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Council refers contested Equitas parking-lot variance back to committee after neighbors cite noise and trash
Summary
A council variance request from Equitas to validate an existing non-accessory parking lot on North High Street was referred back to zoning committee for further neighborhood engagement after neighbors raised concerns about noise, loitering, lighting and aesthetics.
Columbus City Council referred a request from Equitas to allow an interim non-accessory parking lot at 1015 North High Street back to the zoning committee for further consideration and neighbor engagement.
Staff explained the parcel had been rezoned under the city’s UCR (Urban Core) district during recent code changes; the parking use had been permitted under the previous zoning and a failure to file a site compliance plan resulted in a zoning violation. Eric Zartman, representing Equitas, said the organization acquired the property with the intent to develop a drive-through pharmacy but has used the lot in the interim to serve clinic employees during the day and as professionally managed paid parking at night.
David Fosselman, representing adjacent Star Avenue condominium owners, opposed the variance and described longstanding problems at the site: loud noise late into the night, public urination, loitering, trash blowing into landscaping, inadequate lighting and the lot’s current appearance. Fosselman said those conditions have harmed neighbors’ quality of life and called the lot an "eyesore." Council members asked about screening, lighting, management by the current operator (Laz Parking) and whether Equitas would consider interim beautification or better lighting.
Zoning chair said the legal standard for a variance centers on hardship from the code change and noted this is an unusual case where common ownership of adjacent parcels exists but sites were not combined. Although several members indicated the hardship standard appeared met, the chair moved to refer the matter to committee and scheduled additional discussion for Nov. 17, 2025, to allow the applicant and neighbors to negotiate mitigations (screening, lighting, a contact point and enforcement measures).
Next steps: the zoning matter will return to committee on 11/17/2025. Council asked staff to confirm that addressing the zoning violation while dialogue continues will prevent further sanctions and encouraged the applicant to work with neighbors on lighting, screening and cleanup measures.
