Historic Dublin
The charm of Historic Dublin comes from its wealth of historic buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Inventory. Until the early 1970s Dublin maintained a stable population and land area. Since then, Dublin has been one of the fastest growing communities in Ohio. Unlike those communities, however, Dublin has retained its original historic core in a remarkably intact state.
Historic Dublin is a well-preserved district of homes and businesses, many of which are located in historic structures, that form the core of the city. These structures, along with other historic properties elsewhere in the community contribute to Dublin's sense of character and remind residents and visitors of its long history.
In Historic Dublin, visitors can still experience the environment of a small village with buildings that have been a part of Dublin for well over a century and a half. In the Historic District, it is easy to get a sense of the Dublin’s past and to gain some understand of what village life must have been like during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
For this village character to have survived so well is a credit to those who have worked tirelessly to maintain the historical integrity of the District, a thriving community with residences, businesses, and events that give soul to the heart of Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Historic District Property Lines
What are the boundaries of the Historic District? How do I determine if my property is in the Historic District or listed in the Ohio Historic Inventory and needs to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board?
The Architectural Review District is defined by the Indian Run Stream Bed to the north, the east high water line of the Scioto River and the west right-of-way of SR257 to the east, and the Cosgray Ditch from the Scioto River, west to the intersection of an imaginary southward extension of the rear alley west of South High Street to the south. The west boundary of the District follows the west boundary of the I. O. O. F. Cemetery located on West Bridge Street, extended north to the Indian run, the south boundary of the cemetery located on West Bridge Street extended east to the rear alley to the west of South High Street, and the rear alley to the west of the South High Street extended southward to the intersection of the Cosgray Ditch.
A map indicating the Historic District boundary is also available on the Historic District home page. A searchable database of Dublin properties listed in the Ohio Historic Inventory is coming soon. Until then, please contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600 with questions about the Inventory or whether your property is in the District.
Architectural Review Board (ARB)
What is the ARB?
The Architectural Review Board (ARB) is made up of five Dublin residents who live, work or own property located in the Historic District. Members are also knowledgeable of Dublin’s history, architectural design, and historic preservation methods. The Board members are appointed by City Council and are responsible for reviewing architectural changes to historic resources, buildings, and sites in the City of Dublin.
What actions require the approval of the ARB?
An application for ARB review is required for new construction, changes to the exterior of an existing building, demolition of any building, or alteration of any site within the Architectural Review District or any individual property listed in the Ohio Historic Inventory.
When are the ARB meetings held?
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise advertised) at the Dublin Municipal Building in the City Council chambers, 5200 Emerald Parkway, at 7:00 p.m.
Application Process
How long does it take to get a decision on the application?
Applications submitted on or before the Application Deadline are heard by the Board the following month. The amount of time necessary depends largely on the complexity of the project and the amount of information you are able to provide. You should plan on allowing up to two months for review of most applications. New construction or additions that increase the total square footage to 3,500 square feet or more require a two-step review process and will likely take three or four months. The length of review time is also affected by changes requested by the ARB meeting and the applicant’s response to requests from the Board and the City.
Developing in Historic Dublin
Who can I call to talk about developing in the Historic District?
Contact Land Use and Long Range Planning at (614) 614-410-4600 as early as possible in the development process to obtain information about the application and review process in the District.
Where can I get a copy of the Historic District Design Guidelines?
Complimentary copies of the Historic District Design Guidelines are available at Land Use and Long Range Planning, located at 5800 Shier Rings Road in Dublin. The Guidelines are also available in the Land Use and Long Range Planning home page on the City of Dublin website.