Real Property Law Institute Series: Lawyers Who Know the Law - Update on Legislative Issues and the Zoning Code 

You asked for shorter programs without sacrificing substance — and we listened.

We’re excited to introduce a new format for our annual Real Property Law Institute that delivers the same high-quality content, practical insights, and expert perspectives you value, now offered in convenient one-hour sessions. Join us for focused, flexible learning designed to fit your schedule while still providing the depth and relevance you expect.

This program will offer insights on recent changes to the law which may affect Columbus’ real estate practitioners. 

• Review of legislative changes that may affect Ohio’s real property practitioners
• Zoning changes
• Columbus’s “Zone-In” process, including the phased approach and timeline
• How to navigate current and transitioning Codified City Zoning Ordinances during the “Zone-In” process.

Speakers:

Matt Whitehead, Executive Vice President of Governmental Policy Group

Matthew S. Whitehead is the Executive Vice President of Governmental Policy Group, Inc. He is a graduate of Xavier University with a degree in Political Science and Minors in Business and Peace Studies, and has completed classes toward a Master’s degree at the Ohio State University. Since graduating from Xavier, Matt worked as a Murray A. Seasongood Foundation Intern with the City of Cincinnati, as an Ohio Legislative Service Commission Fellow and as an aide to a Cincinnati City Councilmember.

For over five years he served as Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives managing the day-to-day operations of the office, overseeing constituent affairs, press relations and all legislative matters. Matt also served as the senior aide to the House Civil and Commercial Law and Judiciary Committees. Prior to joining Governmental Policy Group & RH Resources, Matt served as the Legislative Liaison for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, conducting legislative affairs including Controlling Board requests, bill monitoring, testimony preparation and presentation. With Matt’s over two decades of extensive experience in the development of public policy, he has worked on a variety of topic areas that touch virtually every aspect of state government making him an effective advocate for our client’s issues.  Matt is a member of, and certified by, the Ohio Lobbying Association.

Shannon Pine, Chief Zoning Official for the City of Columbus

Shannon Pine received a B.A. from Capital University in 1992 in Biology, and began her career as a chemist at a food testing laboratory for five years. She then accepted a position with the City of Columbus in 1998 as a Planner I with the Department of Development, Building Services Division, was promoted to a Planner II in the Council Activities Section (a subsection of the Zoning Section) completing rezoning and Council (use) variance requests, and then managing that section for eight years before being promoted to the Chief Zoning Official in 2022. During her City of Columbus career, Shannon has performed various planning responsibilities, including zoning clearance, zoning public hearings, drafting and approving zoning ordinances, giving zoning presentations, evaluating RFPs and interviewing consultants for the zoning code update, writing zoning policy memorandums, and conducting zoning code development.

Notable code changes under Shannon’s tenure as Chief Zoning Official include the first phase of Zone In, the 2024 Zoning Code under Title 34, and the passage of the an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in 2025. The second phase of Zone In is under way with adoption projected for later in 2026.

Outside of Columbus, in the Village of Plain City where Shannon used to reside, Shannon was involved with the Uptown Plain City Organization (UPCO), a charitable organization that promoted uptown development with several annual events, and facilitated grant programs for façade and small business improvements. She held several positions including President during her twelve year tenure with UPCO.

Shannon also served on the Village of Plain City Planning Commission from 2013 to 2020, and served on the Village of Plain City Comprehensive Plan Committee in 2017. In 2017, Shannon was elected as a Member of Council for the Village of Plain City, and served a four-year term. During her tenure with Village Council, Shannon continued to serve on the Planning Commission for two more years, served on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Design Review Board, approved the Comprehensive Plan and Village of Plain City Charter, allocated Village funds, participated in hiring village personnel, and approved Village purchases, annexations, subdivision plats, code changes, and zoning map amendments. 

1.0 CLE Credit Hour

This CLE will be offered as a live interactive webinar held via Zoom. Login to the website and click the "Register" button to register. You will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing information about joining the CLE.

You must use your unique link on a desktop/laptop in order to receive CLE credit.