Central Ohio deserves zoning and land use laws that are up to the challenge of our growing community. Unfortunately, in many of our cities, these rules were written as far back as the 1950s, and no longer reflect our needs and priorities. This is resulting in big housing shortages, housing styles that don’t meet desires, and sky-high prices.
Streamlining and modernizing our code can help reduce rents, bring homeownership back within reach, and ease property tax pressures. It isn’t the only solution, but it’s a necessary one.
And, with most of our region’s zoning codes decades (or even generations!) out of date, we believe this must be a transparent and publicly-informed conversation that centers our values of accessibility and affordability. While no two cities will have identical paths forward, AHACO stands behind proven approaches that can be adapted to fit all our cities and towns.
relevant & Modern zoning laws
zoning that inspires central ohio
Missing middle housing
Our Value: People deserve housing choices that meet their needs.
Small, residential-scaled housing built Central Ohio and created a thriving middle class for generations. Whether it is the duplexes of Clintonville, the historic row houses of German Village, or the “up-and-downs” in our suburban downtowns, these styles are both affordable and in high demand throughout the region. In many neighborhoods, however, they are now illegal to build and increasingly scarce, earning the name “missing middle”.
Reinvent the strip
Our Value: People deserve safe, thriving communities.
1970s-style strip malls used to be all the rage. But today, some have trouble attracting commercial tenants because there aren’t enough homes nearby to support steady business. As a result, they can become vacant or rundown, straining their neighborhoods and taking away desired amenities. Converting these commercial areas to mixed-use districts can increase housing opportunities, support small businesses, and bring vibrancy back to our local shopping areas.
live-work-play
Our Value: People deserve time with family, not stuck in traffic.
Facing longer commute times and heavier traffic, Ohioans are increasingly looking for housing options closer to work. The Live-Work-Play approach ensures that there are homes, jobs, shopping, entertainment, community, and culture all within a walk (or bike, or bus trip, or short drive) of each other. This can feel a little bit like a throwback to the way neighborhoods used to be built before suburban sprawl.
accessory dwelling units
Our Value: People deserve homes that grow with them.
Carriage homes, laneway houses, in-law suites, granny flats, ADUs… there’s almost as many ways to describe them as there are to use them! Today, Ohio homeowners view Accessory Dwelling Units as a traditional way to meet a variety of family needs, whether it’s creating a safe space for an aging parent, offering independence for a disabled family member, or just generating a little extra income to take the bite out of rising taxes and living costs.
yes in god’s backyard
Our Value: People deserve institutions that serve their communities.
Faith organizations, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education are some of the most trusted groups in our community. They serve their neighborhoods and protect our cities. And many have underutilized land that they want to turn into affordable housing. But they face a mountain of red tape and bureaucratic barriers when they try to help. The “Yes in God’s Backyard” movement gives them more control over their own land and provides technical assistance to build affordable housing.
transit-oriented development
Our Value: People deserve good opportunities, with or without a car.
As Central Ohio grows, we need to be intentional about creating walkable neighborhoods where jobs, housing, and transportation choices are abundant. LinkUS is set to deliver a world-class transportation system. Now we need to expand and protect affordable housing up and down the bus lines so that everyone in the region can benefit from this needed public investment.
How to Get Engaged
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Host a House Party
Building an informed, engaged, and civically active community is how we solve our housing challenge. If you’re willing to gather 20 or so of your friends and neighbors to talk about housing, we’d love to help you throw a party!
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Watch a Movie
Ever wondered what role duplexes played in Central Ohio’s founding? We did too! That’s why AHACO helped create the short film “United: the Hidden Story of the Humble Duplex”. Schedule a private screening for your group now.
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Read the Research
Research shows that “overwhelming” majorities of Central Ohio residents support changing housing roles to lower prices, expand choices, and support our growth. Read the latest survey to hear what your neighbhors think!
