Understanding the Entitlement Process for Triplex Development

Understanding the Entitlement Process for Triplex Development in Columbus, Ohio

By Rob Ellis, Pink Development and Construction

When people first jump into real estate development, one of the most common questions I hear is: Why are there so many upfront costs before we even break ground? The answer? Entitlement and zoning approvals.

Unlike buying a piece of land and immediately building a triplex, the reality in Columbus (and most cities) is that you must go through an approval process. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like, how long it takes, and what you should expect in terms of cost and timeline.

Step 1: Rezoning and Conditional Use Variances

In Columbus, you can’t just build a triplex anywhere. Most land is not zoned for multifamily use, so the first step is rezoning and getting a conditional use variance (CV). This process typically includes:

✅ A rezoning application (switching from R3 to R4)
✅ A statement of hardship (explaining why this change is necessary)
✅ A legal description of the property
✅ Site plans showing how the triplex will fit on the lot
✅ A proximity report to notify neighbors
✅ Public hearings—typically 4-5 meetings

📌 Timeline: Expect 90 days for rezoning approval.

📌 Cost: Around $4,100 in application and consulting fees, plus an additional $3,400 for our time managing the process.

Step 2: The Approval Process (Public Hearings & City Council)

Once the application is submitted, we go through several rounds of public hearings and approvals. Here’s what that looks like:

1️⃣ Site Visit – City officials assess the property
2️⃣ Area Commission Hearing – We present to the local neighborhood board
3️⃣ Development Commission Meeting – City planners review the proposal
4️⃣ City Council Meeting – Final approval for the rezoning

Each meeting requires documentation updates, community engagement, and presentation prep. That’s where our experience comes in—we’ve been through this many times and know how to navigate it efficiently.

Step 3: Permitting and Construction Readiness

After rezoning is approved, we move into the permitting phase, which includes:

📌 Architectural drawings – Custom designs based on city requirements
📌 Building permit applications – Official approval to start construction
📌 Engineer sign-offs – Ensuring the structural integrity of the project
📌 Surveying and site layout – Finalizing property lines and building placement

📌 Timeline: 45 days for permitting

📌 Cost: $10,000 (including architect, engineering, and permitting fees)

Once everything is approved, we’re finally ready to break ground. 🚜

Why This Matters for Investors

At Pink Development and Construction, we focus on urban infill projects in high-demand neighborhoods, where new construction homes sell at 30-40% premiums over older homes. Our strategy involves:

🏡 Developing in zip codes with high rental demand
🚆 Prioritizing locations near transit, hospitals, and employers
📈 Building triplexes in areas where new construction values are 30%+ higher than the market average

With entitlement and permitting taking ~135 days, plus 140 days for construction, the total timeline is about 9-10 months per project.

Final Thoughts: Is This Process Worth It?

For investors looking to build triplexes, understanding zoning and entitlements is crucial. It’s not just about finding land—it’s about knowing what you can build and how to get approval efficiently.

If you’re interested in building a triplex in Columbus and need an experienced team to navigate the process, feel free to reach out. We handle everything from land selection to entitlement and construction.

🔗 Visit BuildATriplex.com to learn more!