Per Columbus City Code…
3109.01 Purpose.
Area commissions are established to afford additional voluntary citizen participation
in decision-making in an advisory capacity and to facilitate communication,
understanding and cooperation between neighborhood groups, city officials and
developers.
3109.14 Functions and Duties.
An area commission is an advisory body. No duty or function of an area commission shall
invalidate any action of council. In general, an area commission shall:
A. In the interests of local planning for local needs, identify and study the problems and
requirements of the commission area in order to:
(1) Create plans and policies which will serve as guidelines for future development of the
area;
(2) Bring the problems and needs of the area to the attention of appropriate government
agencies or residents; and
(3) Recommend solutions or legislation.
B. Aid and promote communications within the commission area and between it and the rest
of the city by means of:
(1) Regular and special meetings of the commission which are open to the public;
(2) Public hearings on problems, issues, and proposals affecting the area;
(3) Public forums and surveys to provide an opportunity for area residents, businesses, and
organizations to state their problems and concerns;
(4) Soliciting active cooperation of all segments of the area and city, including
organizations, institutions, and government;
(5) Initiating proposals and supporting those introduced by individual citizens or area
organizations, which will enhance the quality of life enjoyed by area residents and
preserve the unique residential and commercial mix of the area; and
(6) Promoting and encouraging businesses whose functions, methods of operation,
architectural appearance, and locations are consistent with the character and
requirements of the area.
C. Initiate, review and recommend criteria and programs for the preservation, development,
and enhancement of the commission area, including, but not limited to, parks,
recreational areas, sidewalks, streets and traffic, by means of:
(1) Reviewing the proposed capital improvements budget and proposing new items and changes
relating to the area;
(2) Making recommendations for restoration and preservation of the historical elements
within the area; and
(3) Receiving and reviewing for recommendation, prior to adoption by governmental bodies,
any new or revised comprehensive plan affecting the area.
D. Recommend priorities for and review government services and operation of the various
government departments in the commission area by means of:
(1) Requesting and receiving from departments or agencies periodic reports concerning
governmental services or practices in the area;
(2) Meeting with administrative heads of any department or agency, or any of their
subordinates, to obtain additional information deemed necessary for the commission to
fulfill its functions;
(3) Requesting and receiving from departments or agencies, prior to implementation, full
reports on any proposed changes in service or practice in the area, and recommending
approval or disapproval of the proposed changes;
(4) Reviewing and evaluating pending legislation substantially affecting the area prior to
its consideration by council; and
(5) Regularly receiving for review, comment and recommendation from the development
regulation division copies of applications and notices of all public hearings related
to rezonings, special permits, variances, demolitions, and zoning appeals regarding
property located wholly or partially within the area.
E. Recommend persons from the commission area for nomination to membership on city boards
and commissions which make decisions or recommendations affecting the commission area.
