Springfield city staff present comprehensive rewrite of zoning code, call it a "living document"

Springfield City Commission work session — City staff and a private consultant presented a comprehensive rewrite of Springfield's zoning code and described it as a "living document" that officials plan to review regularly.

Deputy Director of Community Development Steve Thompson introduced Todd Kinski of Zoneco LLC, who walked commissioners through the new format, use tables and illustrations intended to make the code easier to read and administer. "Most importantly, you'll see in the code ... examples of using graphics and tables throughout code to make it the code easier for the average reader to understand what's going on," Kinski said.

Why it matters: The proposed rewrite consolidates and reorganizes zoning rules long scattered through the codified ordinances, adds explicit standards for housing types and infill development, and shifts some routine approvals to administrative review to reduce the need for repeated board hearings. City staff said the effort is intended to lower barriers for…