Webster Groves Council OKs $150,000 to Launch Consultant-Led Code Audit

Webster Groves — The City Council voted Feb. 17 to allocate $150,000 to start a consultant-led code audit intended to align the city’s ordinances with its recently adopted comprehensive plan.

Deputy City Manager David Bookless told the council staff solicited proposals and that the two responses set a consultant estimate at between $131,000 and $150,000 and a likely one- to 1½-year schedule for a coordinated update across zoning, subdivision and related ordinances. “It would take about a year and a half with a cost, a onetime cost of a $131,000 to a $150,000,” Bookless said during the work session presentation.

Bookless described an alternative: hiring an in-house planner dedicated to the effort. He estimated an annual cost of roughly $119,000 and a multi-year (two- to five-year) timetable, noting that route would be slower and could incur additional incidental costs for equipment and software.

Council discussion focused on timing, sequencing and preserving momentum. Council member Franklin questioned whether wholesale code revisions were premature absent a pressing developer proposal, asking whether the city should prioritize specific plan elements instead of auditing everything at once. “Why would we do the code revisions now when it’s just a plan, rather than waiting to see how that plan develops organically?” he asked.

Supporters of the consultant approach, including the mayor and Council member Jamie, said a comprehensive audit would reduce repeated ad-hoc text amendments, create regulatory clarity and make Webster Groves more welcoming to the smaller-scale projects the community wants. As the mayor put it, updating codes would create “fertile ground” for developers seeking predictable rules.

After debate, Council member Smith moved to fund the consultant option with a $150,000 budget adjustment. The council approved the motion by roll call; Mayor Laura Arnold and Council members Smith, Alexander and Hasselmeier voted yes, Council member Franklin voted no, and at least one council member was recorded absent.

The council directed staff to begin the consultant-led process and to use an iterative approach so the Planning Commission and council can review drafts and advance early priorities while the larger audit proceeds.

Next steps: staff will include the line item in the FY27 budget (or pursue a budget amendment to start sooner), issue a contract to the selected consultant, and coordinate interim presentations to the Planning Commission and council as drafts are prepared.