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Council directs revision of R-4 zoning text; removes planned-district requirement for duplexes
Summary
Excelsior Springs City Council voted unanimously to send a revised R-4 zoning ordinance back to the April 21 agenda after directing staff to remove a requirement that duplexes be approved only in a planned district.
The Excelsior Springs City Council voted unanimously on April 7 to direct the city manager to remove a planned-district requirement for two-family dwellings from a proposed amendment to the R-4 medium-density residential zoning text and to return a revised ordinance to the April 21 agenda.
The change affects proposed text that had created permitted uses in R-4 for medium-density apartment buildings, two-family housing (duplexes) as limited to planned districts, and senior multifamily housing in planned districts. Community Development Director Mallory Brown told the council the planning commission reviewed the amendment on March 31 and recommended council approval.
Mallory Brown said, “The text amendment creates permitted uses, which are medium density apartment buildings, medium density 2 family housing limited to plan district, and a housing for seniors, multifamily in nature in a planned district.” The planning commission recommended approval, Brown said, and the draft also updated lot-area limits and landscaping requirements for duplexes and senior complexes.
Kelly Anderson, who said she represents Eden Village and resides at 801 Dunbar Avenue, told the council the development team had worked with staff for three years. Anderson said the developer was led to expect certain zoned properties would allow their project, and that the planned-district requirement would add an extra approval step. “If our structures ... meet the density requirements and other requirements outlined in that draft being considered tonight, would we have your support as we go through the planned district process?” Anderson asked.
A council member moved to direct the city manager to remove the planned-district requirement for two-family dwellings and to place a revised ordinance on the April 21 agenda. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote: Councilman Saint John — yes; Councilman McGovern — yes; Councilman Rennie — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Speer — yes; Mayor Spahn — yes.
Council members and staff said they intend to revisit the broader application of planned districts in a future, comprehensive code review rather than impose the requirement citywide immediately.
The council did not adopt the zoning text as presented on April 7; the assembly instead directed the manager to modify the proposal and return it for consideration on April 21.
