Council approves special exception to allow conservation subdivision at 1650 Hubbard Road

Columbus city council on Oct. 14 voted to grant a special-exception rezoning to allow a resource-conservation subdivision at 1650 Hubbard Road.

Applicant representative Tyler Finley told the council the project will conserve roughly 77% of the 1 parcel and develop 29 single-family lots of about 13,000 square feet each. “It allows us to develop for a better cost and conserve any environmentally sensitive areas,” Finley said; he estimated home prices in the upper $300,000s to low $500,000s.

Finley said the subdivision is modeled on a similar nearby project that has quickly sold; the development team told council the approach reduces roadway extent and preserves topography by clustering lots and keeping sensitive areas intact.

Councilors raised typical planning questions: access and traffic safety at the Hubbard/Weitzville intersection, whether a second outlet was required for 29 lots (city rules allow higher thresholds for two egress points), and how conservation subdivisions affect neighborhood character. Public comment included concerns about additional traffic and an assurance from the developer that the design minimizes street construction and remains within the Unified Development Ordinance.

Motion to approve the conservation subdivision special exception carried on voice vote; council put the item on the record and the applicant may proceed to the permitting steps required by the planning and engineering departments.