Public can learn about updated zoning map this month

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The city of Columbia will provide two opportunities this month for the public to learn about and provide input for the zoning map in the city’s newly adopted Unified Development Ordinance.

The new ordinance, adopted in August 2019, consolidates and revises the current zoning and land development ordinances, according to a news release from the city. The zoning map update is the next step in that process.

The UDO establishes zoning districts with different sets of permitted uses and development standards. To implement the new ordinance, an updated zoning map designating the location of these new districts must be drafted and adopted by Columbia City Council.

On March 11, a public meeting will be held to provide information about the project and to answer general questions about the process. That meeting will take place at the Eau Claire Print Building at 3907 Ensor Ave. from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

From March 13-23, one-on-one, by-appointment office hours will allow members of the public to review the draft zoning map and provide comments. Appointments can be scheduled online.

The UDO and the official zoning map are both scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1. Map revisions are slated for April, with more public meetings planned in May, according to the city’s online timeline.