Graphics commission approves multiple sign plans and variances, including large banner at Eastmore High

The Columbus Graphics Commission on a motion approved several graphics plans and related variances at its August 2025 meeting, voting to carry forward prior approvals and allow new, larger signage at multiple sites in the city.

Commission staff opened the meeting by calling case GC25002611729 for 11 East Seventeenth Avenue, a mixed‑use building in the University Impact District. Staff said the application would repeal and replace the existing graphics plan to retain previously approved signs and variances while adding a primary wall sign on the building’s west façade and tenant signage throughout the building. Staff recommended approval and noted the University Area Commission recommended approval 5–0. The commission voted to approve the graphics plan as presented.

The commission then considered an application to install a 56-by-26-foot banner (1,378 square feet) on the east elevation of Eastmore High School and variances to allow indefinite display time (the code default is 30 days) and the enlarged graphic area. Staff told the commission the applicant revised the request from three smaller banners to a single larger banner and said the Mid East Area Commission recommended approval 12–0. Staff recommended approval, and the commission approved the banner and associated variances.

A third item was an application for a permanent ground sign with automatic changeable copy at the entrance to the Billboard Run Sports Park (identified in the file as GC25-70234657, Western Noble Road). The applicant requested variances to increase the allowed sign area from 87.5 square feet to 159 square feet and to permit on‑site automatic changeable copy. Planning staff said the sign is located off a traffic circle and that the proposed size supports visibility for drivers; staff recommended approval and the Northland community council recommended approval. The commission approved the request with the conditions discussed by staff.

The commission also approved consolidated graphics plans for a gas station at 161 East Campus View Boulevard and for other commercial sites, carrying forward previously approved variances and, in one case, preserving an automatic changeable copy limitation to fuel pricing only as a condition of approval. A final graphics plan for a site on East Dublin‑Granville Road that included parking‑space wayfinding signs and retained prior variances was also approved.

Across the items, staff repeatedly noted that the applications rolled prior variances into a single updated graphics plan for each site, that divisions such as Traffic Management had either no comment or had their issues resolved, and that neighborhood area commissions had voted in favor of the applications as recorded in the staff reports. Several applicants and staff explained that changes (for example, consolidation of smaller banners into one larger banner or the addition of ground signs) were made for visibility from the public right of way or to reflect operational changes such as mobile order pickup at a drive‑through site.

Votes at a glance GC25002611729 (11 East Seventeenth Avenue) — Motion to approve graphics plan replacing prior plan and incorporating prior variances: approved (recorded voice votes; staff and University Area Commission recommended approval 5–0). Eastmore High School banner (Eastmore High School) — Motion to approve installation of a 56x26 ft (1,378 sq ft) banner and related variances (indefinite display; increased area): approved (Mid East Area Commission recommended approval 12–0; staff recommended approval). GC25-70234657 (Western Noble Road / Billboard Run Sports Park) — Motion to approve permanent ground sign with automatic changeable copy and variances to increase maximum ground sign area (87.5 sq ft → 159 sq ft): approved (Northland Community Council recommended approval; staff recommended approval). GC25 (161 East Campus View Boulevard) — Motion to approve consolidated graphics plan carrying forward prior variances and allowing ground signs and direct signage with prior conditions (automatic changeable copy limited to fuel pricing): approved. GC25-0005975 (East Dublin‑Granville Road) — Motion to approve graphics plan incorporating prior variances and installing parking wayfinding signs: approved.

Context Most items on the agenda were updates or consolidations of previously approved graphics plans and variances; staff repeatedly emphasized that the applications largely preserved earlier approvals while adding new signage elements or formalizing existing signs into a single graphics plan. Neighborhood area commissions or advisory bodies associated with each site had recommended approval in the votes recorded in the staff reports. Traffic Management and other city divisions either raised issues that were reported resolved in staff comments or stated they had no comment.

What the commission did not do The commission did not impose new, citywide changes to sign standards in these votes; the approvals were site‑specific and primarily incorporated prior variances. Where third‑party sponsor names or on‑sign advertising were proposed for future use (for example, sponsored panels at a park sign), staff and commissioners noted that additional permits or notices would be required before changing the content beyond the uses approved in the graphics plan.

Future steps Approved graphics plans that carry forward variances remain subject to any permits, administrative clearances, or additional reviews required by other city divisions (for example, building permits, sign permits, or special permits for off‑premise advertising if later proposed). Several staff comments recorded in the meeting noted that applicants must return for further approvals if they change sign content or add on‑site sponsors not covered by the approved graphics plan.