Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into a service contract with Opticos Design, Inc. for the design and publication of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guide for Columbus residents for an amount up to $50,000 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund.
With pending code change language, there will likely be more focus on ADU development and a demand for additional guidance. Public hearings and citizen feedback have indicated that there is a large knowledge gap for people who wish to build ADUs. There is a need for guidance to help residents and homeowners understand and navigate the process of building an ADU. The guidebook will include up-to-date relevant details about the zoning code, building code, city permitting processes, and practical tips and steps for citizens seeking to build an ADU. The manual will build on existing and draft guides, including the draft produced by Jonathan Barnes Architecture in 2024 and the guidebook developed by AARP. The product will be ready on or before June 1, 2026.
Competitive bidding will be waived as Opticos Design, Inc. is currently a subcontractor with BZS and has specialized knowledge around local building and zoning code and has created unique partnership with the department that will be critical to producing this manual in a timely and accurate manner.
Emergency action is requested to facilitate the work to align with the pending code change for a final product by June 2026. Without emergency action, there will be further delays in ADU construction.
Fiscal Impact: Funding in the amount of $50,000.00 is available in Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund.
Contract compliance: Opticos Design, Inc. contract compliance number is CC-034460 and expires 11/19/2027.
Title
This ordinance authorizes the Department of Building and Zoning Services to enter into a service contract with Opticos Design, Inc. for the design and publication of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guide for Columbus residents for an amount up to $50,000.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund; to authorize an appropriation of $50,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund; to authorize the expenditure of $50,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund; and to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, City Council seeks to support Columbus residents as they aim to build Accessory Dwelling Units; and
WHEREAS, Opticos Design Inc. has unique and specialized knowledge and specialties that make it for the purpose of creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit manual; and
WHEREAS, this contract is being awarded pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 329 of Columbus City Codes relating to bid waiver procurement; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of appropriation and expenditure $50,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Department of Building and Zoning, where it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Opticos Design Inc; to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit guide, so that information can be provided to residents in the form of a manual by June, 2026, all for the immediate preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Department of Building and Zoning Services is hereby authorized to enter into a contract agreement with Opticos Design, Inc. for the creation of an Accessory Dwelling Unit manual.
SECTION 2. That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $50,000 to the Department of BUilding and Zoning Services to Services-03 in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance, is hereby authorized and this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency.
SECTION 4. That said contract shall be awarded in accordance with the bid wavier provisions of Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes.
SECTION 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriate, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
Section 6. 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 7. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 8. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.