Guiding Principles

The Village of Granville is well known for its distinctive character, historic architectural features, and strong sense of place. An important desire of Granville residents is the preservation of the "small-town New England" feel of the community.

Land use planning and the related zoning provisions are tools to enhance and protect the key assets of the community such as the residential neighborhoods, the downtown, the natural areas, and the historic resources. Those tools establish the location and preferred characteristics of various land uses to help assure that development and future growth is managed in a manner that is consistent with the public interest.

The Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2012 by the Village Council and the Township Trustees provides that the distinctive small-town character of Granville be preserved by following some basic principles and guidelines:

• Direct Development toward the Existing Village

• Preserve the Existing Village Character

• Strengthen the Community Core

• Design Real Neighborhoods

• Delineate and Enhance Gateways

Zoning Regulations 

The Zoning Code requires that any new construction, addition, or modification to any building, structure or land within the Village limits must be approved by the Village staff or by the Granville Planning Commission. This would include homes, garages, air conditioning units, fences, swimming pools, antennas, signs, driveways, or anything that requires permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground. In any of these situations, a property owner must file an application with the Planning and Development Department for review and approval. A permit is also required for any excavation of land or the demolition of any building. The only types of construction that are exempt from a zoning permit are exact replacements (such as replacing steps) or the re-roofing of a building or structure. However, if the replacement is not exact and alters the building or structure architecturally, the property owner is required to pursue the issuance of a zoning permit.

If an application is consistent with the requirements of the zoning code, it will be approved by the Village staff or by the Planning Commission, whichever is applicable. If any application does not meet the criteria found in the zoning code, the application will be denied. However, the applicant may request a variance hearing before the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals for an alteration or waiver of some of the Code requirements (for example, setback requirements).  

Zoning Map

Short-Term Rental Update (04/01/2024): The Village is examining and revising its Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinances and guidelines and is currently not processing any new applications while this review is in process. Please stay tuned for more information.

Architectural Review

If your property is located in the Architectural Review Overly District, you are required to meet additional architectural standards, which can be found in Section 1161 of the Zoning Code. Applications for all new construction or significant external and/or structural alterations in the Architectural Review District are reviewed by the Granville Planning Commission. The Planning Commission reviews applications once a month to review applications. Outside of the Architectural Review Overlay District, most, but not all, applications are reviewed at the staff level only.

Building Permit

The state of Ohio recently adopted a new set of building code regulations, entitled the "Residential Code of Ohio", that apply to single family, two-family, and three-family dwelling units. While zoning permits for the construction and alteration of dwelling units are issued by the Village, building permits are issued on behalf of the Village by the Licking County Building Department.

Additional Information

The following is some additional information that may be helpful:

• 2024 Submittal deadlines for the Granville Planning Commission applications

• 2024 Submittal deadlines for the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals applications

• Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Code

• Zoning Fees

• Licking County Building Department

• Licking County Health Department - Environmental Health

• Licking County Auditor - ON TRAC

  For more information, please contact the Planning & Development Department at (740) 587-3997. Zoning forms are accessible via button below.