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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

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.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Red SF Muni ticketing machine.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time

A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

May 21 - San Francisco Examiner

Electric car charging station with several Chevy Bolts charging in parking lot of store in Bellingham, Washington

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth

Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

May 21 - GovTech

Top view new development riverside residential and commercial neighborhood with vacant land in Texas, USA.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas

Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.

May 21 - The Texas Tribune