BZA approves multiple variances for housing and redevelopment projects; several cases tabled

The Board of Zoning Adjustment on Wednesday approved variances for multiple housing and commercial projects across Columbus while tabling several matters for later consideration.

The most prominent approvals included a 60-unit mixed-use building proposed for 550 West Broad Street, a six-unit infill subdivision at 1000 North Ninth Street and a 75-unit project at 511 West Towne Street. The board also approved a number of smaller lot splits, parking- or setback-related variances and several zoning exceptions for existing site conditions. Several applicants accepted staff-recommended conditions — typically requiring stamped site plans, cross-access agreements or changes to curb cuts — as part of approvals.

Why this matters: The decisions advance a slate of infill housing projects and commercial redevelopment that city staff says aligns with Columbus planning goals for more housing in existing neighborhoods and improved site organization. Some approvals came over objections from area commissions or neighbors, who raised concerns about neighborhood character, tree canopy loss and parking pressure. The board’s rulings reflect a common tension in local land-use review between area commission recommendations and the citywide planning objectives applied by staff and the Board.

What the board decided (selected highlights) - 550 West Broad Street: The board approved variances allowing structured and surface parking close to side streets and other site-specific deviations tied to the new Urban Core zoning standards so a 60-unit mixed-use building with ground-floor commercial space can be constructed. City staff and the East Franklinton review board had recommended approval; the Columbus Historical Society expressed concerns about tree plantings and visitor parking for the nearby historic properties.

- 1000 North Ninth Street: The board granted multiple variances to allow seven small lots and six single-family homes behind Ninth Street, despite a Milo Grogan area commission recommendation of disapproval. Board members said the proposal met the practical-difficulty standard and aligned with city goals for infill housing.

- 511 West Towne Street: The board approved variances for a 75-unit apartment building in East Franklinton after staff and review bodies recommended approval. The applicant revised driveway widths to address traffic-management concerns before the hearing.

- 6152–6196 Corporate Exchange Drive: The board approved variances to legitimize the location and partial screening of existing dumpsters at a shopping center, with the applicant committing to stamp the site plan showing the consolidated dumpster locations.

- 2236 Union Avenue: The board denied a requested variance to legitimize an existing front-yard parking pad. City staff opposed the variance, and the board voted no.

Several cases were tabled to a future meeting or a full board session, including a car wash-related filing at 6285 Cleveland Avenue and a residential lot-split case (395 Stewart Avenue) where the applicant asked for more time to consider separating items and conditions.

Votes at a glance (case number — address — short outcome — key condition or note) - BZA21-010 — 910 Dublin Road — extension of special permit granted (3-year extension). Condition: none beyond extension request on record. - VZA25-021 — 2740 Airport Drive — applicant-requested tabling to next month granted. - BZA24-073 — 646 E. Second Ave — variance to reduce maneuvering from 20' to 17' granted; applicant recorded cross-access easement as recommended. - 2BZA24-159 — 503 Ashwood Rd — multiple lot-split variances granted; conditions: demolition of a garage on one tract, 20' maximum access to tract 3, cross-access agreement required. - BZA25-030 — 6285 Cleveland Ave — tabled for full board; tabling motion granted. - BZA25-031 — 511 W. Towne St — variances for 75-unit apartment with structured parking granted after revisions; traffic division concerns addressed. - BZA25-033 — 5869–5877 Cleveland Ave — townhouse-style 48‑unit project variances granted with condition that proposed access aligns with Youngs Grove Road. - BZA25-034 — 2236 Union Ave — variance to reduce front parking setback denied (board vote: no). - BZA25-035 — 395 Stewart Ave — item suspended for applicant consultation and subsequently tabled at applicant request (tabling granted). - BZA25-036 — 487/491 E. Midoff St — reduction of required parking spaces from 8 to 4 for two small multi‑family buildings granted (staff and area commission supported due to walkability). - BZA25-037 — 2344 Atwood Terrace — variance for carport/garage expansion granted with condition to remove the driveway apron or close access in the public right-of-way. - BZA25-039 — 56–64 W. Third Ave — aisle/maneuvering reduction from 20' to 18' approved; traffic division supported the configuration. - BZA25-042 — 6152–6196 Corporate Exchange Dr — variances to legitimize dumpster locations between buildings and sides streets granted; applicant to stamp site plan showing consolidated locations and partial screening for grease traps. - BZA25-043 — 1750 Federn Ave — outdoor storage setback variances for an impound/storage lot granted with conditions for screening, slatted chain-link retrofit and a stamped site plan. - BZA25-044 — 1000 N. Ninth St — multiple variances for a seven‑lot subdivision and six infill single‑family homes granted (area commission recommended disapproval; staff recommended approval). - BZA25-045 — 550 W. Broad St — multiple Urban Core variances approved to allow a 60‑unit mixed-use building with structured parking and screening walls; staff and review board recommended approval; historical society raised tree/parking concerns. - BZA25-046 — 897 Berkeley Rd — variances for a two‑unit dwelling approved; applicant committed to constructing a sidewalk along Berkeley frontage per public-service requirements. - BZA25-048 — 257–259 Monroe Ave — two single-family lots approved; the board asked that elevations remain generally consistent with the Near East plan (applicant to meet C2P2 guidance). - BZA25-050 (solar arrays) — 1350 Allen Creek Dr — variance to reduce building setback for ground-mounted solar arrays along I‑70 frontage granted (staff and South Side area commission supported).

Staff and board notes: Where staff proposed conditions (cross-access agreements, stamped site plans, removal of curb cuts, replacement of driveway aprons or tree/landscape commitments), applicants either accepted those conditions at the hearing or the board attached them to approvals. In several cases the board explicitly noted that unanimous votes were required because only three members were present; applicants were offered the choice to table rather than seek a full-board vote.

What’s next: Several tablings and conditions will require applicants to return with revised stamped plans or follow-up documentation (cross‑access agreements, curb-cut closures, clarified elevations and sidewalk connections). Where area commissions recommended against an application but the board granted variances, staff or applicants may engage further with the civic associations to address outstanding neighborhood concerns.