Columbus Planning

‼️Zone In June 2026 Update‼️

The Zone In team continues to advance Phase Two: Economic and Housing Opportunity, the next step in our efforts to modernize the city's 70-year-old zoning code.

So far this year, our team has attended nearly 90 meetings or events, and connected with more than 1,400 residents, stakeholders, and community leaders across Columbus. We appreciate everyone who has contributed to these important conversations.

As we move into the summer months, we will be refining the proposed zoning districts and zoning map for Phase Two. Outreach to community groups will also continue as we prepare for the formal public comment period later this year.

For more information, visit columbus.gov/zoningupdate. Residents are also welcome to share questions about Phase Two, or any other Zone In inquiries, by emailing [email protected].

In 2025, resident engagement with the Zone In team helped build the Columbus Growth Strategy, which established the policy foundation for Zone In. Engagement focused on three broad land use categories: Mixed Use, Industrial & Warehouse, and Business & Institutional Campuses. City Council adopted the Columbus Growth Strategy and its associated Land Use Map in January 2026. The Zone In team is now developing the zoning districts that will implement these policy categories.

Check out this video update from the Planning Division, walking you through what we've accomplished so far and where we are headed during this next phase of Zone In work.

City of Columbus Planning Division Zone In Phase 2 Update

Following a thorough and deliberate review, the City of Columbus is pausing the Big Darby Accord Amendment process to allow for more coordination and consideration with our Accord partners. We look forward to advancing the draft Amendment this fall because we believe it is the right plan for the Big Darby watershed.

For the last 18 months, Mayor Ginther and his administration have led Columbus’ participation alongside our Accord partners in a transparent, inclusive and collaborative public process to create a stronger plan for the Darby. We’ve learned and listened together, in close partnership with Columbus City Council.

Guided by our shared priorities, the draft Amendment creates more open space, protects clean water and biodiversity, and supports the sustainable, affordable housing our region desperately needs.

To further test these protections, some jurisdictions have expressed interest in reviewing additional analysis from ODNR, which is expected this fall. This pause will create space to review that additional information and proceed with confidence, as partners, ultimately demonstrating that this is the best plan for Franklin County.

Mayor Ginther and the City of Columbus remain committed to the Accord and to advancing a final amendment that protects what makes the Big Darby watershed special, today and for generations to come. We will continue to work closely with our Accord jurisdictions and Columbus City Council, just as we have for the last 18 months.