Explanation
Rezoning Application: Z25-063
APPLICANT: Metro Development III LLC, c/o Elizabeth Seedorf, Atty.; 52 East Gay Street; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Multi-unit residential development.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval (5-0) on February 12, 2026.
FAR EAST AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Disapproval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The 15.15± acre site consists of three parcels each developed with a single-unit dwelling in the R, Rural District. The requested L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District will allow multi-unit residential development with a maximum of 256 dwelling units. The limitation text includes supplemental development standards addressing pedestrian connectivity, traffic improvements, landscaping, fencing, and mature tree preservation, and also includes commitments to develop the site in accordance with the submitted site plan and building elevations. Although the proposal exceeds the density of the Far East Land Use Plan’s (2018) recommendation of “Low Density Residential,” Columbus Citywide Planning Policies (C2P2) Design Guidelines (2018) state that projects proposed at a density higher than the recommended land use may be supported if they include the following: high levels of site and building design, significant natural resource preservation, adequate buffering and screening from adjacent land uses, and pedestrian connectivity throughout the site. The submitted site plan and building elevations demonstrate consistency with these design guidelines. Additionally, the proposal is consistent with the city’s objective to provide more housing in all neighborhoods.
Title
To rezone 8032 KENNEDY RD. (43004), being 15.15± acres located on the north side of Kennedy Road, 550± feet east of Chaser Street, From: R, Rural District, To: L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District (Rezoning #Z25-063).
Body
WHEREAS, application #Z25-063 is on file with the Department of Building and Zoning Services requesting rezoning of 15.15± acres from R, Rural District, to the L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District; and
WHEREAS, the Development Commission recommends approval of said zoning change; and
WHEREAS, the Far East Area Commission recommends disapproval of said zoning change; and
WHEREAS, the City Departments recommend approval of the zoning change because the site plan and building design are consistent with C2P2 Design guidelines by including high levels of site and building design, significant natural resource preservation, adequate buffering and screening from adjacent land uses, and pedestrian connectivity throughout the site. Additionally, the proposal is consistent with the city’s objective to provide more housing in all neighborhoods; 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:
8032 KENNEDY RD. (43004), being 15.15± acres located on the north side of Kennedy Road, 550± feet east of Chaser Street:
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
15.15± ACRES
ZONING BOUNDARY
Situated in the State of Ohio, County of Franklin, Township of Jefferson, being a part of Quarter Township 4, Township 1, Range 16, United States Military Lands, and being all of a 5.05 acre tract conveyed to RICHARD C. WOLF in Instrument Number 200306050169278, all of a 5.050 acre tract conveyed to Joseph R. Blalock and Lexi C. Blalock in Instrument Number 202312060127187, and being all of a 5.050 acre tract conveyed to Bruce L. Minto and Andrea V. Minto, husband and wife, and Robert B. Minto and Karen L. Minto, husband and wife in Instrument Number 201312230209009, all records being of the Recorder’s Office, Franklin County, Ohio, and being more particularly bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a centerline monument designated as “FCGS 1515 RESET” by the Franklin County Engineer’s Office found in the centerline of Kennedy Road (width varies) of record in Road Record 12, Page 71, and being the southeasterly corner of a 0.785 acre right-of-way drop conveyed to the FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS in Instrument Number 200710180182091;
Thence across the right-of-way of said Kennedy Road, along the easterly line of said 0.785 acre right-of-way drop, and along the easterly lines of a tract of dedicated right-of-way of said Kennedy Road, Reserve “B”, and Lots 283 through 275 (inclusive) dedicated and delineated in Waggoner Chase Section 2 Part 2 of record in Plat Book 96, Page 33, North 03°44’07” East, 1100.0± feet to a southwesterly corner of Lot 42 delineated in Jefferson Pond Section 1 Part 1 of record in Plat Book 99, Page 34;
Thence along the southerly lines of Lots 42 through 44 (inclusive) and Reserve “A” delineated in said Jefferson Pond Section 1 Part 1, South 86°07’09” East, 600.0± feet to the northwesterly corner of a 5.050 acre tract conveyed to Michael Guinther and Diane R. White in Instrument Number 201612130171318;
Thence along the westerly line of said Guinther and White tract and across the right-of-way of said Kennedy Road, South 03°44’07” West, 1100.2± feet to a point on the centerline of said Kennedy Road and at the southwesterly corner of said Guinther and White tract;
Thence along the centerline of said Kennedy Road and in part along the northerly line of a 0.225 acre right-of-way drop conveyed to the Franklin County Commissioners in Instrument Number 200405120109228, North 86°06’12” West, 600.0± feet to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 15.15± acres, more or less.
The total acreage of the combined boundary described herein contains an acreage of 15.15± acres, being 5.05± acres (0.09± acres of present road occupied) out of Parcel Number 171-000125-00, 5.05± acres (0.09± acres of present road occupied) out of Parcel Number 171-000121-00, and 5.05± acres (0.09± acres of present road occupied) out of Parcel Number 171-000115-0.
This description was prepared by Garrett G. Brown, Ohio Registered Professional Surveyor 8797, is based on records, and is intended to be used for zoning purposes only.
To Rezone From: R, Rural District,
To: L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District.
SECTION 2. That a Height District of thirty-five (35) feet is hereby established on the L-AR-1, Limited 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 change on the said official zoning map and shall register a copy of the approved L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District and Application among the records of the Department of Building and Zoning Services as required by Section 3370.03 of the Columbus City Codes; said site plan titled, “SITE PLAN,” said building elevations titled, “3-STORY BUILDING ELEVATIONS,” “2-STORY BUILDING ELEVATIONS,” and “CLUBHOUSE & MISCELLANEOUS ELEVATIONS,” and said text titled, “LIMITATION TEXT,” all dated February 17, 2026, and signed by Elizabeth Seedorf, Attorney for the Applicant, and the text reading as follows:
LIMITATION TEXT
Property Location: 8032 Kennedy Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
Parcel No.: Parcel Nos. 171-000125, 171-000121, and 171-000115
Owner: Richard C. Wolf; Joseph R. and Lexie C. Blalock; Bruce L., Andrea V., Robert B., and Karen L. Minto
Applicant: Metro Development III LLC
Proposed District: L-AR-1, Limited Apartment Residential District
Date of Text: February 17, 2026
Application No.: Z25-063
I. INTRODUCTION: The subject property consists of 15.15+/- acres (the “Site”) located at along the north side of Kennedy Road. The Site is currently being annexed to the City of Columbus. The site is surrounded by properties in Jefferson Township to the north, south, and east, and by properties in the City of Columbus to the south and west.
The applicant proposes to rezone the Site to L-AR-1 to allow for the construction of a cohesive multi-family apartment community.
So long as the site is developed as a multi-family apartment community, the site will be developed in accordance with the Site Plan attached as Appendix 1 (the “Site Plan”).
II. PERMITTED USES: Uses in Sections 3333.02, AR-12, ARLD and AR-1 apartment residential district uses of the City of Columbus Codes.
III. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: Unless otherwise indicated in this text or drawings, the applicable development standards are contained in Chapter 3333 of the Columbus City Code.
A. Density, Height, Lot and/or Setback Commitments
The maximum number of dwelling units shall be 256.
B. Access, Loading, Parking, and/or Other Traffic Related Commitments
1. Off-site pedestrian infrastructure shall be provided to the west of the Site to connect the Site with Chaser Street.
2. Eastbound and westbound left turn lanes will be added at the intersection of Kennedy Road and Cedar Run Drive/Site access point.
C. Buffering, Landscaping, Open Space and/or Screening Commitments
1. The perimeter yard will be landscaped in accordance with the submitted Site Plan.
2. A 6 foot privacy fence will screen the residential properties to the west and north of the Site as shown on the Site Plan.
3. Within the preserved woods located in the northeast corner of the Site, the applicant reserves the right to remove dead or damaged trees and otherwise remove invasive trees and plant species to promote a healthy ecosystem.
D. Building Design and/or Interior-Exterior Treatment Commitments
The buildings will be constructed in accordance with the submitted building elevations. The building elevations may be slightly adjusted to reflect engineering, topographical, or other site data developed at the time of the development plan and when engineering and architectural drawings are completed. Any slight adjustments to the building elevations shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services, or a designee, upon submission of the appropriate data regarding proposed adjustment.
E. Lighting, Outdoor Display Areas, and/or other Environmental Commitments
N/A
F. Graphics and Signage Commitments
N/A
G. Miscellaneous Commitments
1. The developer shall comply with the park land dedication ordinance by contributing money to the City’s Recreation and Parks Department.
2. The Site shall be developed in accordance with the Site Plan; however, the Site Plan may be slightly adjusted to reflect engineering, topographical or other site data developed at the time that development and engineering plans are completed. Any slight adjustment to the plans shall be reviewed and may be approved by the Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services, or a designee, upon submission of the appropriate data regarding the proposed adjustment.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.