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Columbus council adopts citywide ADU code to ease construction of accessory units
Summary
Columbus City Council passed an overhaul of the zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across residential districts, after months of stakeholder outreach and public hearings. The measure includes size, safety and rental compliance standards and an implementation package with a city-funded guidebook.
Columbus City Council voted to adopt changes to Title 33 of the city code that will allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across all residential and apartment districts, easing the process for homeowners to add small, independent housing units on their lots. The ordinance (25 26 dash 20 25), introduced in second reading by Councilmember Otto Beatty, passed after an amendment and roll-call vote.
The legislation removes the most cumbersome variance requirements that previously blocked many homeowners from adding ADUs, while retaining building-code and life-safety requirements. Beatty said the change emerged from 10 months of research and outreach involving the administration, local advocacy groups and residents and that the new rules set size, height and unit-count limits and require ADUs to meet the same building- and rental-code obligations as other housing.
AARP Ohio provided explicit support. Tai Pine, AARP’s manager for outreach and advocacy in Columbus, said ADUs can ‘‘create housing options that are affordable, accessible and adaptable so residents can age in place and families can stay connected,” and urged the council to pair code changes with implementation tools such as model plans and financing.
City staff and the Department of Building and Zoning Services said ADUs will still require building permits and compliance with life‑safety codes, and that rental units would be subject to existing rental regulations. Councilmember Beatty and Director Messer said the next steps include materials to help homeowners navigate permitting.
Council also authorized a $50,000 contract with Opticos Design Inc. to prepare an ADU guidebook and waived competitive bidding to expedite publication; the guide will explain zoning and building-code requirements and offer practical plans, permitting timelines and how-to resources.
Supporters framed the code change as a practical way to add “missing middle” housing without large-scale redevelopment. Opponents at earlier hearings urged caution about neighborhood fit, parking and enforcement. Council responded by adopting a limitation text and directing staff to provide guidance and outreach as the new rules are implemented.
The ordinance passed and the council directed staff to publish the Opticos guidebook and pursue community education to accompany the code change.
