Business & Development

Business & Development / Business Guide

Introduction | Economic Development Insight | Business Survey

Economic Development Insight

Master Plan

- Master Plan Introduction
- Community Process in Creating the Master Plan
- Conceptual Plan
- Zoning and Building Codes Explained
- Link to Master Plan section

Zoning And Building Codes Explained

Oftentimes, confusion can arise between the role of the City’s zoning laws and state building code laws. Changes desired by property owners may require consideration in one, if not both of these areas.

The building code is established at the state level for commercial structures. Local jurisdictions are bound by the state code and act as regulatory bodies for state law. While understanding and working through the requirements laid out by the building code can be cumbersome at times, adhering to the code benefits the property owner and others who work or live within the resulting structure.

Building code typically addresses issues that arise out of concern for public health and safety. It sets minimum standards and requirements for construction and construction materials to make buildings appropriately safe and sanitary. Building codes bring the added benefit of preserving and enhancing property values, a benefit to the entire community.

Typically, zoning laws are created and implemented at the local level and strive to protect the property character and economic value. Among other things, they dictate the permitted uses, locations and types of buildings in differently zoned areas of the City. For example, in an area zoned single-family residential, a business interest would not be allowed to replace a home with an office building.

The majority of UA’s land is zoned for residential uses. Different areas in the City permit different types of residential development, ranging from larger-lot single family to multi-family residences.

Up until two years ago, the City’s commercial areas were limited by zoning that only permitted single types of commercial land uses within them. In 2002, seven of the City’s commercial areas were rezoned to Planned Mixed Use Districts (PMUD) as part of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This new zoning increases the development potential of properties within each district by permitting different land uses, and allowing higher densities. It also places an emphasis on quality design that will complement UA’s high-quality residential character. Permitted uses within a PMUD include a mixture of residential, office, retail and civic uses.

Any existing businesses or structures within the PMUDs are grandfathered, which means that these structures and uses may continue to exist under the new zoning. However, as soon as situations occur whereby property owners wish to change the use of an existing structure, it is necessary for the changes to comply with the PMUD zoning.

Matt Shad
Deputy City Manager-Economic Development
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5046
www.ua-ohio.net