Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the Director of Building and Zoning Services to modify the professional services contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (“Consultant”) for the Zoning Code and Map Update project, now known as the Zone In Initiative, for the purpose of adding funding to the existing contract.
The contract was extended to May of 2028 by Ordinance Number 0837-2026. No funding was added at that time. It is necessary to add funding now so that the Consultant can continue to provide guidance and insight for the Zone In Initiative through completion of Phase Two and advise on other essential revisions to the current Zoning Code and the 2024 Zoning Code throughout the duration of the project.
The objective of the Zone In Initiative is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and update of the current Zoning Code and Zoning Map, in a phased progression across the City, to ensure more user friendly and efficient procedures for permitting and administration of the Zoning Code and amendments to the Digital Zoning map. An updated Zoning Code is an important tool in proactively managing growth.
The Zone In Initiative has always been expected to extend over multiple years under the expert guidance of the Consultant, therefore, it would be impractical to put the continuation of this project out for another professional service request for proposal process. The funds needed for this modification are based on the negotiated costs of the professional services needed for overhauling the City’s extensive Zoning Code.
The team at Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. has been instrumental in assisting the City with the monumental task of comprehensively updating the Zoning Code. The Consultant will continue having weekly meetings with the City Zone In Project Team and will also work closely with other consultants on community outreach and engagement; will participate in regular organizational and strategy meetings and meetings with the public and City leadership; prepare information for the project website, public meetings, and direct stakeholder engagement; draft extensive code updates; and assess community feedback/input in the preparation of proposed code updates.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE:
Vendor: Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (D365 Vendor Acct. - 033454)
Contract compliance number: CC033454
Exp: 03/18/2028
The company is not disbarred according to the excluded party listing system of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved finding for recovery certified search.
State of Ohio Number 5389918
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $750,000.00 for this contract modification, which is available in Fund 2240, the Development Services Fund.
Original Contract Amount: $1,849,637.00
Modification #1 Amount: $ 100,000.00
Modification #2 Amount: $1,300,000.00
Modification #3 Amount: $ 750,000.00
Total Amount: $3,999,637.00
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to modify the contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. to add funding for continued work on the Zoning Code and Map Update project, known as "Zone In"; and to authorize an expenditure of $750,000.00 from the Development Services Fund. ($750,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. (“Consultant”) has been instrumental in assisting the City with the monumental task of comprehensively updating City Code Title 33, the Zoning Code, through the Zoning Code and Map Update project, now known as the Zone In Initiative; and
WHEREAS, the contract was extended to May of 2028 by Ordinance Number 0837-2026. No funding was added at that time. It is has now become necessary to modify the contract to add funding so that the Consultant can continue to provide guidance and insight for the Zone In Initiative through completion of Phase Two and advise on other essential revisions to the current Zoning Code and the 2024 Zoning Code throughout the duration of the project; and
WHEREAS, the Zone In Initiative has always been expected to extend over multiple years under the expert guidance of the Consultant, therefore, it would be impractical to put the continuation of this project out for another professional service request for proposal process. The funds needed for this modification are based on the negotiated costs of the professional services needed for overhauling the City’s extensive Zoning Code; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant will continue having weekly meetings with the City Zone In Project Team and will also work closely with other consultants on community outreach and engagement; participate in regular organizational and strategy meetings, meetings with the public and City leadership; prepare information for the project website, public meetings, and direct stakeholder engagement; draft extensive code updates; and assess community feedback/input in the preparation of proposed code updates; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Building and Zoning Services to authorize the Director to modify the contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. to add funding to the existing contract; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services be, and hereby is, authorized to modify the professional services contract with Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. to add funding for continued work on the Zoning Code and Map Update project (the “Zone In Initiative”).
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $750,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the actions authorized in SECTION 1, is hereby authorized in the Development Services fund, fund 2240, subfund 000000, in Object Class 03 - Purchased Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
See Attached File: Ord. 2294-2026 Legislation Template.xls
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That funds are hereby appropriated and expenditures authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.