Raytown planning commission approves conditional use permit for Royal Mansion event space at 6240 Raytown Trafficway

The Raytown Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 1 approved a conditional use permit for an event space at 6240 Raytown Trafficway, clearing a key regulatory step for Royal Mansion Decor Event Space Planning and Workshop to open in the Center 63 Shopping Center.

City planning staffer Kelly told commissioners that building and fire inspections have passed and that the space’s maximum occupancy was set at 300 people. Kelly recommended approval with seven conditions, including that intent to serve alcohol by the drink requires a separate city permit, required parking stalls be properly striped with ADA stalls included, signage be permitted separately, and that the conditional use permit not be transferable beyond the initial operator, Antonisha Jimerson, doing business as Royal Mansion Decor Event Space Planning and Workshop.

During the staff presentation, Kelly said the event‑space parking standard is one stall per 100 square feet for spaces without fixed seating, which for this tenant space required showing 110 parking stalls. Kelly said 108 striped spaces were visible directly in front of the tenant space on the aerial image shown, and that the rest of the shopping center’s parking is available; she also said the property owner is pursuing bids to re‑stripe the lot to meet requirements.

Commissioners asked whether the tenant occupies half or all of the former grocery store and whether any construction would be required. The applicant told the commission the space is divided from the neighboring tenant, that restrooms and circulation exist, and that she intends to use the space for events and community workshops (including balloon garlands and handmade centerpiece workshops). Kelly said the tenant space has been vacant since October and that new owners purchased the property in December.

Several residents spoke in favor of the business during the public comment period. "She's dependable and kind and conscientious," said Julie Riddle, a social worker who said Jimerson provides in‑home care for her mother. Rose Banks, another supporter, said Jimerson has done family events and volunteers in the community.

A commissioner asked whether the city code specifies hours for event spaces; Kelly said there is no ordinance specifying hours of operation for event spaces and that, because the property is not adjacent to residential parcels, staff did not recommend adding an hours restriction. On alcohol, Kelly said the condition requires a separate permit only if the business itself sells alcohol (a caterer providing alcohol to an event would be separately licensed), and she offered to tighten the condition if the commission desired.

A motion to approve PZ2024-10 "as it stands" passed unanimously after a second. The commission’s approval moves the application to the Board of Aldermen for final consideration; staff said the applicant is expected to appear before the board in early September.

The commission also announced a special meeting for Sept. 10 to accommodate presentations by the consultant working on the city’s comprehensive plan; the regular Sept. 5 meeting will still occur.