BIA Adapting to Housing Needs Across Central Ohio Region

By Malcolm Porter

As central Ohio’s housing market faces continuing supply shortfalls, and job creation continues throughout the region, BIA members have been responding by both doubling down on the City of Columbus and also expanding development and building efforts in an increasing of communities in various counties.

The BIA’s Board of Trustees has worked with the Builders and Developers Council to remain strongly engaged with Columbus, and also adjust to the increased focused in new markets by expanding our policy efforts throughout the region.

This column outlines this expanded approach, and is an invitation to any BIA member to contact BIA Executive Director Jon Melchi if your company has a particular interest in communities in the region.

Builders and Developers Council Co-Chairs Lead Working Groups

The B/D Council is led by volunteers from BIA member companies. In 2023, the co-chairs are Nicki Martin from Treplus Communities, Jeff Miller from CESO and Mike Reeves from Kimley-Horn. The co-chairs have divided up lead responsibilities to focus on issues in specific communities.

Delaware and Union Counties

(Nicki Martin, leader)

In the township areas of Delaware County, there is a long history of development that continues with township and County-level elected officials and staff. Monitoring this work and dealing with ad hoc issues as they arise will continue.

For Delaware City, there are issues of staff capacity to review and approve plans that are providing challenges. Additionally, the city has a new tree preservation ordinance under draft that is of keen interest. And there is next step zoning work to follow the recent adoption of the city’s Comp Plan.

For Sunbury and Galena, there is new growth interest that involves annexation, zoning and development challenges that are relatively new for elected officials and staff. The BIA is working to help members understand each community’s expectations and develop needed relationships with community decision-makers.

In Union County, the City of Marysville is navigating mixed political sentiment towards growth. The city’s large utility investment reflects support, and a need, for growth. At the same time political leadership is challenged to approve development that is required by area employers and corresponds with the city’s earlier investments and plans.

Jerome Township is also a key part of Union County. The BIA is working with members who are focused in the township on a mix of issues.

Licking and Fairfield Counties

(Jeff Miller, leader)

Intel has brought a new level of focus to long-term challenges that have existed in Licking County. Development process issues with the County related to transportation and timely zoning approvals remain at the forefront of those issues. The BIA has provided information/support to a consortium of local jurisdictions that are attempting comprehensive planning as a response to Intel. This year will be the time to tell if this effort comes to fruition. Utility infrastructure challenges exist, with SWLWSD receiving authority for serving new territory at the same time as trying to address their leadership vacancy. A number of cities in the County are showing interest in annexation and residential development. These opportunities are encouraging, but not without some expected challenges related to local officials adapting to new level of activity.

Fairfield County is in the early stages of responding to Intel, and other regional developments, by exploring significant utility expansion in the northern tier of the County. This work has the possibility of significant future opportunity. For this effort to be successful, ongoing challenges need to be resolved related to issues like utility construction specifications, as well as subdivision regulations, zoning and development plan approvals. County Commissioners and the County Engineer are engaged with the BIA on these efforts.

Columbus/Franklin, Madison, Pickaway Counties (Mike Reeves, leader)

The City of Columbus remains the single most important jurisdiction for development of new housing, especially for multi-family units. The BIA is heavily engaged in the city’s zoning code update as well as ambitious plans for significant reductions in the timeframes for zoning and development plan approvals.

Madison County has begun efforts to form a new utility district. A key element of this effort is to have an outlet west of Darby Watershed. County leaders are working with Plain City, London, West Jefferson and other municipalities on what might be possible with this new district. These plans and subsequent financial investments will need to be wellcoordinated with expected levels of development.

Pickaway County has had increased development interest in communities including Commercial Point, Ashville and South Bloomfield, as well as Circleville. The announcement of a new Honda battery plant in Fayette County is expected to support and grow this demand. The BIA is in early stages of its work in the County.