More towers, less parking: The zoning code changes that could reshape Columbus for ‘generations’
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The City of Columbus is seeking public opinion on changes to the zoning code — previously unaltered for decades — that are intended to help keep up with rapid growth.
City council voted on Monday to declare its intention to amend Columbus’ Zoning Map. This is part of a plan to modernize the city’s 70-year-old zoning code for anticipated population growth and to combat the rising housing crisis. The newly passed resolution didn’t change the current zoning code, but opened up a 60-day comment period for the public to provide feedback on the proposal.
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The resulting decision will have a major impact on the city that lasts for a long time, according to Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans.
“Why should you care? Fundamentally, this is what’s going to shape what Columbus looks like going into the next two generations,” Dorans said. “Also, if you care about more families having a house or a roof over their heads, this code is something that can help unleash that.”
Mayor Andrew Ginther introduced the proposed changes on Thursday. 88,000 new homes are expected to be built in the next 10 years because of the plan, but Ginther said the city would only be able to create 6,000 without the proposal. The initiative would also create six zoning districts, prioritize taller buildings to increase density and focus less on parking.
Dorans said the 60-day period for public comment marks the beginning of a new stage of zoning code discussions.
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“We’re moving out of sort of this aspirational, general discussion about the need, I think we’ve identified there’s a clear problem here,” Dorans said. “I think we now have a solution that’s on the table. And now’s the opportunity for folks to review that.”
While the public comment period has only just begun, Dorans said that public response has been largely positive since the proposal was announced.
The legislation requires two public hearings, but Doran said he expects there to be more than that. He also said the 60-day period will likely go beyond the allotted days, and could last late into the summer. Setting guidelines was still important, according to Dorans, because it showed the city was taking the public’s response seriously.
A “Zone In Gallery” at 141 N. Front Street opened Tuesday to give residents a chance to learn more about the changes. Dorans explained that the gallery will provide a more hands-on experience to really show residents what could change with the proposal.
“See, feel and touch is the best way for a lot of folks to really understand some of these changes,” Dorans said. “So, you know, the zoning gallery is sort of the city’s attempt to have that sort of experience.”
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Dorans was firm about listening to comments from the public. He said that community feedback could identify something in the zoning code proposal that needs to be reconsidered.
“Myself and I think the council president and all of council, we want to address those things, potentially by amending legislation,” Dorans said.
The city’s zoning code has remained the same for the past 70 years. Dorans noted this shows the importance of the public comment period, because the community may not get another chance to influence the zoning code for decades.
“We haven’t done this in 70 years, right?” Dorans said. “So, folks care about what the next 70 years of building looks like in Columbus, now’s the time to engage, really to understand what these changes proposed have been. If folks have thoughts, ideas, criticisms, council wants to hear those now.”
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