Commission backs zoning change to allow ambulatory clinical trials in Planned Office district

The Creve Coeur Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a text amendment that would add NAICS 621999 (all other miscellaneous ambulatory health care services) to the Planned Office (PO) zoning district’s table A as a conditional use.

Madison Silvey, representing Dr. Syed and ARCH Clinical Trials, said the change is requested so the practice at 777 Craig Road can pursue overnight ambulatory clinical trials focused on neuroscience and related research. “Purpose of the request is to allow overnight clinical trials, specifically medical drug studies with a focus on neuroscience,” Silvey said. She estimated ambulatory patients would number about four to five at a time.

City planner Bethany Moore told commissioners the amendment is narrow: it only adds the NAICS use to the PO district as a conditional use, so uses outside the typical office pattern can be reviewed case by case through conditional-use permits. Moore said the change is intended to help reuse PO-vacant office space and noted prior PO amendments to attract compatible businesses; there would be no other text changes aside from the table A amendment.

A commissioner moved to recommend the amendment; the motion passed on recorded ayes. Staff said the matter will be forwarded to city council for a final decision at the council meeting next Monday at 7 p.m.

If council approves the text amendment, ARCH Clinical Trials (or others) would then apply for a conditional-use permit for the specific use and site-level conditions (hours, parking, screening, occupancy) would be considered at that time.