Explanation
Background:
City Council adopted the University District Plan, developed in cooperation with the University Area Commission and community stakeholders, on February 2, 2015. A key recommendation of the plan is that the University Area Planning Overlay be updated to reflect the plan’s guidance. Established in 1992, with a significant update in 2002, the overlay works in conjunction with underlying zoning to address the unique development issues associated with the University District. A portion of the overlay area, known as the Impact District, is also subject to design review by the University Area Review Board.
Because of the complexity of a comprehensive overlay update, the initial phase of the process focused on commercial areas, which were deemed the highest priority due to development pressure. This ordinance changes the name of the overlay, provides for a series of organizational and administrative updates, and establishes Neighborhood Commercial and Regional Commercial subareas. The new subareas address issues such as building height, density (floor area ratio), parking requirements, and design guidelines. The updated code also replaces the Urban Commercial Overlay designations within the University District.
Public comment was sought and received through an informational open house, project webpage and survey, and direct contact. Three rounds of property owner mailings were undertaken as part of this process, most recently in conjunction with this ordinance. The proposal was considered and endorsed by the University Area Commission on December 14, 2016 and the University Review Board on December 15, 2016. A public hearing was held on February 22, 2017 at which the Development Commission recommended that City Council adopt the proposed updates.
Development Commission: Approval
Fiscal Impact: None.
Title
To supplement the Columbus City Codes by the enactment of a new Chapter 3325 entitled “University District Zoning Overlay”; to amend e...
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