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Board of Adjustment grants variance for Fox Creek farmstead; commission to send owner resources and conditions for accessory dwelling
Summary
After the Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a Fox Creek farmstead, the commission authorized a follow-up letter recommending historic-register nomination, an eligibility assessment, a preservation easement and National Park Service resources; it also confirmed that the accessory dwelling must have no separate cooking facilities.
The commission reviewed follow-up actions after the Board of Adjustment granted a variance allowing a historic farmstead on Fox Creek Road to coexist with a new single-family dwelling.
Under the variance, the existing historic dwelling will be treated as an accessory dwelling to the new house and therefore may not contain separate cooking facilities. Staff clarified that the condition requires removal of the stove (and, under city definition, a dishwasher is generally not permitted where it would create a separate household). Department staff said the builder was advised that building-permit authorization has been issued for the new dwelling but the variance conditions must be met by final occupancy; the owner may continue to use the structure as a family guest space in the interim.
Staff proposed—and the commission authorized—a letter to the property owner outlining voluntary steps to protect the farmstead: (1) nominate the asset to the Wildwood Historic Register, (2) pursue an eligibility assessment and possible National Register nomination, (3) consider a historic preservation easement, and (4) explore nomination to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom if the owner chooses. Staff said the letter would include information and links and offer commission assistance. The commission moved, seconded and passed authorization for the letter.
Commissioners discussed verification steps for Underground Railroad claims and Missouri Century Farm status and asked staff to add language clarifying the research process and verification requirements before suggesting nominations. Staff agreed to add verbiage encouraging further documentation and to offer the National Park Service contact for an initial consultation.
Why it matters: the variance protects the historic farmstead from demolition while imposing limitations that preserve the accessory nature of the dwelling; the commission’s follow-up resources aim to help the owner explore preservation options and formal recognition.
