for an informal review may be submitted by an owner or applicant for projects for which general direction and comments from the ARB are desired. The ARB reviews the basic concept of the proposal and provides non-binding comments to the applicant addressing the applicable review considerations for the proposal. Please contact Jeannie Martin or (614)410-4650 to determine if your proposal qualifies for informal review.
ART Applications
Administrative Review Team (ART)
The Administrative Review Team was established to expedite the review process for developments in the Central Ohio Innovation Center (COIC), and applications for wireless communication facilities. The Administrative Review Team is made up of the directors of various City departments and the Washington Township Fire Chief. Meetings of the ART are scheduled based on the approval timeframes and deadlines specific to the application type. Please contact Rachel Ray or (614)410-4600 with any questions about the ART application process.
ART Application Forms
ART Application Form | Current ART Applications
ART Application Requirements
Central Ohio Innovation Corridor (COIC) - Application Requirement
The COIC is planned as a technology and research business center that will encourage the development and operation of urban and suburban technology and office park campuses that attract high-tech and related uses to the city. The COIC district, located in the western portion of the City of Dublin west of the Post Road and US 33 interchange. All applicants proposing to develop in the COIC must file for Development Plan Review by the ART. Some retail related developments may also require approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Wireless Communication Facility - Application Requirement
Wireless communications facilities, including towers, alternative structures, co-located facilities, cable micro cell networks, distributed antenna systems, and other facilities as described in Chapter 99 of the City of Dublin Codes are subject to the review and approval of the ART.
Didn’t find what you were looking for, or still need assistance? Please call Land Use and Long Range Planning at (614) 410-4600 and speak to a planner.