Webster Groves council asks staff to solicit bids for comprehensive code diagnostic after adopting comprehensive plan

Deputy City Manager David Bookless and Planning Director John Wagner briefed council on next steps after the recently adopted comprehensive plan, focusing on how to align municipal code and zoning with the plan’s goals.

Bookless explained two broad approaches: a full code rewrite using an outside consultant or a slower, incremental in‑house revision. He said the work touches multiple documents — zoning ordinance, subdivision rules, nuisance codes, sign and lighting rules — and stressed the risk of inconsistent cross‑references if revisions are not coordinated.

John Wagner summarized a zoning‑diagnostic model used by other cities that identifies where current codes conflict with a comprehensive plan and provides suggested revisions and illustrative guidance. Wagner said such diagnostics typically list deficiencies, propose code changes, and illustrate policy options for council consideration.

Staff recommended soliciting bids from consultants to determine realistic costs and timelines for a full code diagnostic. Councilmembers discussed tradeoffs. Council Member Franklin and others favored a hybrid approach: pursue consultant proposals to understand scale and cost while continuing to advance high‑priority items in house so progress does not stall. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss and other council members asked staff to include cost comparisons showing whether adding an FTE (or part‑time position) would be a feasible alternative to hiring a consultant.

Council signaled consensus to solicit consultant bids, to bring back estimated costs and potential staffing models, and to continue incremental in‑house work on priority items such as EV charging rules, responsible lighting, and specific zoning clarifications. Staff said they could issue a request for proposals early next year and would return to council with bid results and recommended next steps for budget planning.