Council advances first reading to rezone Seventeenth & Cottage area from industrial/commercial to residential

Columbus city council on an unspecified date approved on first reading a planning‑department‑initiated rezoning that would change zoning for about 4.5 acres (roughly 29 lots) near the intersection of Seventeenth and Cottage from primarily I‑2 (Industrial General), CN (Commercial Neighborhood) and CC (Commercial Community) to RS‑4 (Residential Single‑Family 4) north of Seventeenth Street and RE (Residential Established) south of Seventeenth Street.

Staff described the area as legacy commercial or industrial zoning established decades ago but used predominantly for residential purposes for more than 60 years. Staff said the intent of the rezoning is to align the official zoning map with the long‑standing residential character so homeowners face fewer regulatory barriers when reinvesting in their properties. "The thoughts and time for these properties to be developed for something that's commercial industrial is passed," staff said.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing after an introductory letter to affected property owners; staff said no owners in the rezoning area attended the planning hearing and the Planning Commission made a unanimous favorable recommendation to city council. One nearby industrial property owner attended the hearing to ask whether the change would affect his property; staff said it would not.

A council member moved to pass the ordinance on first reading and the motion carried; the transcript records the motion and subsequent approval on first reading, but does not provide a roll‑call vote tally.

Ending: The rezoning is intended to simplify permitting and reinvestment for property owners in the affected neighborhoods; as with the other item, this action was only first reading and will return for follow‑up readings and final adoption procedures.