City Planning and Engagement

Background

On May 7, 2021, the Department of City Planning and Engagement received an Ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Liz Keating that would remove land area/unit (density) limitations in the zoning code to allow for construction of more housing within Multi-family, Office, Commercial, Urban Mix, Manufacturing, and Riverfront zoning districts.  The removal of these limitations is among the strategies the City Administration recommended for increasing the supply and availability of housing within the City in a March 16, 2021 report to City Council.  Upon receipt of this Ordinance, the Department of City Planning and Engagement initiated the process for its consideration by the City Planning Commission and City Council.

Council Report

 Cincinnati USA regional chamber embracing growth report

the effects of density and racial segregation in u.s. urban areas

The Department of City Planning and Engagement held a virtual public staff conference on May 25, 2021. This proposal was brought before the City Planning Commission on June 4, 2021 where it was held so more discussion and engagement could take place.
Original DRAFT ORDINANCE

DENSITY PRESENTATION

A second virtual public staff conference was held on August 4, 2021.

The proposed updates to the proposed Ordinance based on community feedback received include:

• Allowing for double the existing density permitted in residential multi-family districts (RM-0.7, RM-1.2 and RM-2.0) instead of unlimited. All other regulations (height, setbacks, parking requirements, etc. still apply).

  • The maximum number of new residential units permitted per lot in the RMX zoning district remains three (matches current Zoning Code).

• Limiting the height in RM-0.7 multi-family to 50 feet instead of unlimited (with increased setbacks).

The following amendments are proposed to Title XIV, “Zoning Code of the City of Cincinnati,”

 PROPOSED DRAFT ORDINANCE

The proposed zoning regulations affect land area/unit (density) limitations.  They do not impact building height, setbacks, Overlay Districts (Historic, Hillside, Urban Design), parking requirements, etc.  Additionally, density in Single-family zoning districts is not affected by this proposal. 

A third virtual public staff conference was held on December 14, 2021. The item was considered by City Planning Commission on February 4, 2022. During the meeting, there was a motion to approve the proposed changes. The motion failed. For more information pleases see "Previous Public Meetings" below

The proposed amendments were discussed at the Equitable Growth and Housing Committee on March 15, 2022. The proposed text amendments did not pass.

 

Summary of Proposed Text Amendments

Click on each link below to view more information.

Section 1405-07 “Development Regulations – Multi-Family”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 2,500 square feet per residential unit for two and three-family dwellings in the Residential Mixed 1-3 family (RMX) zoning district. The maximum number of new units permitted per lot is three.
• Changes the minimum lot size requirement of 2,000 square feet per residential unit for two-family and multi-family dwellings in the Residential Multi-Family 2.0 (RM-2.0) zoning district to 1,000 square feet per residential unit.
• Changes the minimum lot size requirement of 1,200 square feet per residential unit for two-family and multi-family dwellings in the Residential Multi-Family 1.2 (RM-1.2) zoning district to 600 square feet per residential unit.
• Changes the minimum lot size requirement of 700 square feet per residential unit for two-family and multi-family dwellings in the Multi-Family 0.7 (RM-0.7) zoning district to 350 square feet per residential unit. This proposal also limits the height from unlimited to a maximum of 50 feet.

Section 1407-07 “Development Regulations – Office Districts”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 1,200 square feet per residential unit in the Office Limited (OL) zoning district.
• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 700 square feet per residential unit in Office General (OG) zoning district.

Section 1409-09 “Development Regulations – Commercial Districts”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 700 square feet per residential unit (new construction) in all Commercial zoning districts.
• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 500 square feet per residential unit (using an existing building) in all Commercial zoning districts.

Section 1410-07 “Development Regulations – Urban Mix”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 700 square feet per residential unit.
• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 700 square feet per residential unit for interior and exterior row houses.
• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 2,000 square feet for “other uses.”

Section 1413-07 “Development Regulations – Manufacturing Districts”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit in the Manufacturing Limited (ML) zoning district.

Section 1415-09 “Development Regulations – Riverfront Districts”

• Removes the minimum lot size requirement of 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit in the Riverfront Residential/Recreational (RF-R) zoning district.

Previous Public Meetings

Virtual Public Staff Conference
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | 4:00 p.m.
Meeting Notice | Presentation 

City Planning Commission - Item held by Commission for further engagement
Friday, June 4, 2021 | 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Notice | Report to the City Planning Commission | Meeting Recording

Virtual Public Staff Conference #2
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Notice | Meeting Summary | Presentation

Virtual Public Staff Conference #3
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 | 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Notice | Meeting Presentation | Meeting Recording

City Planning Commission - Motion to approve the proposed changes; the motion failed 
Friday, February 4, 2022 | 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Notice | Report to the City Planning Commission | Meeting Recording | Presentation

Committee of Council - Did not pass onto City Council
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. 
Notice | Public Speakers Registration

 

Contact

For questions or comments, please contact:
Samantha McLean, AICP, Senior City Planner | samantha.mclean@cincinnati-oh.gov | 513-352-4886