St. Louis plans to update its regulations for how land within the city is used, and it wants input from residents.
City residents can apply to join a 12-member advisory committee that will help map out the zoning update. Members will review materials and offer their insights. Apply here to be considered for the committee.
Cities develop zoning rules to control the types of structures allowed in an area — residential, commercial, industrial, etc. — and any limits on size, design and several other features. This is St. Louis’ first re-zoning effort since the 1950s.
Especially after the devastating May 16 tornado, we need to have zoning policies in place that support recovery. That means housing, amenities and places that help people stay and rebuild their lives.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer
“Our zoning code should reflect who we are and where we want to go as a city,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design a zoning framework that supports growth, equity, sustainability and high-quality neighborhoods across St. Louis. Especially after the devastating May 16 tornado, we need to have zoning policies in place that support recovery. That means housing, amenities and places that help people stay and rebuild their lives.”
Some goals of the project are to optimize how the zoning codes are used, increase economic development, implement more equity into zoning and to increase mobility in the city and make it more climate resistant.
“Our goal is to build a zoning code that is understandable, equitable and effectively implemented,” said zoning administrator Mary Hart Burton. “The Advisory Committee will help ensure that the new code reflects the lived experience and expertise of St. Louisans from all corners of the city.”
Residents can learn more about the zoning effort at the launch of a ZOning UPgrade (ZOUP) event to be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at Forest Park’s Visitor & Education Center, 5595 Grand Dr.
The city has chosen Code Studio, a planning firm specializing in zoning, to lead the process and implement best practices into St. Louis’ new code.
Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who report on under-covered issues and communities.