COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus city leaders are pushing a proposal to modernize its existing zoning code that has not been updated for the past 70 years.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbus is among the top 15 most populated cities in the country. While that growth is often seen positively, it could create problems when it comes to affordable housing. “Zone in Columbus” is the proposal to update the old zoning laws, and help the city grow.  

What You Need To Know

• It is called “Zone in Columbus” a proposal for modernized zoning on Columbus corridors

• The goal is to modernize the existing zoning code that has been in place for 70 years

• According to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Central Ohio would need to build 200,000 homes to accomodate the population growth

• Ginther said if the city adopts this proposal it could accomodate 88,000 new homes in the same time frame. 

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther estimates in the next 10 years, the need for 200,000 homes to be built in central Ohio to accommodate the population growth. If it follows the zoning code that is currently in place, only 6,000 new homes could be built, Ginther said. If this new zoning plan is approved, the city could add 88,000 new homes by 2034, he said.

The plan would eliminate a stipulation that is currently in place that requires special permission to construct buildings that are higher than three stories. The goal is to create mixed-use developments that have businesses on the ground level and apartments above those businesses.

“We want to become the most unapologetic, pro-growth and prosperous region in America,” Ginther said. “But in order to do that, we have to change the way we do things. We know that this code not only is it from the mid-20th century, and this city is a little different than it was in the mid-20th century, and in the next 20 or 30 years is going to grow faster than we’ve ever grown before.” 

“Today, we are a new Columbus,” said Shannon Hardin, President of Columbus City Council. “A diverse and dynamic community. We are the 14th largest city in the country, and the fastest growing in the Midwest, but this zombie zoning code keeps us rooted in the past.” 

This could help many Ohioans who are struggling to find homes and pay rent on time, said Carlie Boos, the executive director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio.

“We get the power and the privilege and the responsibility to align our zoning laws,” Boos said. “Not just with our growth, our housing needs or our vision for the future, but also with our morality. Do we want to continue the policies that let Columbus become the second most segregated community in the country? Or do we want to pave the way for other inclusion and respect?” 

City leaders have been working on this proposal for the past two years. On Monday, April 8, 2024, it will go before Columbus City Council for a proper vote, and then citizens will have 60 days to provide their feedback.