Ohio Pen - City of Columbus Proposes to Expand Zoning Code Modernization

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~ Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has proposed a new plan to update the city's zoning code in order to increase access to housing and high-quality jobs while also guiding future investments to benefit all neighborhoods in the city. This proposal is part of the ongoing initiative, Zone In, which aims to modernize the 70-year-old zoning code.

According to Mayor Ginther, last year's zoning reform along key corridors was successful in unlocking significant housing capacity in the city. However, he believes that more needs to be done in order to meet the current challenges faced by the city. He stated, "Cost of living is about more than just rent or mortgage prices. It's also about providing access to high-quality jobs, reducing commute times, connecting families with essential services and amenities, and aligning our growth with reliable public transit."

The next phase of Zone In will focus on updating areas that have outdated regulations which are limiting job growth, housing options, and investment opportunities. This includes areas that are suitable for mixed-use development, industrial and warehouse operations, as well as business and institutional campuses.

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To achieve this goal, new recommended zoning districts will be developed in these areas with the aim of expanding housing options along key corridors and near job centers. This will address housing shortages, increase affordability and reduce commute times for residents. Additionally, it will support small businesses by growing local customer bases and modernizing job centers.

The proposed plan also aims to create connected communities and vibrant main streets by linking housing, jobs, retail and dining through mixed-use development that supports walking, biking and transit. It also seeks to promote high-quality development through clearer zoning rules and consistent design standards that align with neighborhood character.

Zone In was initially adopted by Columbus City Council in 2024 and established new mixed-use zoning districts covering 140 miles of primary corridors. This created conditions for up to 88,000 new housing units. However, the remaining areas require a cohesive policy framework, which will be provided by a growth strategy that will serve as the foundation for future zoning updates.

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Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin expressed his support for the proposal, stating, "While many Ohio cities are facing a drought of jobs and population loss, Columbus is experiencing steady rainfall in the form of new growth. Zone In is how we channel that growth - preventing floods and ensuring it benefits our entire community."

Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans also emphasized the importance of modernizing the zoning code in order to address the current housing challenges faced by the city. He stated, "As we face one of the most significant housing challenges in our city's history, we can't rely on a zoning code written 70 years ago to guide our future. That is why it is so important to continue our efforts to modernize our zoning code."

Community engagement will play a crucial role in shaping both the land use policy and future zoning code reforms. Residents and community members are encouraged to get involved by attending workshops and pop-up events, sharing their feedback through online surveys, and connecting directly with city staff at community gatherings.

To learn more about this proposal and provide feedback, residents can visit columbus.gov/zoningupdate. This initiative is tagged as "Media Releases" and aims to keep residents informed about updates regarding Zone In.

Filed Under: Government, City

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