Explanation
BACKGROUND: The University District Plan was initiated at the request of the University Area Commission and addresses the territory contained within the commission's boundaries. The plan is the culmination of a process involving input from hundreds of stakeholders. It included public meetings and workshops, research and analysis, and review of planning policy spanning several decades. A working group provided direction throughout the effort and a project webpage served as an additional means of community outreach.
The plan serves as single source for land use and development policy guidance for the University area, replacing several existing documents. It includes design guidelines for commercial and residential development. The plan focuses denser mixed-use development on High Street south of Lane and Lane Avenue west of High, while designating neighborhoods further from campus as lower intensity. Neighborhood mixed-use areas are included at key nodes and along commercial corridors such as 5th Avenue and High Street north of Lane. Natural resources, historic preservation, and reuse of institutional uses are also addressed. The plan's guidance on density, parking and related development standards are intended to serve as the basis for updates to the University Planning Overlay.
On November 4, 2014, the University Area review Board endorsed the plan, followed by approval by the University Area Commission on December 17, 2014. The Columbus Development Commission reviewed the plan on January 8, 2015 and unanimously voted to recommend its adoption to City Council.
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To adopt the University District Plan as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the University District Plan is intended to act as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, the planning process involved input from hundreds of stakeholders, numerous public meetings and workshops, research and analysis, a project webpage, and review of decades of planning policy; and
WHEREAS, a working group provided direction throughout the effort; and
WHEREAS, the University District Plan replaces previously adopted city planning and development policy for the University area; and
WHEREAS, the University Area Review Board endorsed the plan on November 4, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the University Area Commission endorsed the plan on December 17, 2014 and recommended its adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, after public notice, a public hearing was held on January 8, 2015 at which the Development Commission approved the University District Plan and recommended its adoption to City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the University District Plan is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for planning, development, and redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements.
SECTION 2. That the University District Plan replaces previously adopted city planning and development policy for the University area, including the University Neighborhoods Revitalization Plan (1996), A Plan for High Street (2000), the University/High Street Development and Design Guidelines (2002), and the Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan (2006).
SECTION 3. That all city of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the University District Plan in initiating or reviewing projects within the planning area or adjacent areas and to require that such projects generally conform to the plan.
SECTION 4. That the Department of Development is directed to monitor the use of the University District Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
SECTION 5. That copies of the University District Plan shall be kept on file in the Department of Development, Planning Division.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.