COLUMBUS, Ind. – The City of Columbus Plan Commission will consider amendments to the Columbus Zoning Ordinance including the Zoning Map on May 8.
The Commission will consider amendments to (1) create a new Columbus Front Door Overlay Zoning District; (2) include properties in the vicinity of the I-65 and State Road 46/Jonathan Moore Pike intersection in the new district; and (3) rezone Columbus Crossing from PUD (Planned Unit Development) to CR (Commercial: Regional Center). A PUD is a custom set of zoning regulations negotiated on a case-by-case basis between a developer and the city for new, unique development projects.
The Columbus Crossing Planning Unit Development was created in 2003 to provide a framework and basic architectural design guidelines for developing Menard’s and surrounding properties. At the time, the character of this new development was seen as a key component of creating a quality “front door” gateway for Columbus at this I-65 interchange. Other businesses in Columbus Crossing and subject to the 2003 guidelines include Sam’s Club, Walmart, Texas Roadhouse, Belle Tire, and McAlister’s Deli.
The proposed new overlay district is based on and intended to replace the Columbus Crossing PUD. It updates and refines those architectural guidelines and extends them consistently across all commercial properties at the intersection. The intent is to provide future development at the Columbus I-65 front door with a consistent, uniform set of basic architectural design guidelines.
The proposed zoning ordinance amendments will not require any changes to existing buildings but will apply to properties that are currently vacant that will develop in the future.
The May 8 City of Columbus Plan Commission meeting is at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Columbus City Hall. The public is welcome and will have the opportunity to speak on this topic. Residents may contact Senior Planner Jessie Boshell with questions at 812-376-2550 or jboshell@columbus.in.gov.
The Plan Commission recommends the proposed zoning ordinance amendments to the Columbus City Council, which will make the final decision.
The proposed recommendations to be considered by the Plan Commission, and supporting maps, will be posted on the Planning Department website by May 2, at columbus.in.gov/planning/agendas-materials/.