Lee's Summit leaders debate new citywide architecture and building design standards

Lee's Summit officials and planning commissioners on April 21 reviewed draft citywide architecture and building design standards, hearing a consultant’s outline and offering early policy direction on materials, façades and exceptions for small residential lots.

The presentation, led by Chris Shires of Confluence and Amy Nassif, interim director of development, laid out a draft code chapter addressing building architecture and a related “materials table” that ranks exterior materials by durability and preferred locations on a building. The draft would apply to new construction, additions and façade changes citywide while leaving existing downtown design standards and airport structures unchanged.

The draft matters because it would create consistent expectations for future development across Lee’s Summit — from strip retail and quick‑service restaurants to multifamily projects — and reduce the number of administrative modifications developers now seek.

Chris Shires, a consultant with Confluence, summarized the draft approach: “We are really excited to be back before you tonight with, some draft language and to get…