Council approves zoning code amendments after debate over environmental checks and EV‑charging rules

Gahanna City Council on May 18 adopted Ordinance 0018‑2026, a broad set of zoning code amendments that update and clarify multiple provisions of the city's Zoning Code, including a new 'deviation' pathway that staff said functions similarly to existing variance authority but explicitly ties review to land‑use plan intent.

Councilmember Rener led an extended discussion pressing staff on ecological and resiliency standards, particularly protections for riparian corridors such as Big Walnut Creek. Director Michael Blackford and planning staff said the proposed deviation language would give staff and Planning Commission more documented references to the land‑use and strategic plans when evaluating tradeoffs, and recommended incorporating some of Rener’s environmental proposals into an upcoming Chapter 9 rewrite to provide a more comprehensive code update.

Rener successfully moved an amendment to Section 1109.01(J)(4) to tighten electric‑vehicle requirements: parking lots and garages that serve multifamily or mixed‑use developments containing residential units must meet minimum EV‑charging counts with EVSE‑installed spaces (EVSE installed counts as one space; EV‑ready spaces cannot be used to meet the minimum). The amendment passed and council then approved the ordinance as amended.

Council emphasized checks and balances: deviations/variances remain subject to staff review and Planning Commission approval. Staff said the Chapter 9 rewrite will begin ramping up in coming months and would allow more comprehensive environmental language to be added citywide. The ordinance passed on the council floor after the amendment; a timeline for chapter rewrite was estimated to ramp up later this year with substantive work into late 2026 or early 2027.