Warrensburg Council adopts clearer rules for duplexes and mixed multifamily developments

The Warrensburg City Council on Feb. 9 adopted an amendment to Chapter 27 of the city code that clarifies how duplexes and mixed multi‑family developments are defined and regulated, and that was approved as Ordinance No. 6007.

Community Development Director Carroll told the council the change was prompted by "increased interest in constructing multiple duplexes on a single lot or as part of multifamily development project in the last few years." The amendment replaces the existing duplex definition and creates a new land‑use category for mixed multifamily developments so that multiple duplex units on a single lot in R3 and R4 districts will be treated as a multifamily development and will require a professionally stamped site plan by a Missouri‑licensed civil engineer, surveyor or architect.

Carroll and staff emphasized the change does not alter the square‑foot requirement per duplex. Carroll also said state law does not require engineered site plans for a standalone duplex or single‑family home, which is why the city intends to require stamped plans only when multiple duplexes are grouped and therefore considered multifamily. Staff cited concerns about stormwater, traffic and other infrastructure impacts if multiple duplexes were allowed on a lot without the review triggered by a multifamily classification. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the amendment Feb. 2 and recommended approval.

The ordinance was approved on first reading and adoption by unanimous roll call: Kushner, Osborne, Latare, Jones and Mayor Bruce D. Uhler voting yes. No public comments were offered during the hearing.