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Notice/Advertisement Title: Proposed Code Change for Accessory Dwelling Units Public Hearing Minuets
Contact Name: Tigist Zemene
Contact Telephone Number: (614)724-4649
Contact Email Address: tzemene@columbus.gov
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HOSTED BY: Council Member Otto Beatty III
Monday - July 22, 2025
5:00 PM
City Hall, Council Chambers
Call to Order: 5:04 PM
Present: Councilmember Otto Beatty III, Councilmember Lourdes Barroso De Padilla, Councilmember Christopher Wyche, Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, Councilmember Pro Tem Rob Dorans (Zoning Chair), Shannon Pine (BZS), Reina Sims, AARP Ohio, Critty Buenconsejo (AHACO), Anna Teye-Kasongo (Convergence Columbus), Keryna Johnson (Rise Together Innovation Institute), and public speakers.
Introduction:
Council Member Otto Beatty III
- Opening remarks and context for proposed ADU zoning code changes under Title 33.
- Importance of ADUs for multigenerational housing, caregiver accommodations, rental income, and neighborhood cohesion.
- Personal testimony on ADU built for aging mother as a dignified housing solution.
- ADUs defined and differentiated: detached, attached, internal conversions.
- National and state trends: other cities in Ohio and across the U.S. already support ADUs.
- Legislative momentum on federal and local levels.
- Introduction of chief zoning officer for detailed presentation.
Presentation:
[Shannon Pine, Chief Zoning Officer]
- Definition of ADU: second residential dwelling unit with independent living facilities.
- Types: internal (attics, basements), detached (carriage houses), above garages.
- Clarification: ADUs must be permanent structures, not RVs or mobile homes.
- Statistics on 44 ADUs approved between 2019-2023; all detached, 80% above garages.
- Proposed zoning updates: allow ADUs in residential zones (Title 33), remove variance hurdles.
- Provisions include: max height 25 ft, lot coverage up to 65%, one ADU per lot.
- No additional parking required for ADUs; principal dwelling must meet existing parking requirements.
- Owner occupancy or designated responsible party required in single-unit districts; no short-term rentals.
- Side yard revisions and exemption from frontage rules under consideration.
- Considerations for historic districts, easements, and building code compliance.
Invited Testimony:
Reina Sims, AARP Ohio
Critty Buenconsejo, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio (AHACO)
Anna Teye-Kasongo, Convergence Columbus
Keryna Johnson, Rise Together Innovation Institute
Amy Klaben, Families Flourish
Yvonne Riggie, Y Architects and Design
Kathryn Green, Resident and Southside Zoning Chair
Ben Perryman, ReStacks
Emily Long Rayfield, Nationwide Children's Hospital - Healthy Homes
Leonardo Rodriguez, Resident
Michael Wilkos, United Way of Central Ohio
Anthony Schoenfeldt, Resident
Kate Curry-Da-Souza, Resident
Mindy Justice, Resident
Daidre Scriven, Resident
Tracy Robinson, Resident
Jonathan Beshears, Resident
Closing Remarks:
Council Member Otto Beatty III
- Expressed gratitude to speakers and attendees.
- Reaffirmed commitment to equity, affordability, and expanding ADU access.
- Highlighted next steps in legislative process and invitation for ongoing public input in a formal 60-day public comment period to be launched in the following weeks.
Adjourned: 6:43 PM