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Administration

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1. Do I need a garage sale permit? How can I get one?

Yes, a permit is necessary to hold a garage sale. To receive a permit, please complete the Garage Sale Permit Application and bring or mail it with the $5 application fee to City Hall:
6550 N. High St.
Worthington, OH 43085

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Building Regulations

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1. How does the passage of Issue 38 affect my development project?

On November 3, 2015, Worthington voters approved an amendment to the City Charter regarding when zoning laws (ordinances) go into effect and the related right of citizens to petition for a referendum vote on such laws. The new Charter provision extends the number of days before changes to the zoning code or rezoning decisions made by City Council go into effect. This allows citizens more time to file a referendum, if there is opposition to the City Council decision. Find out more about what Issue 38 means

2. What information do you need when applying for a building permit, and how many copies?

For one-, two- and three-family dwellings, two copies of the construction documents are needed. The following document details some of the minimum requirements. Minimum Construction Document Requirements

3. Where can I get code information without buying one?

The codes and codified ordinances are available for public inspection at the Planning and Building Department:
374 Highland Ave.
Worthington, OH 43085

The base documents, like the International Residential Code and International Building Code, are typically found in public libraries as well. For common information, try the following website. Code Check

4. Why am I being asked for the estimated cost of construction?

We use the information to understand the amount of activity occurring in the City, and Franklin County uses the information when assessing the value of its real estate. The United States Census Bureau also requires a monthly report to be filed. For complete information, please see the following website. Census Bureau Information

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Information Technology

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1. Where is the City of Worthington Sponsored Wireless area?

Through a partnership with the City of Worthington and Harborlink Networks, the Wi-Fi network can be accessed along the High Street corridor in the Old Worthington Downtown Business District. This area runs from South Street north along High Street to North Street.

2. How can I connect to the Worthington Wi-Fi Network?

You will need a computing device that is capable of 802.11 Wi-Fi access. Some devices can use an add-on card or USB device to make them capable of receiving and sending Wi-Fi signals.

3. How do I get on the Worthington Wi-Fi System?

When you are in the service area, your Wireless device will detect the "harborlink" network. Choose and accept this connection. You will see a greeting page with sponsorships. This page may reappear every 12 minutes.

4. What can I do if I can't see or get on to the Harborlink Network?

Please call Harborlink Technical Support if you feel you are having problems getting connected or don't see the network listed in the service area. They can be reached at 1-800-451-0738.

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Mayor's Court

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1. Will the Mayor be hearing my case in court?

Yes, Mayor Holmes will preside over the case. He is an attorney qualified to preside over the Court.

2. Can I pay my ticket without appearing in court?

You will need to look at the ticket to determine that. The line above the court date will indicate if your appearance is required. If it is not required, you may follow this link for additional information. Rate Chart

3. Do I need an attorney?

You may have any attorney represent you if you wish. You are not required to have one.

4. How can I contest my ticket?

You can contest a ticket by appearing at the Clerk of Court office to enter a not guilty plea. Your case will then be set for trial.

5. What if I can't come to court on my court date?

Please call the Clerk of Court office to verify that you are eligible for a continuance. If you are, you must appear at the Clerk of Court office to sign a form requesting a continuance. No continuances will be granted over the telephone.

6. Can I change the jurisdiction of my case to the Franklin County Municipal Court?

If it is an offense other than a minor misdemeanor, a written jury demand must be filed with the Clerk of Court. If it is a minor misdemeanor offense, a written request to transfer must be filed with the Clerk of Court.

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Olentangy Revitalization Project

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1. What is the current status of this project?

The project is ongoing. Two public tours were held in the summer of 2009. The Parks and Recreation Commission hosted a public meeting in July 2009 to hear resident concerns. A survey was mailed to 48 homeowners that border the parkland dealing primarily with the maintenance of where parkland and private property lines meet. The Parks and Recreation Commission has addressed concerns and will continue to discuss plans at their monthly meetings.

2. Why is this project being considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission?

Sustainable practices are valid and valuable for the future of our parks in Worthington. This 103-acre parkland was developed in 1974. It now has approximately 70 acres of woods, approximately 30 acres that are mowed and 3 acres being returned to natural grasses and wildflowers. Approximately 50 trees each year are taken down for various reasons - from age and decline, disease, beaver damage or trimming. In just the past 10 years, we have lost well over 500 trees. This project gives positive direction for proper stewardship of this property.

3. What process will be followed by the City to address this project?

Results of the homeowner survey were recorded and presented to the commission. All resident input has been considered. The Columbus Department of Health has completed a site visit and filed a report with analysis and comments. The plan will continue a review process through the Parks and Recreation Commission to allow for public input. Additional projects could be considered in a partnership with scouts or other community groups.

4. What changes will be seen in the parkland?

Whitney and Highgate playgrounds have been renovated with new equipment and a safety surface, including new swing bays. The tennis courts were resurfaced in the summer of 2009. Wood chip paths have been added as an option for walkers and joggers. Three benches have been donated, and two seating areas created along the river. Low vegetation will replace overgrown honeysuckle. A wildflower meadow with an American Elm restoration was created. In the spring of 2009, 75 native hardwood seedlings from our tree nursery were planted, and additional plantings are planned. Also in 2009, 300 trees were planted in a variety of locations. The grass areas have been mowed to a winter height.

5. Why is reforestation a priority?

Besides the known loss of trees in this park, a tree canopy report that was submitted stated that currently 70 acres of City-owned land, or approximately 38% of property, is under tree canopy cover. The current canopy sequesters about 24 metric tons of carbon per year. To put that in perspective, City operations produce about 5,750 metric tons per year. The report recommends that a greenways project be implemented. Our program is in coordination with what Ohio and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would like to see occur across the region in respect to carbon emissions reduction as well as stormwater treatment.

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Police

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1. What number do I call in case of an emergency?

In a true emergency situation, call 9-1-1. For general information, please call our non-emergency number, (614) 885-4463.

2. My Identity was stolen, what do I do?

Assistance can be found through the Identity Theft Unit. Follow this link for information and assistance.

3. Can I get a copy of a police or accident report?

Yes. To obtain an accident report taken by the Worthington Division of Police, please call (614) 885-4463 Monday though Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The office is closed on holidays.

4. Do you take fingerprints for employment?

We no longer offer this service; however, the Franklin County sheriff's office and the City of Columbus do provide this service. There are also private businesses that can take your fingerprints for employment purposes.

5. Can I arrange for a tour of the police department?

Yes, for school age children and adults. Interested parties should contact Community Relations Officer Tammy Floyd at 885-4463. We will work with you to set a mutually convenient time, generally between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tours generally last about an hour and are tailored to the ages of the tour group.

6. What time is curfew in Worthington?

For children age 12 and under, the hours are from dark to dawn unless with a parent or guardian or on a legitimate errand as directed by his or her parent or guardian. For youth ages 13 to 17, the hours are from midnight to 6:00 a.m. unless he or she is with a parent or guardian or on a legitimate errand as directed by a parent or guardian, or directly en route to or from employment.

7. My neighbor’s dog is barking, what can the police do?

Worthington City Code section 505.09 states no person shall keep or harbor any dog within the Municipality which, by frequent and habitual barking, howling or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet and good order of the Municipality. Any person, who shall allow any dog habitually to remain, be lodged or fed within any dwelling, building, yard or enclosure, which he occupies or owns, shall be considered as harboring such dog. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

8. My neighbor has a car/truck that does not move for days at a time, what can the police do?

Worthington City Code section 351.12 states no person shall park any vehicle on any street in the City for a continuous period of more than twenty-four hours. Whoever violates any provision of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

9. Can a speaker be requested for a local citizen group meeting?

Yes. The Police Division has officers and detectives who can speak on a variety of topics. For a guest speaker for an upcoming event or meeting, call (614) 436-8634.

10. I’m locked out of my car. Can you help me get into it?

No, The Worthington Division of Police no longer provides this service.

11. What are the age restrictions regarding children and car seats?

Children who are in either or both categories of less than 4 years of age OR less than 40 pounds must be in a child restraint safety seat. Children less than 8 years of age, unless they have reached 4’9’’ in height must be in a booster seat. Children who are 8 – 15 years of age must use a seat belt. Please check the Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.81 for more information.

12. Who do I contact to get a Knox Box?

Call the Worthington Division of Fire at (614) 885-7640 with any questions regarding Knox Boxes.

13. Can the police tell me how many points/accidents there are on my driving record?

No. The police are not authorized to release that information. Call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (614) 752-7500.

14. Can I get a photo I.D. at the police department?

No. Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (614) 752-7500.

15. I received a speeding ticket. Can the police department tell me how much I have to pay?

No. If you received a speeding ticket from the Worthington Division of Police, call the Worthington Clerk of Courts between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at (614) 786-7351. In some cases, you will receive that information when you are handed the ticket.

16. My electric is out. Can the police tell me when the power will come back on?

No. Contact AEP (American Electric Power) at (800) 277-2177.

17. What day will my trash be picked up?

In the City of Worthington, trash, recycling and yard waste are typically picked up on Friday. There are occasions during holiday weeks that trash day shifts to Saturday for that week. Please call the Worthington Department of Public Service for more information (614) 431-2425.

18. My street hasn’t been plowed yet since the snowstorm. When will it be plowed?

Please contact the City of Worthington Service Department at (614) 431-2425 regarding snow removal.

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Service & Engineering

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1. I'm a new to the City of Worthington. How do I set up trash collection service?

Solid Waste Collection, (regular garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection) is available free of charge to every resident in a single family home, duplex, or three family building in the City. The bill is paid by the City and funded through the collection of income and property taxes. Recycling bins are available free of charge at our office, 380 Highland Ave. Residents must provide their own trash cans. Commercial structures and apartments are not covered in the City's contract.

2. When is Trash Collection?

Collection of garbage, recyclables and yard waste occurs every Friday unless otherwise noted due to a major holiday (see the schedule). Please note that all solid waste must be at the curb by 6AM to ensure collection. Solid waste placed at the curb later than 6AM may not be collected.

Holiday Collection Schedule

3. Where can I get a recycling bin?

Recycling bins are provided directly by Local Waste Services.  65 gallon wheeled carts are provided for recycling free of charge.  If you do not have one at your residence, call the Service & Engineering Department at 614-431-2425 to schedule delivery. 

4. Why wasn't my trash/recycling/yard waste collected?

Typically, solid waste left at the curb by the drivers did not meet the criteria for collection. Restrictions on size, weight and proper containers must be observed to ensure collection. Items not packaged correctly will not be collected.

City Services Guide

5. How can I get rid of old paint?

Latex paint cannot be placed out for trash collection if it's still wet. In order to dispose of it, remove the lid and stir in sand, kitty litter or a paint hardener available at most hardware stores. Once the paint is COMPLETELY DRY AND HARDENED you can place the cans in out for regular trash collection. Make sure to leave the lids off.

6. How can I get rid of Fluorescent Bulbs?

Fluorescent bulbs, both tube and compact, contain harmful materials and are considered hazardous waste. To dispose of them properly, take them to any Home Depot store for free drop off. The bulbs will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.

7. Does the City remove dead animals?

If a dead animal is present in the City right-of-way such as a street, we can remove the animal. If the animal is on private property (in your yard, driveway, sidewalk or home) you must contact a private company, or perform the removal yourself. A list of service providers is available by typing "Animal Control" in a search engine. See more information at the link below. More information: Nuisance/Stray Animals & Pests

8. The Traffic Light seems to stay red forever. I had to run the light. Is it broken?

Many Traffic lights in the City of Worthington work only when they are "tripped". These intersections are identified with a sign or detector hanging by the traffic light that illuminates when a car stops in the proper position over the detector. If you are at a red light, make sure you have stopped with your front bumper right over the white stop bar on the pavement. Also, look to make sure the indicator is illuminated. If not, you have likely pulled beyond the stop bar and the detector will never "trip" the light. Traffic Lights and Street Lights

9. The Traffic Light turns green, but only a few cars get through! Is it broken?

Many intersections in the City Of Worthington are timed to coordinate with the traffic signals up and down each street, well beyond that intersection. This helps to ensure the most effective flow of traffic for cars on each road of a given intersection. As a result, some lights seem slow to change to green, and rather quick to change back to red. For more information, follow the link below. Traffic Signals

10. A street light near my home is burned out. Who do I call?

The answer depends on the location of the street lights. The old fashioned looking, decorative green street lights along High St. from North St. to South St., and along 161 from Morning St. to Evening St. are owned and maintained by the City. To report a problem with one of those lights, please call the Service and Engineering Department at 614-431-2425. Or visit our Service Request Page. For street lights elsewhere throughout the City, please contact AEP. American Electric Power owns and maintains these street lights. To report a problem with an AEP Street Light please call 1-800-672-2231 or visit

AEP Street Light Reporting