Springfield Standard

The City of Springfield will host an open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 at the Library Center, located at 4653 S. Campbell Ave. This event is part of public engagement efforts for updating the city's development codes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to review and comment on guiding principles that focus on community design, development and site design related to neighborhoods, destinations, corridors, and employment areas. Each principle aims to highlight essential design elements for creating cohesive neighborhoods and places.

Following the adoption of Forward SGF in November 2022—Springfield’s Comprehensive Plan—the city is undertaking updates to various codes that regulate public and private development improvements. The implementation phase of Forward SGF is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

The code update will specifically target Chapter 36 Land Development Code (zoning code and subdivision regulations), including Article II: Subdivision Regulations, Article III: Zoning Regulations, and coordination with Article V: Building Code. Other city codes regulating streets, stormwater, and infrastructure design will also be reviewed to ensure consistency across new developments.

The last comprehensive update of Springfield’s development codes occurred in 1995; however, amendments have been made periodically since then.

This initiative aims to implement key concepts from Forward SGF through a variety of regulatory strategies or by addressing specific issues for community direction refinement. Forward SGF has identified several trends influencing these updates:

- Increased emphasis on quality of place with more attractive, pet-friendly environments.

- Creation of complete neighborhoods featuring diverse housing close to amenities.

- Reduction in parking demand alongside expanded delivery services in retail and dining sectors.

- Accommodation of consumer trends like outdoor dining and food trucks.

- Greater demand for environmentally conscious development.

- Improved retail and service experiences.

- Enhanced integration along city corridors allowing flexible permitting.

- Expanded home occupation uses.

- Increased flexibility for commercial spaces including office warehouses and logistical services.