Columbus is Growing Fast and We're Planning Ahead
The city is updating its 70-year-old zoning code through the “Zone In” initiative to ensure smart, sustainable growth for current and future residents.
Protecting What Makes Columbus Special
Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans is leading legislation to reexamine how we preserve historic buildings and neighborhoods as our city evolves.
Learning from Cities Like Austin and Philadelphia
Columbus will study national best practices to modernize historic preservation in a way that supports affordable housing, equity, and development.
Columbus Historic Preservation Initiative
Maintaining Our Culture, Identity, and Charm While Growing Smart
The Columbus Region is growing fast, and we're planning for it. As we update our 70-year-old zoning code through the “Zone In” initiative, we want to make sure our historic buildings and neighborhoods don't get lost in the shuffle. This isn't about stopping growth — it's about growing responsibly while protecting what makes Columbus special. Council President Pro Tem Rob Dorans is leading legislation to review and modernize our historic preservation policies, learning from cities like Austin and Philadelphia to strike the right balance between honoring
our past and building our future.
Key Outcomes & Benefits
Smart Growth That Preserves Character
We're updating historic preservation policies to work hand-in-hand with new housing and development, ensuring growth strengthens rather than erases neighborhood identity.
Learning from National Best Practices
Columbus will study successful approaches from cities like Austin and Philadelphia to modernize preservation in ways that support both affordable housing and historic protection.
Streamlined, Fair Process
Reviewing and potentially updating the nomination process, property owner consent requirements, and district designation standards to make historic preservation more accessible and equitable.
Balancing Preservation and Housing Needs
Finding ways to protect historic properties while still meeting Columbus' urgent need for more housing, especially affordable housing, in established neighborhoods.
Get Involved & Stay Updated
Public Meetings & Updates
Community meetings will be scheduled during the policy review process to gather input on historic preservation priorities and potential changes. Sign up for updates above or follow City Council meetings to stay informed about the review timeline and opportunities to participate.