12-03-2025
Columbus eyes rezoning for a more walkable Northland
Denser, pedestrian-friendly development could be coming to Route 161 in Northland thanks to ongoing efforts to modernize zoning throughout Columbus.
Why it matters: Zoning determines what kind of development can happen on a land parcel, shaping how communities look, feel and function.
The Northland corridor would be the first added to the city's new " Zone In" plan since its summer rollout, prompted by public feedback.
Catch up quick: City Council members overhauled the zoning code last July and applied it to several high-priority areas, in hopes of increasing housing development.
Before then, the code hadn't been updated since the 1950s, when Columbus' population was much smaller. The outdated rules, such as parking minimums, stricter height limits and lots of red tape, stifled modern development, officials said.
The update established six new types of districts for mixed-use development and rezoned 140 miles of corridors with proximity to bus routes and capacity for growth.
The latest: Council members started the process Monday to rezone about 2.5 miles along Route 161, mostly between Sinclair Road and Cleveland Avenue.
A 60-day public comment period lasts through May 10.
View the proposal and provide feedback.
Zoom in: The land is primarily set to be zoned "community activity center," for a walkable, suburban feel.
One portion surrounding a church would be "urban general 2," with slightly shorter height restrictions and the reuse of older buildings.
Between the lines: In letters supporting the change, Northland leaders noted the neighborhood's concentration of immigrants, many without cars, and a lack of walkability.
The big picture: Nearly 100 projects encompassing "well over" 1,000 housing units have already been proposed along "Zone In" corridors, said Scott Messer, the city's director of Building and Zoning Services, during Monday's council meeting.
Northland's other major corridor, Morse Road from I-71 to Easton, was already rezoned last summer.
In total, 5% of Columbus land parcels have been rezoned so far.
What's next: Public hearings on the Route 161 changes are scheduled for April 2 and May 28.
🔎 Go deeper: See what neighborhoods near you are ripe for redevelopment by exploring an interactive "Zone In" map.
