Graphics Commission backs limited ‘gateway’ digital signs near downtown

Columbus’ Graphics Commission voted to recommend a proposed new zoning code section that would allow up to six building‑mounted “gateway digital graphics” in a designated area within 1 mile of the downtown district.

The recommendation, made after staff review and a round of questions, sends the draft code language to city council as part of the broader Title 34 zoning updates. The proposal limits the graphics to six locations, requires that they be affixed to buildings, and sets size, spacing and technical standards.

Shannon Pine, a presenter for the Graphics Commission, told members the proposal creates a new, standalone code section defining “gateway digital graphics,” the geographic “gateway” area (the downtown district and locations within 1 mile of any exterior point of that district) and the permit pathway: an applicant files for a special permit with the Graphics Commission for each gateway graphic. Pine said the new section also requires that the designs be “principally oriented toward the interstate or freeway.”

Director Scott Messer said the changes are tied to the…