City Planning and Engagement Menu

Proposed Zone Changes in the Lick Run Greenway and South Fairmount

Background: 

In February 2020, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cincinnati organized a “Public Participation Urban Design Workshop” in partnership with the South Fairmount Community Council to explore the area around the Lick Run Greenway since the greenway construction was nearing completion. During the workshop, community members shared their vision for the area surrounding the Lick Run Greenway. The community’s vision calls for a more walkable, pedestrian-scaled environment, whereas the current zoning is for a more auto-oriented environment.

Additionally, in May 2021, the Lick Run Greenway, a $103 million-dollar investment, opened. The Lick Run Greenway is stormwater management project that doubles as a park providing both recreational and education opportunities for community members. It is the first daylighted stream in the nation to control sewer overflows.

The Department of City Planning and Engagement conducted a zoning analysis with the above context. During the process, City Planning and Engagement engaged the Metropolitan Sewer District, Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Department of Transportation and Engineering. The zoning study included:

  • A review of past plans

  • A review of the community’s workshop outcomes

  • An analysis of the existing zoning

  • An analysis of potential zoning districts to respond to plans and community goals

Boundary:

The zoning study boundary was drawn based on the community’s Concept Plan from the AIA Workshop. The boundary is drawn to include key components of the Concept Plan, while respecting parcel boundaries. The boundary map may be found below:

Suggested Phasing: 

The Metropolitan Sewer District is in the process of re-platting parcels owned by Hamilton County. These parcels will be re-platted to reflect the final configuration of the Lick Run Greenway. Once re-platted, parcels not included in the Lick Run Greenway will be available for sale at a future point. The current zoning of the area between Queen City Avenue and Westwood Avenue is CC-A with the exception of the property owned by the City of Cincinnati and operated by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission which is zoned PR. Once re-platted, the property within the Lick Run greenway will be proposed to be rezoned from CC-A to PR. Since the exact replat is unknown at this time, the Department of City Planning and Engagement recommends that there are two phases of zone changes:

  1. Phase 1: Property south of Westwood Avenue and north of Queen City Avenue

  2. Phase 2: Property between Westwood Avenue and Queen City Avenue, once the replat is complete

Existing Zoning:

Proposed Changes:

Meetings:

Public Staff Conference

  • Held on Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 via ZOOM at 5:00 pm

  • Notice

  • Meeting Power Point

  • To Register: email jesse.urbancsik@cincinnati-oh.gov 

City Planning Commission

Equitable Growth & Housing Committee

  • September 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in City Hall

  • Notice

Contact: 

For questions or assistance, please contact: 

Jesse Urbancsik, Senior City Planner | jesse.urbancsik@cincinnati-oh.gov | 513-352-4843

The City of Cincinnati is committed to equal access at meetings and facilities by providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request.