A local community organization working to make Columbus a better place to live!

Get Involved

New here? Strong Towns Columbus is a community of people working to build a financially strong, safe, and people-focused Columbus.

Whether you're simply curious, interested in attending an event, or looking to help organize projects, we'd love to connect.

Step 1: Join Our Email List
Get updates about meetings, events, advocacy opportunities, and local Strong Towns projects.

Step 2: Attend an Event
New to Strong Towns Columbus? Start with our monthly meeting, held on the first Tuesday of each month.
The calendar below also includes city hearings, public meetings, volunteer opportunities, and events from partner organizations that may be of interest to Strong Towns advocates.

Step 3: Become an Active Member
Want to help organize projects, discuss local issues, or connect with other advocates? Join our Slack workspace and become part of the conversation.

Have a Question?
We're happy to help. Email us at: [email protected]
Whether you're interested in volunteering, partnering on an event, speaking at a meeting, or just learning more about Strong Towns Columbus, feel free to reach out.

About

Strong Towns Columbus is a "Local Conversation" of the national Strong Towns movement.We promote practical, bottom-up solutions — based on Strong Towns critiques and processes — to build a financially strong, safe, and people-focused Columbus.For more information about Strong Towns, go to the official Strong Towns website.

ADU Resource Hub

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small secondary homes located on the same property as a primary residence. They can provide housing for family members, generate rental income, support aging in place, and help add housing choices to existing neighborhoods.
Columbus recently updated its regulations to make ADUs easier to build. This Resource Hub collects local resources, examples, and lessons learned to help you evaluate whether an ADU is right for your property.

1. Start Here

Columbus ADU Handbook
The City of Columbus recently created an ADU Handbook that walks homeowners through zoning requirements, permitting, and the development process.
City of Columbus ADU Handbook

City Resources

2. Before You Call a Designer

You don't need to become a zoning expert to consider an ADU project. Before reaching out to a designer, architect, or contractor, it can be helpful to gather:

  • Property address

  • Existing site photos

  • Approximate lot dimensions (if known)

  • Information about any existing garage or accessory structure

  • Your intended use (family member, rental income, guest house, etc.)

  • Rough budget expectations

A qualified design professional can help determine whether your property is a good candidate for an ADU, can develop construction drawings, and can help identify building and/or zoning variances which may be required.
What is a "variance"? A variance is a formal exception to the written rules (usually building or zoning codes), which requires an application be submitted to the jurisdiction, review by said jurisdiction (which often includes neighbor feedback), and formal approval by said governing body. Variances are not impossible to get, but can complicate projects and extend approval timelines.

3. Find Local Professionals

A few local professionals with experience building ADUs, small-scale residential development, or accessory structures in Central Ohio include:
Architects & Designers

General Contractors

Financing Resources

Strong Towns Columbus does not endorse specific firms and encourages homeowners to obtain multiple quotes and conduct their own due diligence before hiring any professional.

4. Columbus ADU Success Stories

We're collecting stories from local homeowners who have built or are currently building ADUs. Interested in sharing your story? Contact us using the button at the top of this page.

Coming Soon

  • Project profiles

  • Cost considerations

  • Lessons learned

  • Design ideas

  • Financing experiences

5. What We've Learned So Far

As Columbus residents begin taking advantage of the city's updated ADU regulations, we're tracking common challenges and opportunities.

Early observations suggest that some projects encounter additional review (ie variances) related to:

  • Setbacks

  • Lot coverage

  • Parking requirements

  • Existing nonconforming structures

  • Utility connections

Stay tuned! As we dive deeper into analysis of these outcomes we will share updates here.

6. Ongoing Discussions

Utility connections can be one of the most significant costs associated with an ADU project.

The Greater Ohio Policy Center recently studied utility connection requirements for ADUs in Columbus and identified opportunities to reduce costs associated with sewer connections.Learn more: GOPC Report

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