St. Louis Enacts Legislation to Reduce Minimum Lot Size for New Housing Developments

In a pivotal meeting on July 7, 2025, the St. Louis City Council discussed significant reforms to the city's zoning regulations, particularly focusing on the minimum lot size requirements for residential properties. This legislative change, recommended by the Planning Commission, aims to reduce the minimum lot size from 4,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet for single-family homes and from 2,500 square feet per unit to 1,250 square feet for two-family dwellings.

Historically, the 4,000 square foot minimum was established decades ago during a period of suburban expansion, intended to promote larger lot sizes typical of suburban developments. However, this policy has become a barrier to housing development in an urban context, where many existing lots are smaller than the mandated size. The current regulations have led to confusion and additional approval processes for developers, hindering the construction of new homes and contributing to the city's ongoing housing shortage.

Miriam Keller from the Planning Department highlighted that the proposed changes would not only facilitate the development of new housing but also streamline the approval process, reducing the number of variance requests that the planning staff must handle. This shift is expected to enhance the efficiency of government operations and expedite the timeline from building permit applications to actual construction.

The council's discussions underscored the urgent need for more affordable housing options in St. Louis, as the city grapples with rising housing demands. The proposed reforms are seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing vacant lots and making them available for new residential projects, thereby addressing both the housing crisis and the need for urban infill development.

In conclusion, the council's deliberations reflect a broader commitment to modernizing zoning laws to better align with the city's current needs. As the legislation moves forward, it is anticipated to have a significant impact on housing availability and urban development in St. Louis, fostering a more inclusive and accessible community for its residents.