Explanation
Rezoning Application: Z25-054
APPLICANT: Preferred Living c/o David Hodge, Atty.; 8000 Walton Parkway, Suite 120; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Multi-unit residential development.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval (7-0) on January 8, 2026.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The 4.40± acre site consists of one parcel developed with a single-unit dwelling and an undeveloped portion of another parcel, both in the L-M, Limited Manufacturing District. The requested AR-1, Apartment Residential District will allow a multi-unit residential development. A concurrent Council variance (Ordinance #1137-2026; CV25-099) has been submitted demonstrating an 84-unit apartment complex with reduced development standards. Although the proposal is inconsistent with the Rocky-Fork Blacklick Accord’s (2003) land use recommendations of “Village Residential” and “Natural/Rural Corridor,” staff recognize this request is an extension of an existing multi-unit residential development directly adjacent to the site, and is consistent with the development pattern that has emerged along Harlem Road. Additionally, the request aligns with the City’s objective of providing more housing in all neighborhoods. The Rocky Fork-Blacklick Accord Panel met on December 18, 2025, and voted to recommend approval of the request.
Title
To rezone 6955-6999 HARLEM RD. (43081), being 4.40± acres located on the west side of Harlem Road, 880± feet north of Central College Road, From: L-M, Limited Manufacturing District, To: AR-1, Apartment Residential District (Rezoning #Z25-054).
Body
WHEREAS, application #Z25-054 is on file with the Department of Building and Zoning Services requesting rezoning of 4.40± acres from L-M, Limited Manufacturing District, to the AR-1, Apartment Residential District; and
WHEREAS, the Development Commission recommends approval of said zoning change; and
WHEREAS, the City Departments recommend approval of the zoning change because the requested AR-1, Apartment Residential District is an extension of an existing multi-unit residential development directly adjacent to the site, is consistent with the development pattern along Harlem Road, and aligns with the City’s objective of creating more housing; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Official Zoning Map of the City of Columbus, as adopted by Ordinance No. 0179 -03, passed February 24, 2003, and as subsequently amended, is hereby revised by changing the zoning of the property as follows:
6955-6999 HARLEM RD. (43081), being 4.40± acres located on the west side of Harlem Road, 882± feet south of Central College Road:
Situated in the State of Ohio, County of Franklin, City of Columbus, being in Section 2, Township 2, Range 16, United States Military Lands and containing 4.4+/- acres, more or less, said 4.4+/- acres part of that 6.092 acre tract of land as conveyed to Norman D. Singer and Lois Singer of record in Instrument No. 202411060116885, said 4.4+/- more particularly described as follows;
Beginning, for Reference, at found Franklin County Geodetic Survey Monument No. 1375 at the northeasterly corner of said 6.092 acre tract, said corner also being the northeasterly corner of that 0.391 acre Highway Easement as conveyed to the County of Franklin of record in Deed Book 3699, Page 34 and in the centerline of Harlem Road (R/W Varies), said Monument also being located N 02° 36' 53" W, 1335.78’ from Franklin County Geodetic Survey Monument No. 1825 found at the centerline intersection of said Harlem Road (R/W Varies) and Central College Road (R/W Varies);
Thence S 02° 36' 53" E, with the easterly line of both 6.092 acre tract, the easterly line of said Highway Easement and along the centerline of said Harlem Road (R/W Varies) 121.3+/- feet to the True Point of Beginning;
Thence S 02° 36' 53" E, continuing with the easterly line of said 6.092 acre tract, the easterly line of said Highway Easement and along the centerline of said Harlem Road (R/W Varies) 304.5+/- feet to the southeasterly corner of said 6.092 acre tract and said Highway Easement, said corner also being the northeasterly corner of that 0.530 acre tract of land described as Parcel 1-WD as conveyed to the Franklin County Commissioners of record in Instrument No. 202402280020030;
Thence N 85° 27' 06" W, with the southerly line of said 6.092 acre tract, the northerly line of said Parcel 1-WD and partially with the northerly line of that Original 5.068 acre tract of land as conveyed to Harlem Apartments LLC of record in Instrument No. 202402050011820, 655.8+/- feet to the southwesterly corner of said 6.092 acre tract, also being a southeasterly corner of that 3.000 acre tract of land as conveyed to Harlem Apartments LLC of record in Instrument No. 202411060116883;
Thence N 04° 16' 47" E, with the common line of said 6.092 acre tract and said 3.000 acre tract, 299.1+/- feet to point;
Thence S 85° 44' 05" E, across said 6.092 acre tract, 619.2+/- feet to the True Point of Beginning.
Containing 4.4+/- acres, more or less, inclusive of 0.280 acres within the present right-of-way:
The above description was written by Advanced Civil Design on March 13, 2025 and is based on existing records and an actual field survey performed in September of 2022. A drawing of the above description is attached hereto and made a part thereof.
Bearings are based on the Ohio State Plane Coordinate System, South Zone, NAD83 (NSRS2011). Said bearings were derived from GPS observation and determine the centerline of Harlem Road of having a bearing of N02°36'53"W between FCGS 1825 and FCGS 1375.
To Rezone From: L-M, Limited Manufacturing District,
To: AR-1, Apartment Residential District.
SECTION 2. That a Height District of thirty-five (35) feet is hereby established on the AR-1, Apartment Residential District on this property.
SECTION 3. That the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services be, and is hereby authorized and directed to make the said changes on the said official zoning map in the office of the Department of Building and Zoning Services.
SECTION 4. That the traffic-related commitments for this area have been established and are contained in the commitments for Council Variance application #CV25-099, which were adopted by Ordinance #1137-2026.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.