Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Northwest Plan area is bounded by the Olentangy River to the east, Henderson Road and the city of Upper Arlington to the south, the Scioto River and city of Dublin to the west and the Franklin County boundary to the north. The area covers approximately 20 square miles. The Northwest Plan update was initiated at the request of the Northwest Civic Association. Members of the Northwest Civic Association and Far Northwest Coalition provided direction throughout the planning process as a civic working group. The plan is the culmination of a process involving three public meetings, three civic workshops, stakeholder interviews, surveys, research and analysis, and a review of planning policy. A project webpage and Facebook page served as additional means of community outreach. The Plan provides land use and development policy for the Northwest area and includes design guidelines for commercial and residential development. The Northwest Plan (2016) replaces several existing documents including the 2007 Northwest Plan, the Bethel Road Development Standards (1980), and the Sawmill Road Development Standards (1977). The Far Northwest Coalition and Northwest Civic Association voted to recommend adoption of the Plan on July 26, 2016 and August 3, 2016, respectively. The Columbus Development Commission reviewed the Plan on October 13, 2016 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 Northwest Plan as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Northwest Plan is intended to act as a guide for development, redevelopment, and planning of future public improvements; and
WHEREAS, public meetings, workshops, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and an open house were conducted as part of the public planning process; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Plan replaces previously adopted city planning and development policy for the Northwest area; and
WHEREAS, the Northwest Civic Association endorsed the Northwest Plan and recommended adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Far Northwest Coalition endorsed the Northwest Plan and recommended adoption by City Council; and
WHEREAS, after public notice, a public hearing was held on October 13, 2016 at which the Development Commission approved the Northwest 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 Northwest Plan is hereby adopted to establish guidelines for planning, development, and redevelopment.
Section 2. That the Northwest Plan replaces previously adopted city planning and development policy for the Northwest area, including the Northwest Plan (2007), the Bethel Road Development Standards (1980), and the Sawmill Road Development Standards (1977).
Section 3. That all City of Columbus departments and divisions are hereby authorized and directed to use the Northwest 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 Northwest Plan, and to present to City Council any amendments necessary to keep the plan up-to-date.
Section 5. That copies of the Northwest 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.