Planning commission approves technical amendment to BZA membership rule to align with state law

The Springfield Municipal Regional Planning Commission voted to approve an amendment to section 11-1304 of the city's zoning ordinance on March 5, 2026, updating board-of-zoning-appeals (BZA) membership language to match state law.

Mr. Durham, community development director, told the commission the current ordinance requires at least one planning commission member to serve on the BZA, but because planning commissioners sometimes live outside the city limits that requirement can make staffing the BZA difficult. The proposed amendment removes that specific requirement while preserving a requirement that a majority of BZA members be city residents, aligning local code with state law.

"This amendment simply updates our ordinance to match state law," Mr. Durham said, adding that the change is procedural and does not alter permitted uses, development standards, board size, appointment process or the board's authority.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the residency majority and current membership; staff said the existing board already has a majority of city residents. The commission approved the amendment by vote (transcript reports 'Motion passes 8-0 with one abstain').

What this does and does not do The amendment modifies only BZA membership/residency language. It does not change zoning policy, permitted uses, or the board's decision-making authority. Staff said the amendment will make it easier to keep the BZA fully staffed and able to meet.