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Creve Coeur Council approves higher site‑coverage limit for certain civic uses, amends zoning ordinance to 40%
Summary
After hours of discussion about stormwater risks and parity with schools and churches, the Creve Coeur City Council amended and passed Bill 6129 to raise the allowable site coverage for certain conditional uses to 40%, with a recorded roll‑call vote.
Creve Coeur’s City Council on Monday approved Bill 6129, amending the city's zoning code to increase allowable site coverage for certain conditional uses to 40% after an amendment process that reduced an initial 50% proposal.
The change applies to specified membership and civic uses that are conditionally permitted in residential districts; proponents said the adjustment brings parity with prior exceptions for churches and schools and better reflects existing site conditions. Jason Jaga, director of community development, told council the city’s 25% standard is “a residential standard” that does not fit many civic properties such as the Elks property, racket clubs and religious facilities, and presented aerial examples showing substantial existing parking and outdoor activity areas.
Opponents and some council members warned of downstream stormwater consequences. George Stock, a consulting engineer, urged caution and said engineers and stormwater regulators have separate tools to manage runoff: “The definition of site coverage… it just hasn't been applied consistently,” he said, arguing that stormwater detention and BMPs are the appropriate technical responses rather than relying solely on site‑coverage limits.
Council members debated incremental approaches. One councilor said 50% “is too high,” and after withdrawing and substituting motions the council approved a substitute amendment to set the standard at 40% (amendment vote recorded as 5–3). The ordinance as amended then passed on final roll call 6–2. Council members said they expect to reevaluate the change over time and noted that stormwater controls and project‑level BMP reviews remain required under the city's stormwater chapter.
The ordinance revises the city’s zoning code definitions and conditional‑use parameters for specified civic activities; staff stressed that stormwater detention requirements, MSD permitting when applicable, and site‑specific BMPs still apply and are reviewed during the conditional use/site‑plan process. Council did not direct further immediate changes beyond the amendment, but members said future review is likely as redevelopments come before the city.
The ordinance was read and passed as amended during the meeting and will take effect according to the usual municipal code timeline for enacted ordinances.
