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Notice/Advertisement Title: 3rd PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CODE CHANGES FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES:
Contact Name: Leah Boyd
Contact Telephone Number: (614)645-1311
Contact Email Address: lsboyd@columbus.gov
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Wednesday - October 29, 2025 12:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers
Call to Order: 12:12 PM
Councilmember Otto Beatty III
Public Hearing of Testimonies and Announcements for Proposed Zoning Code Changes to Allow for ADUs
Present: Councilmember Otto Beatty III and Councilmember Nicholas Bankston
Introduction:
Councilmember Otto Beatty III
- Opened the third and final public hearing on the proposed zoning code changes for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- Noted that the policy is part of Columbus Forward and aims to define ADUs as a recognized housing type in Title 33 to reduce variance requirements.
- Emphasized the goal to permit ADUs in all residential districts to expand housing access and flexibility for families.
- Thanked city departments, legislative staff, and Council colleagues-particularly Building and Zoning Services, the Department of Development, City Attorney’s Office, Council President Pro Tem Dorans, and Council President Hardin-for their collaboration.
- Recognized team members Tigist Zemene, Leah Boyd, Amadou Agne, Katie Fallon, John Oswalt, and Andie McDowell for their work on the current draft legislation.
- Transitioned to presentation from the Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS).
Presentation:
[Tony Celebrezze, Deputy Director, Building and Zoning Services (BZS)]
- Thanked Councilmember Beatty for his leadership and collaboration on the ADU legislation.
- Explained that the current draft reflects months of stakeholder feedback and public comments.
- Emphasized that ADUs provide practical, flexible housing options for homeowners across Columbus.
- Introduced Christine Palmer from the Zoning Section to provide a detailed overview.
[Presentation by Christine Palmer, Planning Manager - Residential Zoning Clearance, Building and Zoning Services (BZS]
- Defined ADUs as secondary residential units that include independent cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities on the same lot as a primary dwelling.
- Explained that ADUs create options for multigenerational living-supporting aging parents, college-aged children, or family members seeking independence.
- Outlined three ADU types:
- Reviewed proposed regulations:
- Permitted in all residential and apartment districts.
- Must be accessory and smaller than the primary dwelling (≤65% of floor area or 1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater).
- Must not exceed the height of the main residence.
- Must comply with building codes, permits, and any applicable Historic District or HOA restrictions.
Council Questions and Answers with Building and Zoning Services
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Role of the Department in developing ADU legislation.
- BZS Response: Conducted research on prior variances, reviewed ADU laws from other cities, and developed parameters to preserve neighborhood scale.
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Factors used to determine number, size, and height limits.
- BZS Response: Based on existing zoning densities; single-family lots may have one ADU, while higher-density districts allow additional units.
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Difference between “ADUs” and “Habitable Space.”
- BZS Response: Habitable space (e.g., above garages) provides additional living area but is not a full dwelling unit.
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Updates to side yards and shed provisions.
- BZS Response: Simplifies and modernizes outdated language for clarity and consistency with current permit sizes.
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Effect on existing ADUs.
- BZS Response: Existing ADUs remain unaffected; older carriage houses will now be conforming uses, aiding refinancing and property sales.
- Councilmember Beatty Question: Opportunity for future revisions.
- BZS Response: The ordinance allows for future updates if unintended issues arise.
Presentation by Councilmember Otto Beatty III
- Councilmember Beatty presented an overview of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legislation, noting that this hearing marked the third and final public discussion before formal introduction to Council.
- Explained that the purpose of the legislation is to allow ADUs in conjunction with principal dwellings or apartment buildings in all residential zoning districts, with clear standards regarding number, size, height, and placement.
- Emphasized that the proposal aligns with Mayor Ginther’s commitment to add 100,000 new homes by 2035 and supports the administration’s broader goals of access, stability, and opportunity in housing.
- Outlined his legislative objectives:
- To define and recognize ADUs as a formal housing type in Title 33.
- Simplify the process for homeowners by allowing ADUs by right, eliminating the need for most variances.
- Create clear and practical standards that preserve neighborhood character and safety.
- Noted that Columbus reviewed ADU legislation from multiple U.S. cities, including Seattle, Portland, and Austin-many of which refined their codes over time as community adoption grew.
- Shared that the city conducted extensive engagement through community meetings, a public survey, and coordination with area commissions to inform the draft legislation.
- Highlighted several key findings from the 60-day public comment period and citywide survey:
- 81% of respondents supported ADUs in residential districts.
- 65% supported the proposal to not require additional off-street parking for ADUs.
- 65% supported regulating ADUs for use as short-term rentals.
- Addressed common community concerns raised during engagement, including:
- Preservation of neighborhood character and privacy.
- Short-term rental misuse and enforcement.
- Potential strain on infrastructure and parking.
- Accessibility and affordability for diverse homeowners.
- Clarified that Columbus already regulates short-term rentals under an existing ordinance and that Council and the Administration are currently exploring updates to strengthen that policy framework.
- Stressed that the goal is to provide additional housing options for families while maintaining safety and zoning integrity.
- Outlined next steps for the legislative process:
- First Reading: November 17, 2025
- Second Reading: November 24, 2025
- Introduced first public speaker.
Public Testimony:
Jessica Clinger, Resident (Support)
Joe Motil, Resident (Oppose)
Michael Wilkos, United Way of Central Ohio (Oppose)
Anna Teye-Kasongo, AHACO (Support)
Keryna Johnson, RISE Together Innovation Institute (Support)
Nathaniel Wilkins, Resident (Support)
Brenton McGill, Resident (Support)
Benjamin Perryman, Resident / Developer (Support)
Written Testimony
Candace Klepacz, Resident / Commissioner for NEAC District 3
Judy Minister, Minister Realty
Gerry O'Neil, Broker, C.R. O'Neil & Co.
Closing Remarks:
Councilmember Otto Beatty III
• Thanked all speakers, residents, and staff for their participation throughout the ADU legislative process.
• Shared his personal story of converting his sister’s garage into an ADU for their 88-year-old mother, noting the positive impact on his family and local small businesses.
• Emphasized that ADUs already exist across Columbus and have proven to enhance affordability, independence, and family stability.
• Recognized written testimony from:
- Candace Klepacz
- Judy Minister
- Gerry O’Neil
• Acknowledged support from the Columbus Board of Realtors.
• Encouraged residents to stay engaged and hold the city accountable as implementation begins.
Adjourned: 1:22 PM
Note: Watch the full hearing on the City of Columbus YouTube page for a detailed review of the department presentations, public testimony, Q&As, and Councilmember Beatty’s remarks.