Council advances rezoning for small parcel behind National Road Professional Plaza

The Columbus Common Council voted on a first reading to rezone a small parcel adjacent to the National Road Professional Plaza from RM (multifamily residential) to CO (commercial professional office), saying the change corrects a historic mapping inconsistency and will allow the lots to be consolidated.

Jeff Bergman, presenting the request, described the lot as a historical quirk in the city’s zoning map that has been used as parking for the adjacent office complex and said the applicants seek to "make the parking lot zone consistent with the building, and include those on a single lot." Bergman and other staff emphasized the request does not propose new paving or changes to the existing entrance.

A representative for the applicant, Chad Leonard, was present and confirmed the current use is parking and that the intent is consolidation rather than any immediate construction. Council members asked standard clarification questions about ownership history and future use; staff noted the change aligns the parcel with the comprehensive plan’s commercial corridor along National Road.

A council member moved to pass the rezoning on first reading and the motion carried; the ordinance will proceed to the next reading for final adoption.