Development commission approves two residential rezonings, tables two other cases

At its April 10, 2025 development commission meeting in Columbus, members approved two rezoning requests to allow additional residential units and voted to table two other cases that had been read into the record earlier in the meeting.

Staff told the commission that the approved rezonings were consistent with local planning guidance and recommended approval. Commissioners cast roll-call votes on both approvals; two other matters were set aside at the start of the meeting after a motion to table.

The first approved item concerned a proposal to rezone a parcel along East Whittier Street from LC-2 (Limited Commercial) to AR-1 (Apartment Residential) to allow a two-unit dwelling. Planning staff said the site lies within the planning boundaries of the Near South Side plan and that the Columbus Southside Area Commission recommended approval. Staff said the requested AR-1 zoning would match existing zoning and development to the west of the site and would be compatible with surrounding uses.

Brenda Parker, the project architect, identified herself for the record: "No. My name is Brenda Parker. I'm the architect." After brief discussion and no public opposition, the commission moved and seconded the matter and took a roll-call vote. Commissioners Maria Conroy, Johnny Wilson, Taylor Quinn and Margaret Patrick voted yes and the rezoning was approved.

The second approval involved a rezoning at Atchison Street (file information read into the record as Z-20-4-076) from R-3 to R-4 Residential District to permit higher-density residential development. Planning staff said the R-4 designation would allow up to four dwelling units on the lot and that the applicant proposes a three-unit dwelling; a concurrent council variance to reduce lot-size, width and yard requirements was noted as a separate submission that will be heard by city council. The staff recommendation to approve cited compatibility with surrounding residential densities and building types.

A member of the public who identified himself as David Shatten stated, "No comment." The commission then voted by roll call; Amanda Goldman, Tom Henderson, Anne O'Brien and Maria Connor voted yes and the rezoning was approved.

At the start of the meeting, the chair read two cases into the record identified by case numbers and addresses (the record lists two items as Case No. 3 and Case No. 4). A motion to table those two cases was made and seconded; the chair asked for those in favor of tabling and the items were tabled. Later in the meeting staff said an applicant for a separate property on Hayden Run Road elected not to proceed that evening and the matter will be rescheduled and noticed when it returns to a future commission meeting.

Decisions recorded in the meeting were limited to the two approved rezonings and the tabling actions; several matters mentioned as concurrent variance files or scheduled for city council review will be decided separately by city council or at a future hearing.

Upcoming procedural notes from staff: items that were tabled will be placed on a future agenda with notice to interested parties; variance requests connected to the approved rezonings will proceed through the council variance process as separate filings.