RPLI Series: Lawyers Who Know the Law - Update on Legislative Issues and the Zoning Code-RPLI Series: Lawyers Who Know the Law - Update on Legislative Issues and the Zoning Code

RPLI Series: Lawyers Who Know the Law - Update on Legislative Issues and the Zoning Code

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features two updates. First, Shannon Pine, Columbus’s Chief Zoning Official, explains “Zone In,” the city’s multi-year effort to modernize zoning so it better reflects how Columbus lives, works, and grows. Phase one, “Equitable Access,” expanded mixed-use zoning along corridors, added housing capacity, removed parking minimums, and aimed to support equitable, transit-oriented growth. Phase two, now underway in 2026, is focused on economic and housing opportunity. It uses the new Columbus Growth Strategy to guide zoning for additional corridors, industrial/warehouse areas, and business/institutional campuses. The city is preparing a draft code and zoning map for public comment, with final council consideration expected in fall 2026.<br /><br />Second, lobbyist Matt Whitehead provides an Ohio legislative update on real estate-related bills. Topics include a possible constitutional amendment to eliminate property tax, new marijuana rules for landlords, short-term rental regulation and taxation, data center oversight, public meeting access, water service and rate disputes, water liens on tenant accounts, real estate wholesaling restrictions, deed fraud prevention, zoning and building inspection reforms, and property tax rollback changes. Throughout, both speakers emphasize public engagement and encourage stakeholders to follow the legislative and zoning review processes closely.

Keywords

Zone In

Columbus zoning

Equitable Access

mixed-use zoning

Columbus Growth Strategy

housing opportunity

Ohio real estate legislation

property tax reform

short-term rental regulation