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Columbus, like much of the country, is facing a housing shortage. To keep up with demand, we need innovative solutions that expand housing options while keeping families and communities strong. One of those solutions is Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): independent living spaces located on the same lot as a single-family home.

The BIA supports efforts to make ADUs easier to build, and Columbus City Councilmember Otto Beatty has introduced legislation designed to do just that. We spoke with Councilmember Beatty to hear more about what’s in the proposal, why it matters, and what builders should know.

What is Considered an ADU & Why They Matter

ADUs are versatile housing options. They can be:

  • Detached structures in a backyard.
  • Attached additions to an existing home.
  • Converted spaces such as basements, attics, or garages.

Councilmember Beatty has personal experience with ADUs. He and his sister built one to house their mother. “It allowed us to create a safe, long-term living space for her right on the property,” he said. “But the process was cumbersome — requiring multiple variances. That’s why we need reform.”

What the Legislation Would Do

Under current code, building an ADU in Columbus requires up to eight separate variances. Beatty’s legislation would remove those barriers by:

  • Allowing ADUs by-right in all residential zoning districts.
  • Defining ADUs clearly as secondary residential units with full living facilities.
  • Limiting ADUs to the rear yard only, capped at 1,000 square feet or 60% of the primary home (whichever is smaller).
  • Ensuring compliance with all building codes, safety standards, and utility connections.
  • Keeping ADUs subservient to the main home, meaning no “mini mansions” in the backyard.

The proposal has the support of the Department of Development, Department of Building & Zoning Services, and Department of Power & Water. A second public hearing on September 10 included presentations from all three agencies. View the hearing here.

Benefits for Residents & Communities

Beatty points out that ADUs can serve many needs:

  • Aging in place: Allowing seniors to live independently near family.
  • Multi-generational living: Housing for college students, adult children, or relatives with disabilities.
  • Rental options: Supplemental income for homeowners and more affordable options for renters.
  • Neighborhood stability: In some cases, seniors downsize into an ADU while renting their main home to another family.

“Each ADU built helps free up another housing unit … It won’t solve the housing crisis on its own, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Columbus City Councilmember, Otto Beatty

What Builders Should Know

For builders and developers, the legislation represents:

  • Fewer delays: No more layers of variances.
  • New demand: Homeowners and small-scale developers seeking ADU construction or conversions.
  • Business opportunity: Other states have seen a rise in companies specializing in ADUs, from garage conversions to prefabricated tiny-home style units.

“This presents an opportunity, particularly for smaller neighborhood developers and builders … In other cities, ADU demand has even spurred new industries.”

Columbus City Councilmember, Otto Beatty

Next Steps

Councilmember Beatty emphasizes that the legislation also includes guardrails: limits on size and number of ADUs, rules on short-term rentals, and protections for neighborhood character.The BIA strongly supports this legislation as a pro-housing, pro-builder reform that removes unnecessary barriers and creates new opportunities for our members to meet Central Ohio’s housing needs.

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