The Planning Department provides a full range of services for the City of Columbus.  This includes administering the complete set of development regulations; monitoring those regulations for effectiveness, clarity, and relevance; and managing the process for any revisions to the development regulations.

All highlighted links are PDF documents.

Zoning Ordinance – Table of Contents

The zoning ordinance for the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County is provided below.  This material was last updated on July 10, 2024 and reflects all revisions through the adoption of City of Columbus Ordinance 19, 2024 on June 18, 2024.

The corresponding zoning map is provided as a layer on the Bartholomew County GIS (GIS Basic Instructions).  Please feel free to contact our office with any zoning-related questions (phone: 812.376.2550 / email: planning@columbus.in.gov).

1. Basic Provisions
2. Administration
3. Zoning Districts
4. Overlay Zoning Districts
5. Planned United Development
6. Use Standards
7. Parking & Circulation Standards		 8. Landscaping Standards
9. General Development Standards
10. Sign Standards
11. Nonconformities
12. Processes & Permits
13. Enforcement & Penalties
14. Definitions

PUD Documents

Columbus Airpark PUD – Revised 12.16.14

Subdivision Control Ordinance

Columbus Subdivision Control Ordinance (updated February 18, 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the material below for answers to some common regulatory questions.

What are the tiny home options and requirements?
What are the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) options and requirements?
What are the regulations for driveways? (Columbus Jurisdiction Only)
What are the regulations for fences? (Columbus Jurisdiction Only)
What are the regulations for food trucks? (Columbus Jurisdiction Only)
What are the regulations for election signs? (Columbus Jurisdiction Only)