ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Village of Obetz is strategically located along Interstate 270 which provides access to Interstates 70 and 71, as well as US Routes 23 and 33. Alum Creek Drive provides direct access to the Rickenbacker International Airport, a major cargo hub in central Ohio. Convenient passenger transportation is also readily available at Port Columbus International Airport.
Obetz actively supports the expansion of existing businesses and aggressively pursues the addition of new business ventures. Obetz offers a set of local programs and provides assistance seeking state incentives. For more information about economic development within
Obetz, contact Douglas Browell, Village Administrator/Economic Development Director at 614-491-1080 or dbrowell@obetz.oh.us for more information.
Incentives
If any of the incentives below do not meet your needs, Obetz will work with your company create customized incentives.
Enterprise Zone Program: Companies meeting eligibility requirements may receive abatements on real and personal property taxes. This program allows for a tax abatement of up to 75% for up to 10 years on new investment.
Community Reinvestment Area Program: This program offers eligible companies abatement on new real estate property taxes for up to 15 years at a 100% exemption.
Municipal Services: The Village of Obetz owns its utility systems. We offer very competitive rates.
State Programs: The State of Ohio offers a variety of tax incentive programs. For more information on state programs visit the Ohio Department of Development’s web site.
The Obetz Jobs Program has two main components - the resume bank and the temporary labor program. The Village has also partnered with Source Once Staffing Solutions to help residents find employment. Source Once Staffing Solutions works from the Jobs Program office in the Government Center, 4175 Alum Creek Drive. To ensure someone is available, an appointment is required. Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Please contact Maria Ferance of Source One at 863-1744 to schedule an appointment.
Resume Bank: Residents looking for work may submit their resume to the Village. Your resume will be forwarded to Source One and will also be posted on a secured portion of our website where employers will be able to search the resumes. Please use the form below when submitting your qualifications. Email it to Cathy Frederick at cfrederick@obetz.oh.us.
Temporary Labor Program: For employers that make use of temporary labor, the Village has collaborated wtih Source One Staffing Solutions. Source One personnel will act as a liaison between the Village and local businesses to identify the business' needs and find a good match from the pool of residents looking for work. If you are a business and need temporary labor, please contact Maria Ferance with Source One Staffing Solutions at 863-1744.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Planning provides the context for local officials to make decisions about the future of the community. Good planning is also the key to designing a set of zoning regulations which will achieve the goals of the community’s plans.
Obetz has created several plans that are used by Village officials. The two most recent plans are the Triangle Area Land Use Plan and the Southside Area Land Use Plan. Both plans contain future land use maps, goals and objectives, and recommendations for guiding growth within the Village.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is comprised of the Mayor, a Council appointee, and three citizen members appointed by the Mayor. The citizen members are volunteers who give their time and expertise for the benefit of the Village. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets at the Government Center, 4175 Alum Creek Drive, at 6:00 P.M. on the second Wednesday of each month.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the responsibility to review and decide upon variance requests, conditional use requests, site plans, and other matters affecting the physical development and improvement of the Village. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to the Village Council regarding final subdivision plats, rezoning requests, or amendments to the Zoning Code. The Planning and Zoning Commission is also responsible for long range planning including comprehensive planning, land use planning, park and recreation planning, and other studies as may be required or directed by Council.
Zoning
Zoning is a tool used to regulate the use of property for the purposes of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. The zoning code is a part of the Codified Ordinances of the Village. The zoning code creates sixteen zoning classifications wtihin the Village. These classifications are defined by the land uses and densities that are permitted within them. The zoning code also contains additional standards to regulate the other components of a development such as landscaping, signage, and parking.
The zoning map is also a critical componment of the Zoning Code. It illustrates the present zoning classification of each parcel within the Village.
A zoning permit, “Certificate of Zoning Compliance”, is required prior to the construction, conversion, enlargement, alteration, or reconstruction of buildings or structures including fences, sheds, detached garages, hot tubs, and swimming pools that are 24 inches or more in depth. The purpose of the permit is to ensure improvements comply with the zoning code. If you have additional zoning questions, please contact Stacey Boumis, AICP, Community Services Director, at 614-491-1080 or sboumis@obetz.oh.us.
Links
American Planning Association (APA)
Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Ohio Planning Conference
Franklin County Auditor
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
It is the responsibility of the Building Department to ensure that all state and local building codes are enforced. The Building Department reviews both commercial and residential applications. Building permit applications may be submitted to the Building Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Four copies of the plans are required for review. The Building Department is located at 4175 Alum Creek Drive. Melissa McMillon, Building Department Coordinator, may be reached at 614-491-1080 or mmcmillon@obetz.oh.us.
Scheduling an Inspection
To schedule all residential building inspections with the exception of plumbing and electrical call 614-409-4425, ext. 435. Calls received prior to 9:00 A.M. can typically receive same day inspections. To schedule electrical and commercial inspections call 614-470-1234. Plumbing inspections are performed by the Franklin County Board of Health. To schedule a plumbing inspection call 614-462-3160. When calling for any inspection please provide your permit number, job site address, and the time and date when you need an inspection. When the inspector gets to the job site, the permit card and a copy of the approved plans must be available.
Permits
Click here to access the most common zoning and building permit forms.
Links
International Code Council
Franklin County Board of Health
Building Industry Association of Central Ohio (BIA)
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Effective building and zoning compliance requires the assistance of residents adhering to the regulations of the Village and reporting violations. The information that residents provide is kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. Complainants are not required to provide their name unless they request a follow-up call. Complaints may be lodged by phone weekdays, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 614-491-1080. Complaints may also be submitted in person at the Government Center, 4175 Alum Creek Drive or emailed to Melissa McMillon at mmcmillon@obetz.oh.us.