North Main Seminary Ridge Campus Rezoning

At a glance

• What: Comprehensive rezoning of former Lutheran Theological Seminary and Lenoir-Rhyne University campus for Clear Dot Charter School with institutional, residential, and neighborhood activity center zoning.
• Where it stands: Ordinance 2026-087 approved first reading unanimously September 15, 2026; maintains all existing historic overlay protections.
• Next: Second reading approval to finalize rezoning.

Proposal

Request to amend Official Zoning Map for multiple parcels associated with the former Lutheran Theological Seminary and Lenoir-Rhyne University campus. Comprehensive rezoning: core campus to Institutional General (INS-GEN), adjacent residential areas to Residential Mixed District (RM-2), and certain parcels along North Main to Neighborhood Activity Center (NAC) district. Property portions remain within Historic Preservation Overlay District (OV-HP with Individual Landmark Type I designations and Seminary Ridge Historic District portions) and North Main Corridor Design Overlay District (OV-NMC).

Parcels: 4115, 4209, 4210 N. Main Street; 1101 Duke Avenue; 900, 1100 Wildwood Avenue; Parcel on Kinderway Avenue; 903, 910, N/S Hillcrest Avenue; 4201, W/S Arlington Street (TMS# 09211-09-01, 09214-01-01/02/-03/-10, 09214-03-01, 09215-14-01, 09215-15-01/-02, 09215-16-01, 09215-20-01/-02, 09215-21-01, 09215-22-04/-05/-06)

Council District: 1

Applicant: Lindsey Ott, Clear Dot Charter School

Overview

The original single-use planned development for the seminary/university campus cannot be amended for the charter school use. Both staff and Planning Commission recommend approval. The rezoning allows flexible mixed-use development while protecting historic resources.

Approvals

• Planning Commission: August 13, 2026 recommendation for approval (7-0)
• City Staff: Approval recommended
• First reading: September 15, 2026 approved unanimously by motion of Councilwoman Herbert, seconded by Councilman Johnson

Council discussion

Councilwoman Herbert inquired about the continued existence of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) on properties east of Ensor Avenue; Zoning Administrator confirmed those properties would technically remain part of the development due to earlier sales.

Sources

• Ordinance 2026-087 - Zoning Map Amendment for North Main/Seminary Ridge Campus: https://columbiasc.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=8028,plainText=false) (September 15, 2026 Council minutes)

Log

2026-09-15 - City Council

Ordinance 2026-087 first reading approved unanimously; comprehensive rezoning for former seminary campus with institutional, residential, and neighborhood activity center zoning; all historic overlays retained.