Columbus Zoning Overhaul: BIA Backs Modernization to Address Housing Crisis
Key Zoning Changes and Why the BIA Supports Them
Increased Density and Mixed-Use Development: We believe these changes will allow for more housing options, including apartments and condos, to be built along major corridors. This will help meet the growing demand for housing and create more vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
Elimination of Parking Mandates: We support removing the minimum parking requirements because it frees up space and reduces costs for developers. Proponents believe the market will dictate the need for parking, and residents will increasingly rely on alternative transportation like walking, biking, and public transit.
Streamlined Approval Process: The current system with numerous zoning categories makes development complex and time-consuming. The BIA sees the proposed six categories as a simplification that will expedite the approval process.
Addressing Concerns Around Parking and Public Transportation
The elimination of parking requirements is a point of contention. We acknowledge concerns about potential parking shortages but believe the city's plan for improved public transportation will mitigate this.
Investing in public transit strengthens communities, promotes sustainability, and creates walkable areas. Here are some of the solutions from the Insight2050 Corridor Concepts Study Report (released in 2019) by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission explored reducing urban sprawl in Columbus.
The Benefits of High-Capacity Transit: The corridors (listed and highlighted in the image below) will connect key areas with improved public transportation. They will provide easier access to jobs which creates a financial benefit for many residents.
Image from page 7 of the Insight2050 Corridor Concepts Study Report
The five corridors examined in the study are:
East Main Street: SR 256 to Downtown Columbus
Northeast: Polaris Parkway to Downtown Columbus
Northwest: US 33 at Post Rd./Frantz Rd. to Downtown Columbus
Southeast: Rickenbacker International Airport to Downtown Columbus
West Broad Street: Norton Rd. to Downtown Columbus
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Columbus is focusing on BRT, a high-efficiency bus system because the success of the CMAX line on Cleveland Avenue demonstrates BRT's potential. Technological advancements like traffic-light syncing further improve BRT efficiency.
Testing New Solutions: COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) is collaborating with the city on tactical urbanism projects. These temporary projects, like dedicated bus lanes, will gather data and showcase potential future solutions.
The BIA views the proposed zoning code overhaul as a critical step toward creating a more affordable, livable, and sustainable Columbus. You can read our recent letter written to the council in support of the new zoning code.
To learn more about Columbus Zone In, visit the FAQ’s here.