What’s in the Proposed Columbus Zoning Code Update?

A set of changes to land use and zoning regulations could help maintain housing affordability and promote mixed-use development in the city.

1 minute read

May 1, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Columbus, Ohio skyline with river in foreground

Columbus, Ohio. | Nicholas J. Klein / Adobe Stock

The City of Columbus is considering a major revision to its zoning code. Like leaders in other cities, Columbus officials hope changes to land use regulations, zoning, and transportation infrastructure can support population growth and housing affordability in the region.

An article in JD Supra outlines the key changes proposed in the plan, which include:

  • Six new mixed-use districts that will offer more flexibility for development.
  • Increased building height limits that could permit denser multifamily projects.
  • Reduced parking requirements to cut down on construction costs.

According to the article, “The zoning code update is expected to support the creation of 88,000 new homes, addressing 44% of the region’s housing demand over the next decade. This significant solution to the region’s mounting housing pressures could lead to a more equitable, vibrant, and sustainable future for the City.” The public can comment on the proposed changes until June 10.

Monday, April 29, 2024 in JD Supra

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 4, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Ground level view of Alaska Pipeline oil pipeline near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska with bare mountains in background.

New Alaska Bitcoin Mine Would Burn as Much Energy as the State’s Largest Coal Plant

Fueled by “stranded” natural gas, the startup hopes to become the largest in the US, and to make Alaska an industry center.

1 hour ago - Alaska Beacon

Google Street view screen shot of modern duplex built between two historic homes in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.

New Jersey Duplexes Elicit Mixed Reactions

Modern, two-unit residences are proliferating in northern New Jersey communities, signaling for some a boon to the housing supply and to others a loss of historic architecture.

3 hours ago - Gothamist

Aerial view of large complex of apartment buildings surrounded by fall foliage trees in suburban Dallas, Texas.

Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners in Over 200 US Suburbs

High housing costs in city centers and the new-found flexibility offered by remote work are pushing more renters to suburban areas.

June 6 - Point2

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.