In March 2025, GOPC and the Ohio REALTORS released the Housing Ohio: Tools for Development guidebook, designed to help communities address barriers to housing in their neighborhoods. The book includes guidance for local governments on implementing a pre-approved plans program, an initiative which can reduce permitting timelines and costs associated with development.
Since the book’s release, GOPC has been tracking the development of pre-approval programs in Ohio. While currently there is only one operational program, in Zanesville, there are many other communities in various stages of exploring and creating pre-approval programs. To visually show the momentum in the state, GOPC has developed an online map, showing all municipalities who have expressed interest in or are actively developing pre-approval programs. As of the writing of this post, Ohio has 58 communities who have expressed interest in pre-approval programs, 9 who are actively developing programs, and 1 operational program. If your communities is not included on this map and should be, please let us know!
As an additional tool for Ohio communities interested in pre-approvals, GOPC hosts monthly office hours for local governments, nonprofits, private developers, or anyone looking to learn more about these programs. They are offered at no cost, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Ohio REALTORS, and include a short presentation on a different topic each month. The bulk of the time allotted is reserved for any questions attendees have about pre-approval programs. Learn more and register for office hours here!