Committee OKs contract to update O'Fallon zoning and development code

The O'Fallon City committee voted to authorize a professional services agreement to update the city's zoning and development code, moving the project to the full council for final action.

Staff described the project as a comprehensive modernization of the city's land use regulations to align with the 2040 comprehensive plan, update Title 15 ordinances and design guidelines, and simplify review procedures. The committee heard that the work will include a regulatory audit, a draft updated zoning ordinance, revised subdivision regulations, updated commercial and residential design guidelines, and public engagement such as open houses and online surveys. Staff gave the cost for the consultant team—PGAV planners with Horner and Schifrin as a subconsultant—as $152,965.

During discussion, a committee member asked that compatibility and architecture for infill projects be emphasized in the update; staff said parking, signage and compatibility have already been identified as “big-ticket” items to address. Another member asked whether the update would be a major overhaul or only tweaks and whether recent state legislation might limit local zoning authority; staff replied they do not anticipate a major shake-up and noted that a prior proposed state bill did not pass.

Staff said the city ran an RFQ/RFP process with five submissions and recommended awarding the work to the consultant team. The recommendation included appointments for a city staff lead on the project and a public outreach schedule; staff said the typical project timeline is about eight to ten months once the city issues a notice to proceed.

A planner in the audience introduced himself as Andy Strokoff and said, “My name is Andy Strokoff. I'm the president of PGV planners. I look forward to working with you all.” Staff had previously identified the firm in the agenda as PGAV planners and said PGAV would serve as lead with Horner and Schifrin supporting the work.

The committee made and seconded a motion to approve the resolution and, in a roll-call vote, Campbell, Mylart, Rosenberg and Roach voted in favor. The motion passed and staff said the item will be placed on the next city council meeting agenda so the full council can consider the professional services agreement.