Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Zone In Columbus Initiative is a multi-phase effort to update the City’s Zoning Code and Map in order to provide a more effective, equitable, and sustainable framework for guiding land use, development and growth. Zone In proposes that a new 2024 Zoning Code be established under Title 34 of the Columbus City Codes.
Resolution #0179X-2023, approved by City Council on October 9, 2023, outlined goals and priorities for the first phase of this effort. Prepared by a team of City staff and consultants, the “Zone In Phase One Proposal for Modernized Zoning on Columbus Corridors” was presented to City Council for their consideration in early April. The submission includes both code and map updates, proposing that certain parcels along 140 miles of the City’s major corridors be rezoned from existing Title 33 zoning districts to one of six new mixed-use 2024 Zoning Code district designations.
A key policy element of Zone In is the adoption of a market-based approach to parking. Many cities throughout the United States have taken steps to eliminate minimum parking requirements and adopt market-based parking strategies to promote economic development, support transit and walkability, and facilitate affordable housing, all of which are consistent with the goals of Zone In. Extensive analysis of the existing Title 33 Zoning Code, past amendments and requests for variances to the Code, and research of best practices as evidenced by project history in Columbus’ Downtown and the experiences of numerous peer cities, ultimately informed the recommendation to eliminate minimum vehicular parking requirements for the new 2024 Zoning Code mixed-use districts. Bicycle parking is still required for the new districts.
On April 8, 2024, City Council approved Resolution #0088-2024, accepting the Zone In Phase One proposal and initiating a sixty-day public comment period. Notice to applicable reviewing bodies, property owners, and the general public w...
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