THE PLAN
Land Use

​How we look at density, scale, and context – what types of uses are appropriate, and where?​

---

Guiding Principles

We believe in...

• High quality design of the built environment - public and private architecture, streetscapes, corridors, gateways, and edges - that distinguishes the City.
• Strong neighborhoods with distinct identities and amenities within walkable distances.
• A connected greenway system that links waterways and environmental corridors as well as reaches into neighborhoods.
  
• A strong city center with increased intensity, mix of uses, and a vibrant and active public realm.
  
• Better utilization of vacant structures and land - through infill and redevelopment - that is well-served by infrastructure and adjacent to developed land.
  
• Greater intensity of development at strategic locations that creates a mix of uses and a critical mass required for a vibrant community.
• Planning together for our future populations.
  

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES - LAND USE
At February's public open houses, the project team presented draft recommendations for the next ten years.  These recommendations will be developed in greater detail as we move forward in receiving survey feedback and in the drafting process.

(RE)INVEST IN KEY GATEWAYS & CORRIDORS

• Define key gateways and corridors through the new zoning maps, providing regulatory support.
• Develop a schedule for City investment in and development of key gateways and corridors.
• Prioritize planning efforts to target gateway and corridor areas.

COLLABORATE WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS
Work with regional partners across jurisdictional boundaries on land use planning to achieve the greater community vision.

CONSERVE LAND USES THAT SERVE OUR CITY

• Recognize that sometimes the most appropriate land use for our citizens is one that conserves key areas and food systems.
• Adopt a future land use classification type that prioritizes conservation of natural and cultural resources and food systems.

RECOGNIZE WE ARE WORTH OF GREAT SITE & BUILDING DESIGN
As Columbians we value the design and feel of our city - recognize this as an asset, and work with developers and others to embrace and further the high quality design of our built environment that Columbia deserves.

BUILD A CONNECTED GREENWAY SYSTEM

• Restrict development of land where greenway routes are identified and/or require new development in these areas to provide for greenway connections.
• Actively purchase permanent access (land or easements) or property where greenway routes are identified.
• Work with local nonprofits to ensure the purchase of permanent access (land or easements) or property where greenway routes are identified.

PLAN FOR NEIGHBORHOODS, AREAS, & CORRIDORS

• Continue to partner with communities and across jurisdictional boundaries to further more detailed neighborhood, area, and corridor plans.
• Establish a program for investment to implement recommendations made by neighborhood, area, and corridor plans.

REFER TO, REVIEW, & REVISIT THE LAND USE ELEMENT
The land use element should inform decision-makers, planners, and citizens alike.  Revisit the element regularly to ensure its direction still resonates with the needs and desires of the City.

---

Plan Columbia is a recent update to the land use element of the comprehensive plan.  Columbia Compass will build upon the foundation developed through the Plan Columbia planning process.
​
The planning process for Plan Columbia began with an Urban Land Institute "Reality Check" in 2013.  Citizens were engaged throughout the process through public meetings and stakeholder focus groups.  Council adopted this update to the comprehensive plan in 2014.

The land use element makes recommendations based upon the below vision statement and guiding principles, organized into critical components.  The element, like the rest of the comprehensive plan, is a policy, not a regulatory document.  

---

Plan Columbia Vision Statement

The City of Columbia will embrace the opportunities afforded by the coming decades of growth to become a destination for people and businesses.  We will focus our efforts on reinvesting in our existing neighborhoods and business districts and growing where there is opportunity to increase housing choices.  Our southern spirit will be embodied in a built environment that embraces sustainable and unique design while providing a rich and dynamic environment for our people and businesses to thrive.  -Plan Columbia

---

PLAN COLUMBIA GUIDING PRINCIPLES
We believe in...

1. High quality design of the built environment - public and private architecture, streetscape, corridors, gateways & edges - that distinguishes the City.
2. Strong neighborhoods with distinct identities and amenities within walkable distances.
3. A connected greenway system that links waterways and environmental corridors as well as reaches into neighborhoods.
4. A range of housing choices - type, price, and location - that serves a diverse population.
5. A strong city center with increased intensity, mix of use, and vibrant and and active public realm.
6. Better utilization of vacant structures and land - through infill and redevelopment - that is well-served by infrastructure and adjacent to developed land.
7. Greater intensity of development at strategic locations that creates a mix of uses and a critical mass required for a vibrant community.
8. A connected community with ease of mobility that better balances the needs of pedestrians, automobiles, bicyclists, and transit users.

PLAN COLUMBIA
​CRITICAL COMPONENTS

---

SIZE OF THE CITY 
(SQUARE MILES)

140.3
​
(including Ft. Jackson, which is 81 square miles)

PARCELS IN THE CITY


45,519
​

DEVELOPMENT TYPES


26

Meetings

Several sets of public meetings are planned throughout the process, and Planning Division staff is also happy to come speak to your neighborhood or organization.  If you're interested in having staff speak to your neighborhood or organization about Columbia Compass, please send us an email.  


FIND OUT MORE