Why Builders Need a Seat at the Legislation Table Before Decisions Are Made

Collaborating on the Big Darby Accord revision

At the BIA of Central Ohio, we work hard to ensure that the right people, organizations, and industry experts are involved early in the process. When key stakeholders are included, policies are more balanced and better informed. They are also less likely to create unintended consequences.

This approach helps ensure that well-meaning regulations do not unintentionally stall projects, increase home prices, or limit housing options. We aim to be proactive in legislative and community conversations; we help support responsible growth that benefits residents and the homebuilding industry.

A Real Win That Saved Builders Time, Money, and Headaches

One clear example of this approach was our response to Franklin County’s retention pond mandate. We worked closely with local officials on Franklin County’s proposed retention pond fencing requirement. While safety is always a priority, the original regulation created challenges for builders. By collaborating with local officials and sharing on-the-ground insights, we helped amend the policy into something more realistic for builders while addressing safety concerns.

Upcoming Collaboration That Builders Need to Know About: Reimagining the Big Darby Accord

Currently, the BIA is actively collaborating with environmental groups and community leaders on the long-awaited update to the Big Darby Accord, a watershed protection plan created nearly two decades ago. The original was never fully realized, largely because current development regulations made it financially and logistically unfeasible.

Our newest effort is about revisiting that vision with fresh eyes, current data, and all the right voices at the table—from environmental advocates and engineers to builders and city planners. 

We’re proud to represent the builders in those conversations, ensuring that any new vision is not only environmentally sound but also practical and economically viable. When development is done right, everybody wins.

Want to help? We’re seeking members of all varieties (Single-Family Builders, Multi-Family Builders, Engineers, Land Developers, etc.) to participate and provide feedback regarding the potential upcoming changes to the Big Darby Accord. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Kelly.

We invite you to be part of the solution. Let’s continue working together so Central Ohio remains where families, workers, and communities thrive.

Want to help? We’re seeking members of all varieties (Single-Family Builders, Multi-Family Builders, Engineers, Land Developers, etc.) to participate and provide feedback regarding the potential upcoming changes to the Big Darby Accord. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Kelly.

We invite you to be part of the solution. Let’s continue working together so Central Ohio remains where families, workers, and communities thrive.