When do I need a COA (Certificate of Appropriateness)?
A COA is necessary for any exterior changes to buildings located within the German Village Historic District.
What projects can be “staff approved?” If they are staff approved, do they still have to be approved by the German Village Commission?
The list of items that are staff approvable by the City are located here under the Resources section. The items on this list include things within the following categories: doors, graphics, landscaping, maintenance, masonry, construction, painting, parking, renewal, roofing, siding, and windows. Once staff approval is given on the project, it is brought before the Commission at the next hearing for the Commission to vote to approve staff approvals. It is not necessary to be at those hearings.
How do I know which windows or roofing materials to use?
There are lists available of approved materials for windows and roofing that can be found online here.
How do I file a COA application? Where do I find the applications?
Log into your account (or create a new account) with the City of Columbus Citizens Access Portal. Once logged in, you will Create an Application under the “Planning Section.” Once you accept the terms, you will be given a choice of which Board/Commission you are looking for approval from. Select German Village Commission and begin the application by entering your address and property owner information. The portal will then walk you through the application process. You will be given the choice to add “Additional Contacts,” which can be your contractor or project manager. Then you will provide the project details and photos, drawings, or other attachments that are necessary for the application.
What application materials are required for a COA?
For most applications, you will need to submit information about materials that will be used, drawings or plans for the planned alterations, and photos of the area where alterations are planned as it looks at the moment.
How do I find out if my COA request has been approved or denied?
You can check the status of your COA through the Citizen’s Access Portal. Otherwise, you can find out about the status of your COA application via email at gvc@columbus.gov. Attending (or having your contractor or architect attend) the monthly hearing, held on the first Wednesday of the month at 111 N. Front Street at 4PM, is necessary to determining the approval or decline of your COA application.
How do I find out if a nearby project has been Commission-approved?
The best way to find that information out is to contact the GVC by email at gvc@columbus.gov. You are also welcome to attend any GVC monthly hearings to learn more about the projects going on in The Village.
How do I report work in the neighborhood that I suspect has not been Commission approved?
The easiest way to report something you see that does not meet the German Village Guidelines is by submitting a report through Columbus 311. That report can be filed at https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Submit-a-Request-or-Report-311. This can be done anonymously. Or you can file a 311 report by phone by calling 614.645.3111.
Do landscaping projects require a COA?
Yes, any project that changes what the exterior of the property looks like requires a COA from the GVC.
Where do I find agendas for upcoming GVC Hearings?
Hearing agendas can be found on the GVC website https://www.columbus.gov/Business-Development/Building-Zoning-Services/Boards-and-Commissions/Historic-Preservation-Development-Review-Boards-Commissions/German-Village-Commission beside the upcoming meeting dates.
Where do I find the results of previous GVC Hearings?
Hearing results can be found on the GVC website https://www.columbus.gov/Business-Development/Building-Zoning-Services/Boards-and-Commissions/Historic-Preservation-Development-Review-Boards-Commissions/German-Village-Commission beside the past meeting dates.
Does the GVC keep a list of recommended contractors?
No, the GVC does not keep a list of recommended contractors. However, Columbus Landmarks maintains a historic preservation contractor list. You can contact them at https://columbuslandmarks.org. Heritage Ohio also has a database of artisans, contractors, and consultants available at https://www.heritageohio.org/resources/consultants-database/.
Does tree removal require any special permissions?
Yes, removing large trees in your yard requires permission from the German Village Commission and a COA. Street tree removal also requires GVC permission, and additionally, permission from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Urban Forestry Division. To request maintenance or removal from the city for a street tree or to request a permit to remove the tree and schedule an inspection by a City arborist, you can fill out a 311 report. A professional contractor will need to complete the tree removal and comply with the specifications of the permit.
Where can I find information about the history of my property?
The German Village Society maintains an archive of all properties in the German Village Historic District. You can set up an appointment to come view the file at the Meeting Haus. Other sources that you can use to learn more information about a property in German Village include the Franklin County Auditor, Franklin County Recorder, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Columbus Dispatch, Sanborn Maps, and the U.S. Census Records.