Columbus Council hearing on ADU ordinance draws broad praise and sharp objections

Columbus City Council held a public hearing on proposed changes to the cityzoning code that would recognize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as an allowed housing type across residential districts and remove many variance requirements.

Council Member Otto Beatty, sponsor of the ordinance, said the draft would amend Title 33 (to be carried into Title 34 in the zoning recodification) to "allow accessory dwelling units in conjunction with the principal dwelling unit or an apartment building in all residential zoning districts subject to certain guidelines regarding the allowable number of ADUs, the size, the height, and the location." He set the ordinancefirst reading for Nov. 17 and the final reading for Nov. 24.

The Department of Building and Zoning Services described the proposal in detail. Tony Celebrizzi, deputy director, and Christina Palmer of the residential zoning clearance section defined ADUs as "a secondary residential unit that provides complete living facilities" and described three common types: interior conversions, attached additions and detached units (often over garages). Palmer said…