Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, City of Columbus | City of Columbus website
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, City of Columbus | City of Columbus website
Published on April 4, 2024
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today introduced to Columbus City Council a proposal to modernize Columbus’ 70-year-old zoning code. The initiative aims to address the city and region’s housing, mobility, and affordability challenges while fostering quality development and sustainable growth. If adopted, the proposal is expected to support the creation of 88,000 new homes—44% of the region's housing demand—in 10 years.
"Columbus is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation under this proposal. This modernization of our code, where our residents have already called for change, will address critical housing and affordability challenges and lay the foundation for a more equitable, vibrant and sustainable future for our city,” said Mayor Ginther. “By leveraging our corridors to create diverse housing options and grow our transportation system, we are charting a course toward a more inclusive and prosperous Columbus for all."
The code proposal recommends creating six new mixed-use zones on 12,300 parcels of land along Columbus’ busiest streets. Presently projected to support the creation of 6,000 housing units, these parcels could potentially unlock the creation of an additional 82,000 homes through market-driven parking strategies, permissibility for taller construction, and a clearer process.
“This is about the future we want. Right now, our exclusionary and convoluted zoning code hurts us all by contributing to rising rents, skyrocketing home prices and a looming homelessness and eviction crisis. If we don’t act boldly now to allow more housing supply, longtime residents will get priced out of neighborhoods they love,” said Council President Shannon Hardin. “Moreover, upzoning along the corridors represents an inflection point for Columbus to pivot away from car-centric sprawl and toward a sustainable future of dense, mixed-use transit-oriented development.”
On Monday, April 8th, Columbus City Council will consider a resolution to receive the proposal. Should it be approved; the city will initiate a 60-day public comment period starting April 9th. Residents may visit columbus.gov/zoningupdate or the Zone In Gallery at 141 N. Front St., where they can learn about the code proposal interactively.
“Modernizing our zoning code is one of the most important things we will do as a community to shape our city’s future,” said Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans. “In the coming months; Council will host multiple public hearings while the Zone In Gallery and website will be available for residents to learn more about proposed changes.” Dorans emphasized that resident engagement is crucial in ensuring that community feedback shapes final legislation.
City Hall
90 West Broad Street
Columbus,
Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 645-3111
Alerts Sign-up