Columbus opens 60-day public review of zoning changes covering major parts of the city

Columbus has opened a 60-day public review of proposed zoning changes covering approximately 70,654 parcels, or more than 40% of the city. Residents, property owners and businesses can submit comments through October 24, 2026.

The review follows Columbus City Council’s adoption of Resolution 0183X-2026 on August 24. Mayor Andrew Ginther signed the resolution on August 26, and the acting city clerk attested it on August 27. The city released the public-review draft on August 20, with public comments beginning August 25.

The resolution states the council’s intention to rezone identified properties from the city’s Title 33 zoning districts into new and existing districts under the Title 34 2024 Zoning Code. It begins the public-review process; it does not make the proposed zoning changes final.

What the draft covers

Zone In Phase Two, titled Economic and Housing Opportunity, focuses on three broad settings: additional mixed-use areas, industrial and warehouse areas, and office, institutional, business and institutional campus areas.

The proposal includes 15 zoning districts and two sub-districts overall. Nine districts and one sub-district are new in Phase Two, building on the six districts and one sub-district created during Phase One of the Zone In initiative.

Each proposed district would include rules for permitted uses, building height, setbacks and design standards. The city says the effort is intended to create more housing opportunities, support neighborhood businesses and jobs, and update rules for industrial, warehouse and campus development.

Potential effects for residents and businesses

In selected mixed-use areas, the draft could allow housing and neighborhood businesses in closer proximity. Proposed provisions also include reduced minimum parking requirements, accessory dwelling units in some residential areas, and additional building height for qualifying projects that include affordable housing.

The changes would not apply identically to every parcel. The proposed map and parcel list identify which properties are included and which district each property would receive if the plan is ultimately approved.

Existing homes and businesses would continue operating under their current rules while the proposal is being reviewed. The draft alone does not require immediate construction, demolition or operating changes. Its main effect would be on future development rules if a final rezoning action takes effect.

How to check a property

Residents and property owners can review the proposed zoning map, draft code and parcel-level information through the city’s Zone In materials. The interactive tools are intended to help users check whether a specific address is included and see the proposed district and development standards.

The proposal is also available for in-person review at the Zone In Gallery, 141 North Front Street. The city says the gallery offers an opportunity to examine the proposed map and discuss the draft with members of the Zone In team. Readers should check the city’s current Zone In participation materials for gallery hours, hearing dates and visitor information before going.

How to comment

The public-comment period runs from August 25 through October 24, 2026. Residents, businesses and other stakeholders can use the Zone In survey and online participation tools, attend public hearings, or provide feedback through the gallery and other city engagement opportunities.

After the comment period, city staff will review submitted feedback before City Council considers whether to move toward a final rezoning action. Until that happens, the Phase Two map and code remain a proposal rather than enacted zoning law.

Sources

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