Explanation
Council Variance Application: CV26-006
APPLICANT: CI-Ross LP; c/o Jeffrey L. Brown, Atty.; 172 East State Street; Columbus, OH 43215.
PROPOSED USE: Light industrial uses.
FAR EAST AREA COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
CITY DEPARTMENTS' RECOMMENDATION: Approval. The site consists of two parcels developed with a former shopping center in the RAC, Regional Activity Center District. The requested Council variance will allow the site to be redeveloped with up to 550,000 square feet of light industrial uses. A Council variance is required because the RAC district only allows up to 10,000 square feet of artisan manufacturing uses, while the applicant proposes limited light industrial uses including storage, distribution, and wholesaling. The site is located within the boundaries of the Columbus Growth Strategy (CGS)(2026), which recommends “Mixed Use 3” land uses at this location. Staff supports the requested use which includes a mix of industrial and office uses while utilizing the existing development site which is consistent with the CGS land use recommendation. Staff notes that the site was zoned in the L-M, Limited Manufacturing District prior to rezoning to the RAC district in the first phase of Zone In, but plans were not submitted in time to vest the planned industrial development, and rezoning back to the L-M district is not an option. Staff notes that a proposal for 144,000 square feet of light industrial space was supported and approved by Ordinance #2252-2026 (CV25-115) on August 24, 2026, on the north side of Chantry Drive, and pre-existing industrial uses are within this area. After industrial districts are incorporated into Title 34, staff may evaluate the existing zoning and development pattern in this area, and could recommend that certain properties be rezoned to appropriate industrial districts in a future phase of Zone In.
Title
To grant a Variance from the provisions of Sections 34.E.20.100.A, Uses, Use Table; 34.E.90.090.C...
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