City of Columbus-Bartholomew County Planning Department

City of Columbus-Bartholomew County Planning Department The Planning Department provides long-range community planning and current development review services for the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County.

The City of Columbus – Bartholomew County Planning Department provides both long-range community planning and current development review services for the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County. The Planning Department also provides zoning and subdivision control administration services for the Town of Hartsville and the Edinburgh / Bartholomew / Columbus Joint District Plan Commission. The Planni

ng Department is a companion agency to the Bartholomew County Department of Technical Code Enforcement which provides building permit and inspection services for Columbus and Bartholomew County. The mission of the Planning Department is (1) to assist the development community and the public in interpreting and applying land use regulations and processes, (2) to provide land use and development information to local officials and the public, (3) to facilitate public discussion of development, land use, and other community issues. This is an official City of Columbus, Indiana Facebook account. All content is public record and archived. Comments not in compliance with the City social media policy will be recorded and hidden from public view. View the City of Columbus social media policy at http://columbus.in.gov/city-hall/city-of-columbus-social-media-policy/.

Congratulations and welcome to Sandy Sherman, who was sworn-in Wednesday by Mayor Ferdon as a new member of the City of ...
04/09/2026

Congratulations and welcome to Sandy Sherman, who was sworn-in Wednesday by Mayor Ferdon as a new member of the City of Columbus Plan Commission. Sandy is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Burchyett Realty Group. She and her husband Jerry are long-time Columbus residents and have two adult children. Sandy was appointed to the commission by the Mayor and will serve an initial term through 2028.

Thank you to everyone who took the survey or attended the first open house for the Columbus and Bartholomew County Trans...
04/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the survey or attended the first open house for the Columbus and Bartholomew County Transportation Plan Update. Based on that input a draft transportation improvement project priority list has been created. Please come to our next open house to share your opinion on these potential projects and review other future wish-list projects.

The open house will be Monday, April 13th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Columbus City Hall. For more information see the images below or visit: https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning/transportation-plan-update/

03/25/2026

The Bartholomew Co. SWCD is excited to announce our Callery Pear Removal Program!

Our Callery Pear Removal Program is an incentive program intended to defray Bartholomew County landowner costs for removal of mature, standalone, landscape Callery Pear trees. The goal of this program is to help landowners practice better environmental stewardship by providing financial assistance for the removal of invasive pear trees that would not otherwise be removed without financial assistance.

For approved applicants, the program provides a $400 reimbursement grant for removal of any variety of Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana). Common names include but are not limited to: Bradford, Aristocrat, Cleveland Select, Chanticleer.

We are pleased to partner with Frank's Tree Care & Arborist Services and Bluestone Tree services who have offered a discount on removal of Callery Pear Trees for this program.

Please visit our website for more information!

https://www.bartholomewswcd.org/callery-pear-removal

01/29/2026

Bartholomew County’s travel status has been downgraded to Advisory (Yellow) as road conditions continue to improve. While progress has been made, snow- and ice-covered roads remain, especially on secondary roads and less-traveled areas.

An Advisory means travel may be hazardous due to current or expected weather conditions. Drivers should use caution, slow down, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Unnecessary travel should be avoided if possible.

01/27/2026

Bartholomew County has downgraded its travel status based on improving conditions across the county. While progress continues, snow- and ice-covered roads remain, especially on secondary roads and less-traveled areas.

What this means for residents:

• Travel is now permitted, but use caution

• Expect slick spots, packed snow, and icy areas, particularly in shaded locations

• Allow extra time, reduce speeds, and increase following distance

Road crews will continue working to improve conditions, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as cleanup efforts continue.

Please continue to stay alert, drive cautiously, and watch for additional updates as conditions evolve.

A Watch means travel conditions are threatening. Only essential travel is recommended, and drivers should use extreme caution if travel is necessary.

Please continue to monitor conditions, follow guidance from local officials, and check the Indiana Travel Status Map before heading out. We will share updates as conditions change. Stay safe!

01/25/2026

Travel Status Update – Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County has elevated its travel status to a WARNING (Red) due to hazardous road conditions.

A Warning means travel conditions are dangerous. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, and is restricted to emergency personnel only. Snow-covered roads and worsening conditions are expected.

Please stay off the roads if possible, monitor local updates, and check the Indiana Travel Status Map before traveling. We will continue to share updates as conditions change.

Public officials will meet to reevaluate the travel status on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 8:00 am to determine if Bartholomew County will remain at Warning level or downgrade.

Stay safe.

01/25/2026

Update 01.24.2026 - 11:10pm:

Travel Status Update – Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County has elevated its travel status to a WATCH (Orange) due to continued snowfall and expectations that road conditions will continue to deteriorate throughout the night.

A Watch means travel conditions are threatening. Only essential travel is recommended, and drivers should use extreme caution if travel is necessary.

Please continue to monitor road conditions, follow guidance from local officials, and check the Indiana Travel Status Map before heading out. We will share updates as conditions change. Stay safe!

01/24/2026

Bartholomew County has been elevated to an ADVISORY travel status.

An Advisory means travel may be hazardous due to current or expected weather conditions. Drivers should use caution, slow down, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Unnecessary travel should be avoided if possible.

Please continue to monitor road conditions, follow guidance from local officials, and check the Indiana Travel Status Map before heading out. We will share updates as conditions change. Stay safe!

You still have time to share your opinion on our transportation system! If you drive, walk, run, bike, or take the bus w...
01/07/2026

You still have time to share your opinion on our transportation system! If you drive, walk, run, bike, or take the bus we want to hear from you! The survey is available through Feb 1st. Thank you to the 300+ people who have already participated. Even if you already completed the survey, you are welcome to add additional feedback to the interactive map. For more project information see the flyer below or visit https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning/mtp/.

Are you interested in the future of our Columbus and Bartholomew County transportation system? We are currently updating...
11/07/2025

Are you interested in the future of our Columbus and Bartholomew County transportation system? We are currently updating the Columbus & Bartholomew County Transportation Plan. If you drive, walk, run, bike, or take the bus we want to hear from you and have two ways for you to share your thoughts.

Take our survey here: https://engage.publiccoordinate.com/en/project/campo-mtp
It will be available until February 1, 2026.

Attend the public open house on November 19, 2025 at City Hall from 4 to 7 pm.

For more information see the flyer below or visit https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning/mtp/

Address

Columbus City Hall, 123 Washington Street
Columbus, IN
47201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(812) 376-2550

Website

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