Dardenne Prairie adopts temporary moratorium on certain multi‑family development

The Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen voted July 2 to adopt a temporary moratorium on development of certain properties while the city studies regulations and standards governing such projects. The ordinance was adopted as Ordinance No. 2370 after a roll‑call vote by the board.

Residents filled the public‑comment period urging the board to pause high‑density construction. “I rise, this evening to speak on behalf of the 1 year moratorium on high density buildings being constructed in Dardenne Prairie,” said Paul Burke, a Canvas Cove resident. Other speakers cited traffic backups at local intersections, limited parking at recent projects and concerns about stormwater infrastructure.

Alderman Detweiler and others raised school‑drop‑off and traffic safety issues earlier in the meeting during related agenda discussion. The board then read Bill 25‑32 for its second and final time; City Attorney read the ordinance title describing a temporary moratorium imposed “during the pendency of a study or review of regulations and standards for development.”

According to the roll call recorded on the record, the city clerk called the names of Aldermen who voted. The ordinance was declared passed as Ordinance No. 2370. The meeting transcript does not specify an effective date or a fixed sunset date; the moratorium is linked to completion of the city’s study and related review process.

City leaders said the pause is intended to give staff and the board time to study long‑term impacts on traffic, schools and infrastructure and to align future growth with resident preferences. “This gives us time to assess long term impacts on traffic, schools and infrastructure,” the mayor said during remarks about administration priorities.

Next steps described on the record include the study and review of regulations; the transcript does not specify which department is assigned to lead the study, a timeline, or a firm expiration date for the moratorium.