Fenton planning commission approves subdivision at Gravois Bluffs with conditions

The Fenton Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 6 approved case 2026SUBO1, a petition by Gravois Bluffs 3 LLC to subdivide one existing lot at 695 Gravois Bluffs Boulevard into two lots to create a new outlot for future development.

Amy, community development staff, told the commission the proposed outlot would sit north of the Starbucks in the southern portion of the shopping-center parking lot (the former Big Lots/future Havertys location), would use the existing entrance off Gravois Bluffs Boulevard, and would establish a new cross-access and parking easement at the west side of the lot. She said the petitioner requests a departure from the zoning district's landscape and buffer-area requirements (cited in the discussion as section 440050) so the plat can be created without removing existing pavement; landscape and buffer compliance will be reviewed at the time of future site development.

Bill Applebaum, speaking for the petitioner, said the separate outlot would preserve parking and truck routes, follow design lessons from earlier local projects and enable separate financing for the new parcel: “Tonight, I'm creating the lot so then I can come back with site plan approval.”

After clarifying questions about lot shape, access and lending, Chairperson Yeoman moved to approve the subdivision with conditions and read five conditions into the record. The conditions require that the submitted plat be indicated as the final plat of Gravois Bluffs Plat 14; show the required 15-foot front setbacks along streets and access easements; allow the planning and zoning chairperson to sign the municipal certification in lieu of the community development director; note that the approval includes a departure from buffer-area requirements for proposed Lot 1 and that buffer compliance will be reviewed at site development; and require the petitioner to record the approved plat with the Saint Louis County Recorder of Deeds within 60 days and return three recorded copies to the city. The conditions also require permanent or semi-permanent monuments set at all locked corners within 12 months and compliance with all other applicable city codes and ordinances.

The commission conducted a roll-call vote and approved the motion unanimously. The commission had six members present, and the vote on the motion recorded six ayes and no nays.

Next steps: the petitioner must record the plat within 60 days after city signing to avoid expiration of the approval; site-plan review and any required landscaping or buffer work will be addressed during later site development review. The meeting then moved to announcements and adjourned; the commission's next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.