The City of Springfield’s Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously recommended that the City Council approve an updated Community Land Development Code, also known as the zoning code. The proposed changes mark the first comprehensive update to this regulatory document since 1995, although smaller updates have been made over the years.
The zoning code governs how land can be used within Springfield city limits. The new updates specifically address Chapter 36, which covers both zoning and subdivision regulations. They include revisions to Article II (Subdivision Regulations), Article III (Zoning Regulations), and coordination with Article V (Building Code). There will also be a review of other city codes related to infrastructure such as streets and stormwater management to ensure consistency across all development-related rules.
This updated code is intended to serve as the main tool for implementing Forward SGF, Springfield’s comprehensive plan adopted in fall 2022. According to Steve Childers, Planning & Development director, “Forward SGF was an immense community engagement process that involved significant input from neighborhoods, businesses, as well as historical, environmental, and cultural interests. Hundreds of residents and others interested in the future of Springfield participated in a variety of different engagement activities to provide a vision to be carried out by Springfield’s leadership. The vision set out by Forward SGF established a bold new direction for the City of Springfield, one that required an update to the City’s zoning code.”
Work on updating the code began in spring 2023 after Forward SGF was adopted. This process included input from city staff, members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, consultants, design professionals, advisory committees representing neighborhoods and growth development, builders, developers, and frequent users of the existing code.
Childers explained that if City Council approves the draft at its March meetings—scheduled for March 10 (first reading) and March 24 (second reading with anticipated vote)—the next steps would include updating Springfield’s official zoning map. Ongoing feedback will continue internally among staff as well as externally from stakeholders before full implementation takes place in early 2026.
Those interested in reviewing articles from the proposed code can find them at https://www.forwardsgf.com/initiative3/.
Forward SGF identified several trends shaping these updates: placing more emphasis on quality public spaces; creating complete neighborhoods with diverse housing near amenities; finding practical solutions for modern parking needs; accommodating trends like outdoor dining or food trucks; encouraging environmentally conscious development such as expanding urban forests; improving streetscapes; allowing greater flexibility through performance standards; and streamlining procedures for zoning appeals and site plans.
For more information about these developments or upcoming meetings regarding adoption of the new land development code, contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].
