The Columbus City Council approved a $50,000 service contract with Opticos Design, Inc. to create and publish an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guidebook. This initiative aims to help residents understand and navigate the process of building an ADU, covering zoning codes, building regulations, and permitting. The ordinance waives competitive bidding, citing Opticos Design's specialized knowledge and its existing subcontractor relationship with the Department of Building and Zoning Services. The guidebook is intended to address a knowledge gap among homeowners and is prompted by pending code changes expected to spur more ADU development. Funding for the contract is sourced from the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund. The council passed the measure as an emergency to ensure the guide is completed by June 1, 2026, to align with the new regulations.