Applications & Forms

A complete library of Planning Department applications and forms is available below. Please note that both blank forms to be printed and completed and fill-in forms capable of being completed electronically are available. Please note that the applications and forms are updated periodically and therefore it is recommend that frequent applicants return to the website to obtain current forms for each application rather than downloading and reusing a particular version. The use of outdated forms can result in applications being delayed or re-work on the part of the applicant. The applications and forms are intended to be used for all jurisdictions unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Application Fees

The required fee for each application type may be found on our Fee Schedule, which is available at the following link: Fee Schedule

Application & Payment Instructions

To file an application, (1) mail the completed application form and any attachments to our office or (2) submit them by e-mail to planning@columbus.in.gov. Please be sure that your e-mail and/or application form includes your complete contact information. You will receive an e-mail reply that includes your application’s case number, fee amount, and verification of the jurisdiction to which the fee must be paid (Columbus or Bartholomew County). After receiving the case number, fee, and jurisdiction verification, please mail a check for the appropriate amount, payable to the City of Columbus or Bartholomew County, as appropriate, to the address below. Please be sure to include your application’s case number on the check’s memo line. Applicants in the City of Columbus jurisdiction only may also pay by credit card through the City’s on-line payment portal. The Planning Department will not be able to approve your application until correct fee payment has been received.

Mail Payment Checks to:
City of Columbus – Bartholomew County Planning Department
Attn: Janie Meek
123 Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201

Credit Card Payment Portal (for City of Columbus applications only):
Visit the Credit Card Payment Page

Zoning Compliance Certificate (including Signs) / Site Development Plan Applications

Select the Link Below and Download the PDF Fill-in Forms from Dropbox for Fill-in Use.

Complete Application Materials Packet Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form
Application Form, Site Plan Checklist, Waiver/Modification Worksheet & Sign Worksheets

Application Form Only Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Permanent Sign Worksheet Only Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Temporary Sign Worksheet Only Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Development Standards Waiver / Modification Worksheet Only Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form
For use with Site Development Plans Only, Please ask a Planning Department Staff Member

Site Plan Checklist Only Paper Form

Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Applications

All variance and conditional use applicants must meet with a Planning Department staff member before completing and submitting an application. Please contact the Planning Department at 812.376.2550 at least 1 week prior to the applicable Board of Zoning Appeals application deadline to schedule a review meeting. The Planning Department cannot guarantee a timely review meeting if contacted less than 1 week prior to the deadline and is not responsible for any missed deadline that may result.

Select the Link Below and Download the PDF Fill-in Forms from Dropbox for Fill-in Use.

Board of Zoning Appeals Procedures Summary Document

Development Standards Variance Application Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Conditional Use Application Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Use Variance Application Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Flood Hazard Area Variance Application Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form

Appeal of Administrative Decision Application Paper Form PDF Fill-in Form