Joplin Council reviews 38-section rewrite of zoning code; staff to bring ordinances for first reading

City staff presented a 38-section package of proposed amendments to Joplin's form-based zoning code during an Oct. 13, 2025, work session, and council members asked clarifying questions before directing staff to place the revisions on the next regular meeting agenda for first reading and any required public hearing.

"We adopted our new code about 3 years ago and it was a totally new code," said Troy Bolander, a city staff member who introduced the scope of the changes, noting the code shifts Joplin from an auto-oriented zoning approach to a form-based emphasis on design and site planning.

Staff member Tyler gave a section-by-section summary of the proposals. Key items include an outbuilding exception for large, rural parcels (an accessory structure may be placed in front of a primary building on parcels larger than 40,000 square feet if it sits at least 60 feet back from the right of way); clarification that the state-mandated 185-foot owner-notice requirement applies to special use permits and rezonings while street vacations will continue to rely on targeted mailings to adjacent or impacted owners; and removing fee amounts from the zoning code so the code cites a separate, up-to-date fee schedule.

The package also proposes a permanent waiver of rezoning fees for property owners seeking historic-preservation rezoning; a shift in bicycle facility guidance toward protected…