Zoning Compliance
Zoning Compliance Team
The Zoning Compliance Team is responsible for assessing compliance with site-specific zoning conditions and applicable zoning code regulations. Team members perform regular and continuous site inspections on all non-residential properties within city limits. This process replaces the previous Landscape Inspection Program, used only to assess compliance with specific landscape standards. Zoning Compliance inspections now include all elements pertaining to planning and zoning requirements related to the Zoning Code and/or individual zoning approvals. Residential properties are also inspected to determine compliance with applicable permits pertaining to decks, patios, fences and other City permits.
Other duties include the review of new building permit applications and plans for compliance with applicable zoning regulations and conditions. The Team also performs field inspections and reviews information contained on tree and landscape plans submitted for development projects prior to receiving zoning reviews.
Team members also provide support to Review Services, Current Planning, Code Enforcement and other divisions of the City.
Zoning Compliance Goal
The primary objective of the Team is to educate property owners and tenants on the specific development requirements that apply to their property. We are aware that requirements are not often communicated as business owners and managers change over the years. The Team takes great pride in working to ensure that the unique quality of life is preserved for the people who live and work in the City of Dublin.
Landscape Requirements
Dublin’s high quality of life is promoted through minimum landscape requirements on commercial developments. Landscaping is not an afterthought of the development process. A fair amount of planning and design considerations help shape the arrangement of the building, parking lots and service areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs
Trees in the parking lot islands are blocking my sign. Can I remove or limb-up the trees to improve visibility?
In most cases, the trees in the parking lot islands are on the approved plans for the property to fulfill a landscape requirement of the zoning code or City approval. These plants cannot be removed to improve visibility for signs. Some pruning is permitted and specific information related to pruning required plants can be found in Section 153.135 (E) of the zoning code. Proper pruning practices must be used and should be performed by a certified arborist or other tree care professional. Please contact Zoning Compliance at 614-410-4660 regarding any landscaping concerns. More information on proper pruning can be found here, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Prune.LikeA.Pro.htm
Dublin recently informed me that the handicap parking spaces at my business are not compliant with code? What signs do I need to install and are there some properties that are grand fathered?
The City of Dublin requires property owners on which handicapped signs are located to post a notice on the signs advising persons of the minimum fine of $250 for a violation of the parking restrictions. Compliance with these provisions is required at each parking space. The required sign notices can be purchased through private vendors or through the City of Dublin Sign Shop, located at 6555 Shier Rings Road, or at 614-410-4750.
Can I put signs in my windows?
Window display signs are limited to one sign per window. One window sign is permitted not to exceed 10% of the area of the window, or six square feet, whichever is less. Signs can be erected no longer than 30 days. Other limitations apply and additional information can be found in Dublin City Code Section 153.157 (K). Individual development plans approved by the City may be more restrictive than City Code, including prohibiting all window advertisements.
Do Dublin inspectors actively patrol and look for violations?
Regular inspections are made for non-residential properties to ensure on-going compliance with regulations. Inspections may also be performed to address a complaint filed by others. To report a violation, please click here.
Mulching
Do I need to apply mulch each spring?
Generally, plants benefit most from a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch. Mulch helps suppress weed growth and reduces the need for watering. Consequently, applying mulch to excess can prevent plants from healthy growth. Existing mulch areas should be stirred-up at least once or twice during the year to help prevent it from becoming too hard. More mulch can be added to maintain 2-4 inch levels.
US Department of Agriculture, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/mulching.html
Tree Planting
What rules apply to tree planting or other landscaping?
Plants cannot be planted in No Build Zones in a way that creates a solid hedge row. No Disturb Zones are to remain in their natural state. Consult your recorded plat or contact Zoning Compliance for more information. These zones are further defined in the Dublin City Code and on the recorded plat. Landscaping required by the Dublin Zoning Code must be installed in accordance with the accepted planting procedures. The continued proper maintenance of these plants is crucial for a sustainable landscape. For more information regarding these accepted methods please contact a Zoning Inspector at 614-410-4600. We have also included a great selection of web sites to aid in your research.
How much do I need to water my new trees?
Water, either too much or too little, is the predominant cause of plant problems. While even established plants need water, newly installed trees and shrubs require adequate moisture the first few years to recover from the stresses of planting. As a general rule, new trees (2-inch caliper) should receive 2 gallons of water every 4 days, from rainfall or watering. An easy way to determine how long to let your hose run on each plant, note the time it takes to fill a gallon container. The type of soil and its drainage characteristics may alter the time between watering so be sure the ground is not’t already wet under the mulch before applying more water.
For more information, http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore.com/learning/watering-tips.aspx
Patio, deck or fence inspections
What inspections do I need for my patio, deck or fence?
Please contact Code Enforcement at 614-410-4647 once the permit has been approved and before construction. Periodic inspections may be required during construction, and a final inspection must also be scheduled to ensure compliance with applicable permits. These inspections facilitate communication with contractors, and any necessary changes to the approved plans can be handled collectively.
I don’t think an inspection was ever requested and the work was completed a long time ago, is it too late?
No, an inspection can still be scheduled, please contact Code Enforcement at 614-410-4647. You do not need to have any of the permit information when you call, we can look up the information from your address.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
What is an Emerald Ash Borer?
EAB is an ash tree killing pest from Asia that was unintentionally introduced to southern Michigan seven years ago. EAB larvae feed on the living portion of the tree, beneath the bark, killing the tree within three to five years.
Where are they found?
EAB has been found in seven states and Canada: Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Currently, more than 30 Ohio counties have been affected, with the most severe outbreak in northwest Ohio. http://www.agri.ohio.gov/public_docs/eab_maps/eab-map-infestation.pdf
What can I do to prevent them?
Ohio is under a quarantine that makes it illegal to move firewood from an infected area. Hopefully, this will slow down the spread of this pest until researchers develop an effective treatment. Individual trees have been treated with an assortment of chemical applications with limited success. Consult a certified arborist for viability and treatment options.
Ash Trees
What is an Ash tree?
It is from genus Frazinus, a medium sized, deciduous (winter leaf drop), with furrowed bark. Common to Ohio are green, white, black and blue ash. It has been planted extensively as a street, park and landscape tree because of its urban tolerance and aesthetic characteristics. It is believed Ohio’s ash tree population is near 4 billion.
I think I have ash trees in my parking lot, will Dublin make me cut them down because of the Emerald Ash Borer?
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To date, the Emerald Ash Borer has not been discovered within city limits. City Code requires the maintenance of healthy plants and should there come a time when the ash trees start to become infected, the trees may need to be replaced with another suitable deciduous tree. Trees located within a property containing a single-family home do not have to be replaced.
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Not sure what an Ash tree looks like, click here.
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Want to learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer, click here.
Tree Preservation
What does DBH mean?
DBH stands for“Diameter at Breast Height.” It is the width of the tree when measured 4 ½ feet above ground level. Trees under 5-inch DBH are measured at 6 inches above ground level.
What is a protected tree?
In Dublin, § 153.141 of the Zoning Code defines a protection tree as one having a DBH of six inches or greater. Protected trees must be enclosed by a tree protection fence.
How do I calculate the area for tree protection?
The tree protection area extends to the “critical root zone,” which is that area extending outward from the base of the tree. The critical root zone is determined by measuring one foot for every one inch of the tree’s DBH. For example, if a tree has a 20-inch DBH then the CRZ is 20 feet from the base of the tree.
Do I need a tree removal permit?
A permit is required for the removal of a protected tree on commercial properties. The City will inspect the site to determine the cause for the removal and verify the extent of the work needed, whether replacement trees will be required. A Tree Removal Permit is free and can be applied for online or by calling Land Use and Long Range Planning at 614-410-4600.