City of Columbia, Missouri

Meeting Minutes

Planning and Zoning Commission

Columbia City Hall

Conference Rm 1A/1B

701 E Broadway

Thursday, June 5, 2025

5:30 PM

Work Session

I. CALL TO ORDER

9 -

Present:

Anthony Stanton, Sharon Geuea Jones, Shannon Wilson, Robert Walters,

McKenzie Ortiz, David Brodsky, Les Gray, Kate Stockton and Cody Darr

II. INTRODUCTIONS

None

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Meeting agenda adopted unanimously.

Adopt agenda as submitted

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

May 22, 2025 Work Session

The May 22, 2025 work session minutes approved unanimously with Commissions

Darr, Gray, and Stockton abstaining.

Approve work session minutes as presented

V. OLD BUSINESS

A. UDC Revision - Definition of "Family" Follow-up

Mr. Zenner provide an overview of the proposed text change noting that the

definition of “family” supplied within the work session packet was a combination

of definitions that were previously presented by Mr. Teddy. Mr. Zenner noted that

the three variations were offered to address the widest possible spectrum of

tenancy configurations that were discussed during the May 22 work session.

He further noted that the actual impact of making the proposed changes had not

been fully evaluated with respect possible parking issues that may arise within the

city’s more densely populated areas given the opportunity to have a maximum of 8

unrelated persons within a qualifying structure. Furthermore, Mr. Zenner noted

that discussion with the Neighborhood Services staff had not yet occurred with

respect to their thoughts on the proposed revision or how the new IMPC inspection

procedures to verify occupancy limitations would be implemented. Mr. Zenner

noted that these matters had not occurred given he believed a “framework” for the

new definition needed to be agreed upon rather than talking around the topic over

multiple meetings.

There was general Commission discussion on the proposed revised language.

Commissioners were supportive of the 3 variations presented and felt that they

would address the majority of situations that were discussed during the May 22

meeting. It was noted that the term “up to” in subparts (b) and (c) were appropriate

and ensured that no one would automatically be granted occupancy that would be

greater than a dwelling’s bedroom capacity as stated by the IPMC and that

maximum occupancy was not greater than what was being permitted by the STR

regulations.

There was discussion on how the increase in occupancy would impact

on-site/off-street parking. Mr. Zenner noted that this concern may not be as

pressing in the R-1 zoning district given most homes constructed generally have

sufficient parking to meeting the minimum 2 parking spaces within a garage, on a

driveway, or a combination of garage and driveway. In some instances, Mr. Zenner

noted, that dwellings within the R-1 district actually had double the required

minimum parking.

Mr. Zenner noted staff has concerns with how the increase in occupancy could

impact parking within the R-2 and R-MF district especially with single- and

two-family structure that have sufficient bedroom floor area to support higher

occupancy. These types of dwellings are only required 2 off-street/on-site parking

spaces regardless of their occupant load today. He noted that in a duplex today,

occupied by four un-related individuals that drive there may be 2 more vehicles

present than available parking spaces. In these types of situations parking spills

over into the public streets possibly causing issues. To address this, he noted that

staff was recommending a revision to the parking standards for single- and

two-family dwelling such that 0.75 spaces/occupant be provided when such

dwellings were used as a “long-term” rental. There was Commission discussion on

this matter with several Commissioners agreeing that the revision was appropriate.

Mr. Zenner noted that dwellings authorized to have the maximum occupancy of 8

individuals would require 6 total spaces. If such dwellings could not comply with

the revised parking standards, the issued rental certificate would only permit

occupancy based on available parking which Mr. Zenner noted was very consistent

with how STR occupancy was being addressed.

As part of discussing of the text change Commissioners expressed the desire to

define “housekeeping unit” to ensure what was meant by this term. Mr. Zenner

noted that he could look into finding or proposing a definition for this term;

however, expressed concern that doing so may create additional confusion. There

was consensus on the need for the definition such that possible manipulation of

what constituted a “family” by the proposed variations would be limited if not

negated.

There was also Commissioner discussion about the need to ensure that sufficient

public outreach to impacted stakeholders was undertaken prior to bring the matter

before the Commission for the required public hearing. Mr. Zenner noted that staff

could use several of its existing distribution lists to provide notice to the Apartment

Association, registered Neighborhood and Homeowner Associations, and the

listserv used by the PZC agenda notifications in addition to traditional newspaper

notice. Concern was expressed that these traditional methods of engagement may

not be sufficient and it was suggested that use of the City’s social media and

potentially the BeHeard public engagement portal be used. There was general

agreement that use of BeHeard may not be most the useful due to access issues for

all residents.

Mr. Zenner noted that staff could coordinate with the City’s Public Communications

Office to get the word out about the proposed text change. He noted that an

update on public comments could be provided at the July 10 work session and

based on comments received it would be possible to schedule a public hear on the

final text change in August. Commissioners were receptive to this idea.

Mr. Zenner noted that he completed what was desired on this topic and would

work toward obtaining public comments. The Chair asked if there was additional

direction for staff. Hearing none, the Chair asked staff to proceed forward and

report back at the July 10 work session.

VI. NEXT MEETING DATE - July 10, 2025 @ 5:30 pm (tentative)

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Move to adjourn