Council hears overview of proposed changes to extended‑stay hotel rules ahead of second reading

The Independence City Council received an overview on Jan. 10 of proposed amendments to city code Chapter 5 addressing hotels and extended‑stay hotels; the council will consider the ordinance for second reading next week.

Tom Scannell, director of community development, told the council the proposed ordinance reorganizes lodging regulations into two divisions: requirements that apply to all lodging establishments and those that apply only to extended‑stay hotels. “We created two divisions,” Scannell said, “and modified the definition.”

The nut graf: city staff said the changes aim to clarify regulatory requirements for operators, improve safety and security, align city rules with state statute and add compliance tools for delinquent…