Commission recommends rezoning Old Town parcels from OT‑5 to OT‑1; staff says existing businesses unaffected

FENTON, Mo. — The City of Fenton Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 5 recommended rezoning several Old Town parcels from the OT‑5 district into OT‑1 as part of an effort to simplify the zoning code and align districts with the city’s comprehensive development plan. The request, Case 2025 REZO1, was city‑initiated and described by staff as a consolidation because the two Old Town districts are ‘‘nearly identical in use, purpose, and character.’’ Amy Stark, who presented the item, said the consolidation will make permitted uses and lot requirements consistent across the area and better reflect the Old Town vision to “encourage a mix of small scale commercial and residential uses, pedestrian‑oriented activities, and to preserve this as a historic hub of the city.” Several nearby business owners attended and asked whether the change would restrict future expansion. Lewis Davis, who identified himself as owner of 10 and 12 Railways Road, said he recently purchased Toastie’s Transmission and asked what the rezoning would mean for his ability to add on. “I’m just wanting a little bit of information. What’s this gonna do for the development of my property?” Davis said. Ryan M. Snyder, who said he is affiliated with Toastie’s Transmission and is a co‑owner, asked similarly whether rezoning would limit the business’s growth. Stark replied that the rezoning is “designed to make sure that new development is aligned with the overall characterization of similar properties” and that, ‘‘as an existing business, the likelihood that any zoning change would impact you is usually very low.’’ She added the zoning change would not prohibit an existing use; however, building expansions or changes in the nature of a business could require separate approvals. “If you continue to operate it the way it's operated today, you will likely not run into any issues related to zoning,” Stark told the owners. Stark also described specific differences being resolved by the consolidation: one permitted use in OT‑5 (construction equipment dealer) would be removed because it did not fit the small‑scale commercial character, while pharmacies under 2,000 square feet and certain temporary recreational‑vehicle uses (limited to properties adjacent to the Merrimack River) would be permitted in the unified district. The commission approved the city‑initiated rezoning recommendation on a roll‑call vote after a public Q&A; Chairperson Youneman moved the motion and Commissioner Glover seconded. The recommendation now goes to the Board of Aldermen for final action. Staff said notices were mailed to affected property owners and properties within 300 feet and that the rezoning request was not prompted by any imminent development. The commission reiterated that the recommendation is advisory and that property‑specific questions about expansions should be directed to planning staff; Stark offered to meet individually with business owners when they are ready to pursue changes.