Commission agrees to research Unified Development Ordinance, seek public input

An unidentified city staff member proposed compiling the city's subdivision and zoning chapters into a single Unified Development Ordinance to make land'use requirements easier to find and apply. Staff said the primary aim is reorganization and usability, not a wholesale rewrite.

The plan includes a short stakeholder survey to capture where applicants struggle (questions about application materials, where they looked for information, and what was missing). Commissioners recommended examples and tools that would help residents: checklists for routine permits, a short Q&A guide and a possible work session with Lee's Summit to learn from that city's approach.

Commissioners raised concerns about infill compatibility, citing past examples such as metal "barndominiums" and a denied tiny'homes proposal; the meeting included discussion of the Landmark Commission's authority to review infill within designated historic districts (Museum Hill and Hall Street). After discussion a commissioner moved to continue research, gather survey results and invite a Lee's Summit representative; the motion was seconded and approved by a show of hands.

Staff committed to sharing the housing infill and needs assessment with commissioners and to preparing additional details about zoning authority and aesthetic regulation options for future meetings.