City Code
Copies of City ordinances can be obtained from Legislative Affairs at the Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway. For details, call 614-410-4400.
To order a copy of the entire Dublin Code, contact American Legal Publications, 1-800-445-5588. The complete Dublin City Code is available online at American Legal City Ordinance Web Site. Information staff at the Dublin branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library are available to help navigate this web site.
Ordinances Pertaining to Residents
Bike Paths
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on bike paths or in Dublin parks except parking areas.
Curfew
Youths under age 13 should not be in or upon public streets, public places, places of amusement or entertainment, vacant lots, or other unsupervised places after 9 p.m. during the school year, and after 10 p.m. during the summer. Youths between ages 13 and 17 should not be in or upon public streets, public places, places of amusement or entertainment, vacant lots, or other unsupervised places between the hours of midnight and 4:30 a.m.
Drainage Ditches
All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent storm water accumulation. Any natural watercourse, drainage ditch, creek, brook, culvert or drain on the premises should not obstruct or hinder water flow.
Dumping
Disposal of any type of waste, including yard waste, on public or private property is prohibited and may be considered a hazard to public health, safety or welfare. Please call Dublin Police at 614-889-1112 to report illegal dumping.
Fencing
The City of Dublin’s fencing code regulates the type of fencing used in the community. The City Code defines FENCE as the following:
Any structure composed of wood, metal, stone, plastic, or other natural and permanent material erected in such a manner and positioned as to enclose or partially enclose any premises or any part of any premises. Trellises, or other structures supporting, or for the purpose of supporting vines, flowers and other vegetation when erected in such position as to enclose or partially enclose or separate any premises shall be included within the definition of the word FENCE.
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Fences or walls cannot exceed 4 feet in height.
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Fences are generally restricted to the “buildable” area of each lot.
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Arbors or trellises can be up to 8 feet in height but are restricted in size and location.
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Hedges are considered fences if they are planted and constructed in a manner in which their purpose is to enclose, partially enclose or separate premises. A hedge does not constitute a fence when it used for an ornamental purpose and does not in fact serve the purpose of enclosing, partially enclosing, or separating premises from adjoining premises.
The following types of fences are PROHIBITED in the City of Dublin:
(1) Electrified, barbed wire, razor wire, and stockade fences are hereby prohibited in all zoning districts. This prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit electrified and/or barbed wire fences when used in conjunction with a purely agricultural use as defined by the Ohio Revised Code.
(2) Vinyl clad, plastic or PVC (poly vinyl chloride) fences are hereby prohibited in all residential districts.
Any Dublin resident or business wishing to construct fencing must obtain a permit. For more information regarding Dublin’s fencing regulations, contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600.
Fireworks
It is unlawful for any person to possess fireworks in the City of Dublin unless authorized or licensed to do so by law. City Code follows that no person shall discharge, ignite or explode any fireworks in the City of Dublin. The sale of fireworks of any kind to a person under 18 years of age is prohibited.
Permissible devices and/or activities include snappers and party poppers, wire sparklers, snakes or glow worms, smoke devices and trick matches. These devices are permissible on your own private property pursuant to Dublin Code §93.24 (G) and (F). These devices are defined in Dublin Code §93.20. The relevant definitions are included below:
PARTY POPPER. A small plastic or paper item that contains not more than 16 milligrams of friction-sensitive explosive composition, that is ignited by pulling string protruding from the item, and from which paper streamers are expelled when the item is ignited.
SMOKE DEVICE. A tube or sphere that contains pyrotechnic composition that, upon ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
SNAKE OR GLOW WORM. A device that consists of a pressed pellet of pyrotechnic composition that produces a large, snake-like ash upon burning, which ash expands in length as the pellet burns.
SNAPPER. A small, paper-wrapped item that contains a minute quantity of explosive composition coated on small bits of sand, and that, when dropped, implodes.
TRICK MATCH. A kitchen or book match that is coated with a small quantity of explosive composition and that, upon ignition, produces a small report or a shower of sparks.
WIRE SPARKLER. A sparkler consisting of a wire or stick coated with a nonexplosive pyrotechnic mixture that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition and that contains no more than 100 grams of this mixture.
Please consult Dublin Code §92.20 through §93.24, or contact the Dublin Police Department, if you have any questions regarding whether a device or activity is permissible.
Fire Lanes / Hydrants
Parking motor vehicles on or within fire lanes is prohibited at all times. Motor vehicles should be parked at least 10 feet from fire hydrants.
Graffiti Control
Property owners are required to quickly remove any form of graffiti from their premises. If graffiti is not removed, the City will send the property owner written notice to remove it within five days (including tips on how to remove graffiti and a list of professional organizations that provide graffiti removal services). Failure to remove the graffiti following notice from the City is subject to penalty.
In cases where graffiti occurs on public property within City boundaries, the City is responsible for its removal within 48 hours. If the public property is not City-owned, the City will obtain permission from the appropriate public entity before removing the graffiti. For details contact Public Service at 614-410-4750.
Grass and Weed Control
Noxious weeds and grass must be mowed regularly from March 1 to October 31 to prevent weeds/grass from exceeding 6 inches in height or maturing to seed. Owners of properties that do not comply will receive a notice from the City to cut or mow the weeds/grass within five days. If the owner fails to do this, the City will hire a private contractor to do the work at the owner’s expense. For information on the City’s weed control ordinance call Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600.
House Numbers
House numbers must be placed in a conspicuous place as assigned by Building Standards. They must be no less than 4 inches in height so public safety vehicles can easily locate the residence in case of an emergency.
Hydrants
The City of Dublin is responsible for the maintenance of public fire hydrants. Washington Township Fire Department flushes and pumps hydrants twice annually. Notification of flushing and pumping is made through the local media. Private hydrants are the responsibility of the private hydrant owner and must be maintained. Private hydrants are subject to inspection. Public hydrants are painted all green or green with white tops and caps. Private hydrants are white with green tops and caps. Permits must be obtained to install a new hydrant. To obtain a permit to use a private hydrant, call Public Service at 614-410-4750. To install a private hydrant, the developer must obtain a permit by contacting Building Standards at 614-410-4670.
Litter Control
Disposal of litter in public places is prohibited unless placed in public trash containers or using City-authorized containers as part of the City’s refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs. Property owners are required to keep their property and adjoining sidewalks or parking areas free of litter unless using authorized private trash containers. Privately owned trash receptacles should be kept in good condition and trash disposed of regularly to prevent overflows. If a property owner fails to keep private property clear of litter, the owner will be given written notice to remove the litter within five days. Distribution of handbills is not permitted unless secured to prevent blowing or drifting. If necessary, the City is authorized to hire a private contractor to remove the litter at the owner’s expense. Inappropriate disposal of litter on public/private places and/or failure to keep private properties clear of litter is subject to penalty. For details contact Public Service at 614-410-4750.
Noise
Individuals and entities must not create noise that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet and is disruptive to any person of normal sensitivity. The operation of lawn mowers and other landscaping equipment may only take place between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Construction operations may only take place between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Requests may be made to the City Manager to extend these hours on a project-by-project basis. The loading and unloading of commercial waste containers may only take place between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. if the container is located within 500 yards of a residential area.
Exceptions to this policy include:
- Construction operations conducted by the City
of Dublin; - Operation of safety and emergency equipment, warning systems and emergency vehicles;
- Sound emanating from scheduled special events conducted or permitted by the City of Dublin
and Dublin City Schools; or - Emergency work authorized by the City of Dublin.
Inappropriate creation of noise or violation of
construction and commercial waste removal hours are subject to penalty.
To report noise violations resulting from construction crews or commercial waste haulers call the Dublin Code Enforcement Office at 614-410-4647.
Excessive noise during overnight hours caused by pets, neighborhood parties and motor vehicles or other acts of disorderly conduct should be reported to Dublin Police at 614-889-1112.
No-Build Zones
Dublin City Council agreed before a standing-room-only audience to stop enforcement of swing sets and/or play structures in no-build zones until further direction or action is taken by Council. In a unanimous approval of the motion, Council also directed staff to prepare appropriate legislation to amend all necessary code sections to allow swing sets and play structures in no-build zones.
No-build zones are open areas where structures such as sheds, decks and basketball courts are prohibited. Council asked staff to bring the legislation to the May 16, 2005 Dublin City Council meeting.
Before proposing the motion, Mayor Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher stated, “One of the greatest assets and values in our community is our sense of family.”
Several residents in attendance asked Council to reconsider its decision from the April 4, 2005 Dublin City Council meeting in which Council recommended enforcement of swing sets and play structures that violated City code by being placed in no-build zones. City staff brought the issue to Council for direction after receiving complaints about swing sets in no-build zones.
Council agreed to open the issue for discussion at Monday night's meeting based on requests from residents to reconsider the April 4, 2005 decision.
No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public places and places of employment in the City of Dublin. Smoking may be allowed in designated smoking shelters provided by an employer when such shelters are located more than
10 feet from entrances and exits, windows or other openings, which could provide a means for smoke to enter the building.
Exceptions to this ordinance include:
- Certain retail tobacco stores used primarily for
the sale of smoking materials and accessories,
but not including tobacco departments in larger commercial stores; - Outdoor patios in certain locations, which are open to the air at all times;
- Private residences that do not qualify as a place
of employment; and - Hotel and motel rooms that are designated as smoking rooms.
Violation of this ordinance may result in fines and/or community service for the business and smoker. To report a violation, call the Dublin Police at 614-889-1112. For more information call 614-462-4AIR (4247).
Open Burning
Open burning is not permitted in Dublin corporation limits. Small, attended fires for cooking purposes are permitted during favorable weather conditions without prior approval. Bonfires require prior approval by the Washington Township Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention at 614-652-3920.
Parking
Commercial Vehicle
The parking of commercial vehicles is prohibited in
residential districts unless the vehicle is enclosed in a garage, provided the garage door is no taller than nine feet in height. Exceptions exist for delivery purposes.
Recreational Vehicle
A recreational vehicle may be stored on a residential property provided it is fully enclosed by a structure so that it cannot be seen from an adjacent street.
No vehicles may be parked in a landscaped front, side or rear yard.
Guidelines for parking recreational vehicles in residential districts include:
- A recreational vehicle may be located on a residential lot and outside of an enclosed structure for up to 72 hours in any 30-day period, provided the owner or person in charge of the vehicle is a guest of the resident(s) of that lot. In no case shall the vehicle be used for overnight sleeping or living.
- Parking of recreational vehicles is prohibited within the public rights-of-way, any required side or rear yards and no-build/disturb zones.
- All parking must be on a hard, paved surface. The above regulations also apply to other large recreational vehicles such as boats and trailered personal watercraft. For more information, contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600.
Permits for Building, Housing and Zoning
Permits are issued and inspections are performed for projects to ensure the safety of people who will be using the new installations or occupying new or remodeled buildings. Inspections also ensure a uniform standard for all construction, repair, alteration and maintenance of buildings and structures.
Permit fees depend on the type of work and/or value of the improvement and must be obtained before the work begins. Any individual or entity must be registered with Building Standards prior to performing any work in the City.
Apply for building permits through Building Standards, 5800 Shier Rings Road, 614-410-4670.
Apply for zoning plan approvals through Land Use and Long Range Planning, 5800 Shier Rings Road, 614-410-4600.
Private Parking
Abandoned motor vehicles are not to be left on private property for more than 72 hours or on public streets or other open public property areas for more than 48 hours. Any such vehicle will be considered a nuisance and will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Pet / Animal Regulations
Animal Bites
Any individual who is bitten by a dog or other animal must report the incident to the appropriate county
board of health within 24 hours. The dog or animal should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours and be confined for at least a 10-day period until it has been determined that the animal does not display
symptoms of rabies.
Care of Pets/Domestic Animals:
- Cruelty to animals, abandoning domestic animals, and/or attempts to harm, kill or poison animals is prohibited.
- Animals should not be permitted to run at-large. All pets should be securely leashed or under direct control when not on your property. Any stray domestic animal may be impounded by the Dublin Police or Franklin County Animal Control.
- The living conditions of pets/domestic animals should be properly maintained and kept free of offensive odors or unsanitary conditions for the benefit of the animals as well as the surrounding neighborhood.
- Pet owners are responsible for the proper disposal of any fecal matter left by their animal(s) on public property.
- Dogs, cats or domestic ferrets over the age of 3 months must be immunized against rabies. Pet owners must either display a current rabies immunization tag on a dog or cat collar and/or be able to present an immunization certificate if requested.
- Dogs more than 3 months of age should be registered annually with the County Auditor. The Dublin Police or Franklin County Animal Control may impound a dog if a valid registration tag is
not attached to the dog’s collar. - Keeping dogs that continually disturb the peace by barking, howling or yelping, is not permitted.
Hunting
Hunting, killing or attempting to kill any animal or fowl is prohibited within the corporate boundaries of Dublin.
Sick/Injured Domestic Animals
Residents should notify Dublin Police if they find an injured or sick animal. If the animal is wild, do not approach it.
Stray Domestic Animals
Residents should notify Dublin Police if they find a stray domestic animal. If the animal appears to be ill or displays aggressive behavior, do not approach it.
Dangerous/Vicious Dogs
Under the City of Dublin Vicious Dog Ordinance, all dogs defined as “dangerous” or “vicious” must be securely confined at all times. Owners of vicious dogs are required to have liability insurance of at least $100,000.
Wild/Dangerous Animals
Keeping animals considered dangerous to humans on any premises is not permitted unless by a licensed institution. Such animals include members of the cat family, wolves, badgers, bears and poisonous reptiles. If a resident is found keeping such an animal on his/her premises, he/she will receive a written notice to safely remove the animal within three days. Failure to do so, or if the animal is reported to have harmed a human being, will result in impoundment.
Signs
To install a permanent or temporary sign in the City of Dublin, a permit must be obtained from Land Use and Long Range Planning. Signs are not permitted within the City rights-of-way or on trees, utility poles or street signs. Signs are limited to three colors per sign. Banners, signs on trailers, neon signs and signs with changeable copy (except gasoline station prices) are not permitted in Dublin. Real estate signs are limited to one per street frontage and also have size and duration restrictions. No restrictions apply to any government flags and/or other governmental signs. Any improperly placed sign will be removed by Land Use and Long Range Planning and stored at its offices at 5800 Shier Rings Road for a period of not more than 30 days. Contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600 for additional information.
To report damaged street signs or damaged traffic signals, call Engineering at 614-410-4600.
Skateboards / Toy Vehicles / Basketball Hoops
Skateboards, sleds, in-line skates and other toy vehicles are not permitted on City roadways except when using a crosswalk. Basketball hoops, soccer/hockey goals and other sports equipment must be kept out of public rights-of-way (i.e., streets and cul de sacs). Skateboarding is permitted in the skate park located at Coffman Park.
Solicitations
For-Profit Organizations
All for-profit organizations must apply for and obtain
a license for each individual member soliciting or
peddling door to door from the Office of Code Enforcement. The license, when issued, must be worn conspicuously on the outer layer of clothing of each individual peddler or solicitor.
Not-for-Profit Organizations
All not-for-profit organizations must register with the Office of Code Enforcement and obtain a registration certificate to sell any product or seek funds or donations door to door. Larger groups may apply for a group
permit. In this case, individual registration certificates will be distributed to group members.
All registration certificates must be carried with the individual at all times. Registration certificates explain the group’s purpose and give a physical description of the corresponding individual member.
Activities Requiring No License or Registration:
- People or groups seeking to disseminate any lawful message regarding a cause, issue, religion or political candidate without soliciting funds or donations.
- Peddling or soliciting the purchase of or subscription to newspapers having their principal sale in the City of Dublin, Franklin County, Delaware County or Union County.
- Peddling or soliciting only for wholesale delivery to merchants, manufacturers and other businesses or manufacturing establishments.
- Peddling or soliciting on the invitation or request of the person contacted.
- Peddling or soliciting conducted only to other members of the organization doing the peddling or soliciting.
- Peddling or soliciting in the form of collections or contributions at the regular assemblies, meetings or services of any recognized charitable or religious not-for-profit organization.
No Peddler or Solicitor Stickers
Peddling and soliciting is prohibited in any manner or place between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. or on any Sunday or holiday. Solicitation is limited to those houses not displaying a “No Peddlers or Solicitors Invited” sticker. Stickers may be obtained at no cost at the Dublin Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway, or at Community Relations, 5620 Post Road.
Taxes
City Income Tax
The local income tax rate is 2 percent and applies to gross wages, salaries and other personal service compensation and net profits of Dublin businesses. The revenue generated from income tax is used to fund
the majority of City-provided services and capital improvement projects completed by the City. Income tax revenue is allocated 75 percent to the General Fund and 25 percent to the Capital Improvements Tax Fund. The income tax revenue allocated to the Capital Improvements Fund can only be utilized for capital improvements.
Property Tax
Property tax rates vary by “taxing district.” There are six different taxing districts in the City of Dublin; your taxing district is based upon where you live.
Hotel/Motel Tax
A 6 percent tax is levied on overnight stays in Dublin hotels/motels. This revenue is invested back into the community for special events and cultural activities. The Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Dublin Arts Council each receive approximately 25 percent of the annual revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax.
Sales Tax
A 6.75 percent sales tax is imposed on taxable purchases in Franklin County, 6.75 percent in Delaware County and 6.75 percent in Union County.
Trees
Trees on Rights-of-Way/Tree Lawns
Dublin is home to more than 20,000 street trees. City trees are located on the rights-of-way (City-owned property) or on tree lawns (public property located in residential areas between the sidewalk and street or planted approximately three feet from the curb). Parks and Open Space keep a computerized record of all street trees and conducts regular maintenance.
Residents have some responsibilities for the care of the trees including watering and mulching. Street trees should be watered one-inch per week during dry, hot months. Trees should be mulched once a year with
two to three inches of mulch. If residents would like
to fertilize street trees in front of their homes, specific requirements must be followed. Street trees cannot be moved, removed, pruned or replanted. Permission to plant in public tree lawns is required.
Tree Preservation
Developers and property owners are to replace “protected” trees (those over six inches in diameter at four-and-a-half feet above the ground) that are removed as part of a construction project. For single-family
residences, the replacement requirement pertains to trees within “no build zones,” “no disturb zones” or “tree preservation zones.” Each removed “protected” tree must be replaced with enough trees to equalize the diameter of the previous tree. If this results in overcrowding, a fee to replace the remaining quota is required by the City for use in reforestation of public property.
Dead Trees
The City shall have the right on private property to remove any dead or diseased tree(s) or branches of trees that overhang public property, when such trees constitute a hazard to life and property, or harbor an epiphytotic disease that constitutes a potential threat to other trees within the City. Following notice by the City, the tree must be removed in 60 days. Contact the City Forester, 614-410-4701, for more information.
Yard / Garage Sales
At least one week before the sale a license must be obtained from Land Use and Long Range Planning, 5800 Shier Rings Road, 614-410-4600. No sales shall commence before the hour of 8 a.m. or extend later than 8 p.m. The fee for a garage sale permit is $5 plus $1 for each temporary sign supplied by the City (maximum of three signs). Restrictions also exist as to the size and duration for which signs may be posted. Please refer to the sign ordinance for placement information.