City of Columbus Introduces Proposal to Rezone Additional Parcels
Published on March 06, 2025
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has introduced a proposal to Columbus City Council to apply new zoning code districts to portions of the S.R. 161/E. Dublin-Granville corridor in the Northland neighborhood. The zoning code districts were first established in 2024 through Zone In, a multi-phase, multi-year effort to modernize the city’s 70-year-old zoning code starting with key corridors that possess the greatest potential to address housing, mobility and affordability challenges in Columbus.
This proposed expansion will rezone an additional 165 parcels of land to become part of Title 34 mixed-use zoning districts, which were approved by City Council in July 2024 after extensive community engagement to solicit and incorporate feedback from residents.
“The Northland community has been consistent in their enthusiasm and support for this endeavor, and we are excited to include them as part of this historic effort,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This application of the new zoning code along State Route 161 reflects our commitment to embrace new opportunities as they arise, ensuring that our new code is both flexible and inclusive, and addresses the diverse needs of residents and businesses.”
The first application of the new zoning code focused on more than 12,300 parcels along 62 sections of corridor throughout the city, where existing area plans and zoning conditions were conducive to new, denser development in support of mixed-use, transit-oriented infrastructure. This initial action substantially addressed housing affordability across the city by unlocking the ability to create an estimated 88,000 new homes over 10 years, 44% of the region's housing demand.
The 165 parcels included in this proposal run along sections of S.R. 161 between Worthington City limits to the west and Ponderosa Drive to the east. Following the initial passage of the Zone In code, it was determined that these parcels meet the specific criteria to be rezoned under Title 34, such as capacity to support new housing and mixed-use development, proximity to COTA routes and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and a need for uniform design standards, among other considerations.
“These changes will enable walkable, mixed-use development along designated commercial corridors in Northland,” said Pat Hammel, vice president of the Northland Community Council. “In addition, it will establish crucial design standards that are critical for successful redevelopment and provide vital support, certainty and predictability for existing and future businesses.”
On Monday, March 10, City Council will consider a resolution (0030X-2025) to propose the rezoning of the identified sections of S.R. 161 under Title 34. If approved, a 60-day public comment period will begin. Residents are encouraged to visit columbus.gov/zoningupdate to review the proposed changes and submit feedback before the comment period ends on Saturday, May 10. Additional information, including upcoming public hearings and community meetings, will also be available on the Zone In website.
“Columbus is facing a housing crisis, and this zoning update is another step forward in our commitment to bringing more homes that people can actually afford to Columbus,” said City Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, chair of Council’s Zoning Committee. “By ensuring that areas like this vital Northland corridor are zoned for walkable, mixed-use development, we are unlocking opportunities for new housing, supporting local businesses and making it easier for residents to access transit. This is exactly the kind of smart, forward-thinking policy that will help Columbus grow equitably.”
“I am sincerely grateful to the team that has worked hard to bring forward a proposal to include the S.R. 161 corridor into the zoning code update,” said Councilmember Emmanuel Remy. “The Northland corridor is my home, and I truly believe that it is due the positive ripple-effects that Zone In will have on our community. When residents in every neighborhood can easily access transit, local businesses, job centers and other community services, we all thrive. I am proud to not only support but champion the inclusion of S.R. 161 in this process.”