Columbus sets December 2026 deadline for zoning and signage code adoption | The Locally Times
The city plans to finalize a 18-month land-use rewrite by December 2026, updating rules for parking and signage.
## Project Status The City of Columbus plans to adopt new land-use regulations by December 2026. This project updates municipal codes for business signage and off-street parking, according to the city’s zoning rewrite project page updated May 30, 2026. The city is working with the consultant firm Vandewalle and Associates to complete the revisions. ## Code Revisions The project consists of two parts. Part 1, which the city completed, addressed zoning districts, land uses, and bulk dimensions. Part 2, currently in progress, covers parking standards, signage regulations, design standards, and the Subdivision Code, which governs the division of land into smaller parcels. The city published the Draft Parking Standards on March 3, 2026, and the Draft Sign Code on April 15, 2026. These documents provide the specific requirements for the fabrication, erection, and use of signs, as well as the location, type, size, and height of signage for all properties. The city provides a comparison table on its website to show differences between current and proposed signage rules. ## Property Impact The proposed changes will alter how property owners manage land and parking. While the project page states the goal is to modernize regulations, the documents do not specify how the new requirements differ from existing standards for individual residential or commercial properties. The city has not released data regarding potential impacts on street-side parking availability or residential density. ## Timeline and Public Input The city scheduled a public open house for the fall of 2026 to review the draft zoning ordinance. Residents may contact Mike Kornmann, the Director of Community and Economic Development, at (920) 623-5900, extension 1106, for information or to provide input. The city held a focus group on April 29, 2026, to gather community feedback. ## Key Questions **When will the new zoning rules take effect?** The city scheduled the final adoption of the new zoning ordinance and map for December 2026. **Where can I see the proposed changes to signage rules?** The city posted the Draft Sign Code, dated April 15, 2026, on the official city zoning rewrite website, which includes a comparison table against current standards. **How can I provide feedback on these proposals?** Residents can attend a public open house scheduled for the fall of 2026 or contact the Director of Community and Economic Development, Mike Kornmann, at (920) 623-5900, extension 1106.