Commission talks neighborhood impact of new development code

A city commission focused on how its new development code would affect, and attempt to protect, existing neighborhoods.

The Planning and Zoning Commission heard its third of six planned public hearings for the unified development ordinance Thursday night. Department of Community Development leaders Pat Zenner and Tim Teddy led the discussion for the city on new requirements for subdivisions, design standards for new businesses and neighborhood protection standards.

Clarion and Associates helped the city develop the new code starting in 2014, ditching most of the old zoning regulations and references for a “form based” style of development. The commission plans to hold a final vote on the ordinance after gathering public comment throughout the summer, with a tentative vote scheduled for August. The city council would then need to approve it.

Zenner first went over new rules for subdivisions, such as lot sizes and necessary setbacks from roads. Duplex sizes would reduce from a 10,000 square foot minimum to 7,000. Zenner said this would help to utilize older duplex spaces in town. Certain residential zones also would allow for a smaller, “Cottage” lot, at 3,000 square feet. Zenner also said the setback for properties would depend on its size. Generally, the larger the property, the larger the setback.

For most new businesses, Teddy said new design standards would break up monotonous construction. Sides visible from the street would need 20 percent “transparent building materials” and would need variations in its roof design as well, avoiding a full sloping or flat roof.

North Central Neighborhood Association board president Dan Cullimore said he liked some of the protections given existing neighborhoods, such as the special distinction of single family living there. As development continues downtown, Cullimore said neighborhoods like the one he lives in are targets of redevelopment for larger apartment complexes close to the University of Missouri campus. However, Cullimore said some of the city’s proposals seem vague, such as the setback requirements.

New development would also need to have a “finished design” on all sides visible from the street, as well. Cullimore said he supported the idea, but should be applied to all sides of a building.

“If we’re looking for walkable streetscapes and neighborhoods, then we need to look at four-sided design,” Cullimore told ABC 17 News.