LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
THE GERMAN VILLAGE COMMISSION was created by Columbus City Council in 1960 as an architectural advisory commission to oversee the preservation and maintenance of the German Village area. In 1963, with passage of city ordinance Chapter 3325 of the Columbus Zoning Code, the boundaries of the German Village Historic District were established and the Commission was authorized to regulate new construction, alterations, maintenance, and demolition of properties within those boundaries. As such, the German Village Commission was the first historic district commission in Columbus.

The Commission is made up of seven voluntary members who are appointed by the mayor and serve three-year terms. Commission meetings, which are open to the public, are held the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the German Village Society Meeting Haus at 588 South Third Street.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT
houses the City Historic Preservation offices and
provides staff assistance to each historic district in Columbus. The city staff prepares Commission agendas and takes minutes at Commission meetings. Staff also maintains all Commission minutes, agendas, and project files, as well as sends out applications for certificates of appropriateness and accepts completed applications.

Contacts:

City of Columbus Historic Preservation office
Department of Development / Neighborhood Services
109 North Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-645-8620

THE GERMAN VILLAGE SOCIETY
is a membership organization formed in 1960 to promote the preservation and improvement of the German Village area. The Society was instrumental in the establishment of the German Village local historic district and commission during the early 1960s. Since that time, the Society has staffed an office that serves as a headquarters and public information center.

As a nonprofit organization, the Society sponsors community activities, provides information to residents and tourists, and serves as a liaison for the Village to the Columbus community. Over the years, the Society has established highly successful community events that annually attract thousands of visitors to the Village. Notable among these are the popular Haus and Garten Tour, begun in 1960, and Oktoberfest.

Contact: German Village Society
Historic Preservation Officer
588 South Third Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-221-8888

THE BUILDING SERVICES DIVISION
reviews plans, issues building permits, and inspects work in progress. Building Services can also find projects in violation of the Ohio Basic Building Code or the City Zoning Code, including Chapter 3325 that established design review for German Village. Before issuing a building permit for projects in the Village, Building Services must have a copy of the certificate of appropriateness and the building plans stamped by the German Village Commission. Department staff also process all requests for zoning variances for construction and change of use. Building Services supplies copies of the City Zoning Code and information about submitting plans.

Contact: Building Services Division
Department of Development
757 Carolyn Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43224
614-645-7314

THE OHIO HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
is the official state preservation agency. Its professional staff carries out survey and inventory work to identify historic structures; administers the National Register of Historic Places program in Ohio; reviews and assists with design matters for projects using the rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit; and provides educational and technical assistance on preservation matters.

Contact: Ohio Historic Preservation Office
Ohio Historical Center
1985 Velma Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211
614-297-2470

PRESERVATION OHIO
is a statewide, nonprofit network of individuals, businesses, cities, villages, and preservation agencies. This network disseminates information about preservation efforts, promotes preservation projects, and helps communities and individuals learn from the experiences of others.

Contact: Preservation Ohio
31 East High Street, Suite 400
Springfield, Ohio 45502
614-437-8393

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes historic preservation nationwide. Established in 1949, it has developed many important programs: ownership and management of significant historic properties; workshops and educational seminars; an annual meeting with extensive training and information sessions; and a preservation press and book store. Particularly important are the National Main Street Center, which promotes downtown economic development through historic preservation, and the Trust's regional offices that serve clusters of states.

Contact: National Trust for Historic Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-588-6000

National Trust for Historic Preservation Midwest Regional Office
53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1135
Chicago, Illinois 60604
312-353-3419