Explanation
BACKGROUND: The first Urban Commercial Overlays (UCOs) were adopted in Columbus in 1999. Since that time, 22 separate designations have been established. The overlays work in conjunction with existing zoning to improve the character of commercial corridors, facilitate streetscape continuity, and encourage pedestrian-friendly development. They have facilitated redevelopment through reinforcing the traditional building pattern of older neighborhoods and recognizing the need for flexibility in parking requirements.
UCO provisions have been updated periodically as the city gains experience in their use. As a part of this process, staff reviewed the boundary descriptions of each overlay designation. In the case of six designations, staff found minor discrepancies and/or awkward boundary explanations that warranted updates. These were the University Area, West Third Avenue, Livingston Avenue, South High/South Front (Brewery District), Italian Village, and West Broad Street (Franklinton) UCOs. These designations cover 2,251 properties. The proposed code update will serve to simplify the boundary descriptions, making them more consistent in format with recently enacted designation descriptions. In one case, proposed changes will result in a property that was errantly included in the original designation being removed from the overlay. In a few others, the majority of a parcel was included in the original description or map, but not the entire parcel. Staff notified owners of these properties regarding the proposed update, providing them with an explanation of the changes. These property owners were also notified of the Development Commission meeting at which the modifications were considered. An explanation of the proposed changes was also provided to each area/and or architectural review commission or civic group where the affected overlays area located.
The proposed code changes were considered and approved by the Development Commission o...
Click here for full text