Columbus Council to Vote on 'Zone-In' Zoning Code

Columbus City Council is set to vote on a major zoning code overhaul next week, aiming to address the city's housing crisis and accommodate its rapid population growth. The proposed 'Zone-In' initiative seeks to update the 70-year-old zoning code by allowing higher-density constructions and eliminating parking minimums for certain developments. Despite support from some residents and city officials, concerns have been raised about the impact on historical buildings, small businesses, and neighborhood charm. The final version of the legislation includes amendments to protect historic districts and requires parking impact studies for developments with fewer parking spots. Mayor Andrew Ginther emphasized the necessity of these changes to meet the city's housing demands, predicting the new code will enable the construction of 88,000 new housing units over the next decade. The council considered nearly 1,600 public comments and held multiple hearings to ensure community input in the process.