Historic preservation, parking among changes to Columbus' zoning code proposal

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As the first changes to Columbus' zoning code in over 70 years head to a vote, city leaders introduced amendments Monday in response to months of public feedback.

After its first reading, Zone In's final draft is expected to be voted on by Columbus City Council at its meeting July 29. The initiative represents an overhaul of the city's zoning code - how and where homes and businesses can be built -- with the goal of preparing for millions of new residents expected to move in by 2050.

After two years, the first draft of the zoning code was introduced in April, before the start of 3 1/2 months of public feedback. City leaders then introduced amendments at a news conference at the Zone In Gallery, a place where Columbus residents can learn about the program.

"The vast majority said two things," Mayor Andrew Ginther said. "It's time for change, and I want more density in my neighborhood."

Anna Teye-Kasongo, a resident and part of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, spoke in support of the initiative. The coalition is focused on Black and minority home ownership, which drew her to the project.

"I wanted to be a part of the process," Teye-Kasongo said. "I felt that back in 1954, whenever the zoning code was drafted, people like me were not in the room."

Here are the introduced changes proposed for Zone In.

Historic preservation

The city added language clarifying that existing protections for historic districts will stand, even in the areas affected by zoning changes.

"The administration understands how important it is to preserve the historic nature of our communities and that's why we felt it was already built in," Council President Shannon Hardin said. "But we heard a true concern, a real concern. So, we wanted to make it abundantly clear that the guidelines for preservation must be followed first."

The code protects historic sites through requirements that design and demolition are reviewed by historic commissions and that scale and design of new development follow guidelines. The amendments also make historic districts exempt from objective design standards and reinforce design review processes in place in East Franklinton and the University District.

Preserving the history of Columbus is even more important than zoning, according to Hardin.

"That supersedes even the zoning code," Hardin said.

Parking

One major change coming from the zoning code is the introduction of a market-based approach to parking, as opposed to the current one-size-fits-all parking requirements. With this change, parking impact studies were added to the code, making sure extra space is used for more homes instead of being left empty for cars that won't use it.

"We as a city need to prioritize people over parking," President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans said.

Parking is one of the main drivers of housing costs, according to Dorans, who said it's time to prioritize putting roofs over residents' heads.

The studies will allow the city to look at projects individually to determine whether enough parking is provided. This project-by-project approach will allow Columbus to find different ways to mitigate parking issues in a neighborhood, with a study required for any project with a ratio of less than one parking space per unit.

Sustainability

To reduce the environmental impacts that come with growth, encourage walkable neighborhoods and support transit, the city added language focused on sustainability. Dorans said he heard from many residents concerned about the environment.

"One of the things that I heard from lots of different folks across the City of Columbus was, 'How does this code affect sustainability in Columbus?' And I was very excited to hear that," Dorans said.

Creating denser, more walkable neighborhoods is one of the best ways to create a more environmentally friendly community, Dorans said, adding that the city's focus on sprawling out goes against that goal. Language added to the code included requirements for landscaping, using native trees and having electric vehicle charging stations.

The rest

Other changes to the code included additional objective design standards and landscape buffers.

The city said 200,000 units are needed over the next decade to meet growing demand. Zone In's first phase is one step toward that goal, allowing for around 88,000 units.

"We don't just need more affordable housing," Ginther said. "We need more housing at all price points because of this supply crisis right now. Because we don't have enough market-rate housing and workforce housing and affordable housing, our lowest wage-earners are feeling the greatest crunch."