GOPC and the OhioREALTORS are creating an Ohio State Pattern Book + Zoning Reform Toolkit in partnership with our subconsultant, Pattern Zones Co. The Book will promote new housing production and infill development in Ohio by providing free housing architectural plans that local governments can “pre-approve” for use. These plans will be available to everyone, but we expect early users will be community development corporations, county land banks, and small developers. 

The Zoning Reform Toolkit will offer accessible guidance to local governments on common zoning changes that can be made to improve local conditions for development. It will also provide recommendations and suggestions on how local governments can develop pre-approved building programs, which offer expedited permitting to a set of pre-designed plans that are architecturally appropriate for a specific community. 

Cleveland Heights, OH is on track to be one of the first communities in the state to pre-approve building designs. The city just closed submissions for a design competition for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The winning designs will be developed into pre-approved construction-ready plans that will be made available at no cost to Cleveland Heights residents who want to build an ADU on their properties.

“For many seniors, ADUs can provide an affordable way to live independently while receiving support from their family in the primary residence,” Cleveland Heights Planning and Development Director Eric Zamft said.

For properties that don’t already have ADUs, however, speed is of the essence.

“Building an ADU for an aging relative is only an option if it can be built quickly,” Zamft said. “That’s the problem the ADU Design Competition will help solve by giving homeowners pre-approved turnkey plans.”

Learn more about the competition here!