Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting – February 19, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Columbia, Missouri, held a regular meeting on February 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting addressed three public hearings: a site-specific PD plan for Lake Broadway Townhomes, a short-term rental conditional use permit for 1707 Nelwood Drive, and a text amendment to define and regulate data centers in the Unified Development Code. All three items received commission approval and will be forwarded to City Council.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Unanimously approved.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from the February 5, 2026 regular meeting were unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 68-2026 (Lake Broadway PD Plan):
  • Tim Crockett (Crockett Engineering, applicant) presented the proposal for 13 townhome units and a 2,000 sq ft office building on a 2.27-acre site, arguing the project returns to the original 1985/86 residential intent and addresses housing needs. He noted the site has been vacant since 2003 and that the adjacent office owner to the east supports the plan.
  • Brent Gibson (Broadway Office Complex Condominium Association) voiced concerns about stormwater detention pond capacity, increased traffic, and the proximity of townhomes to the office building. He stated the lot remained undeveloped due to ownership disputes within the condo association.
  • Pam Dodge (1205 West Broadway, medical office) opposed the plan, citing misleading statements about neighbor support, concerns about parking encroachment, lack of a full buffer (fencing), and potential disturbance to elderly patients. She noted her office lot line is only 5 feet from the property.
  • Emily Piontek (1305 Gary Street) requested traffic calming on Pershing Road due to speeding and lack of sidewalks, and asked for dark-sky-compliant lighting to maintain residential character.
  • Dee Dokken (804 Again Street) questioned whether the proposed impervious surface (1.29 acres) complies with current stormwater standards compared to the 2003 plan (1.4 acres).
  • Crystal Rein (104 Pershing Road) reported near-accidents on Pershing and recommended a stop sign at Gary and Pershing.
  • Emily Pherigo (103 Pinewood Drive) requested that no new exit be created near Pinewood; existing driveways should be used.
• Case 70-2026 (Short-Term Rental):
  • Elena Sass (owner/applicant) explained her reasons for seeking a STR permit: difficulty finding good long-term renters, property damage, and her desire to feel safe while staying there intermittently. She emphasized that guests are screened and are usually parents visiting university students, not party-goers. She added she owns only one STR property.
  • Kerby Mitchell (Son of Mine, LLC, owner of adjacent four-plexes on Quail Drive) initially expressed concern about transient guests and safety, but after hearing the explanation, acknowledged the owner can regulate guests. He stressed the importance of communication and noted his long-term investment in the area.
• Case 74-2026 (Data Center Definition):
  • Dan Murphy (Missouri Rural Crisis Center, 707 Mount Vernon) expressed concerns about data centers potentially using unregulated power generators, referencing issues in Memphis. He appreciated the commission's attention but encouraged thorough diligence. Later, he clarified that his primary worry is about full-time generator operation, not backup generators.
  • Paul Land (2501 Bernadette, representing business interests) supported the text amendment, saying conditional use gives absolute control site-by-site. He argued the definition is needed to avoid derailing future IG zoning requests and to attract industrial development.

Discussion Items

• Case 68-2026 – Lake Broadway PD Plan:
  • Staff report by David Kunz recommended approval with conditions: a 6-foot screening fence at the rear of patios facing the commercial parking lot (in lieu of Level 3 buffer). The plan serves as a preliminary plat for 13 multifamily dwelling units (townhouse style) and a 2,000 sq ft office addition. The site is in an infill development priority area, close to transit and commercial nodes. Impervious surface is reduced to 1.29 acres (from 1.4 in 2003). Staff noted the previous 2003 plan allowed 1.4 acres; the reduction does not exacerbate runoff.
  • Commissioner questions focused on whether the site had attracted office development in the past 20 years (no active pursuits), and the rationale for fencing only at patios vs. a full property-line fence. Staff explained that a full fence would be impractical due to topography and maintenance constraints; the patio fence provides screening while maintaining access.
  • Commissioner Geuea Jones expressed concern about lack of a physical barrier between residential and commercial uses, citing potential issues with foot traffic and parking misuse. A separate vote was taken on the fencing condition: the motion to adopt staff's recommendation (fence at rear of patios) passed 5-3 (Darr, Gray, Ortiz, Stanton, Wilson in favor; Geuea Jones, Stockton, Brodsky opposed).
  • The main motion to approve the PD plan, revised SOI, and preliminary plat with the fencing condition passed 8-0.
• Case 70-2026 – Short-Term Rental CUP:
  • Staff report by Ross Halligan recommended approval subject to maximum 6 transient guests and 210 nights per year. The property is a half-duplex in an RMF zone, previously operated as an illegal STR since 2024. The owner had compliance issues (illegal STR and solid waste violations) but is now seeking proper permit. No other STR within 300 feet. One letter of support received.
  • Commissioner Stanton asked why the owner took so long to come into compliance; she explained the application complexity and divorce-related property transfer delays.
  • Commissioner Ortiz noted the owner operates no other Airbnb in Columbia.
  • The motion to approve with conditions passed 8-0.
• Case 74-2026 – Data Center Text Amendment:
  • Staff report by David Kunz explained the need to define “data center” and add it as a conditional use only in the Industrial General (IG) district. The amendment is the first step; use-specific standards and CUP criteria will be developed later. The definition excludes facilities where data storage is incidental to the primary use (e.g., hospitals, universities). This action follows Council denial of a rezoning (Case 30125) due to data center concerns.
  • Commissioners discussed whether to add “backup” before “power generators” in the definition. Some feared leaving a loophole; others argued the definition should be broad to cover all facility components. Legal counsel advised that adding “backup” would exclude non-backup generators. Ultimately, no amendment was made, and the motion passed 8-0 to approve the text change as presented.
  • Staff clarified that without the definition, data centers could be allowed under general IG rules with less scrutiny. The definition subjects them to a conditional use permit, providing extreme oversight.

Key Outcomes

• Case 68-2026 (Lake Broadway PD Plan): Approved 8-0 to forward to City Council, subject to technical corrections and a note requiring a 6-foot screening fence at the rear of porches for dwelling units facing the east commercial parking lot (in lieu of Level 3 buffer). The preliminary plat is also approved.
• Case 70-2026 (Short-Term Rental): Approved 8-0 to forward to City Council, with conditions: maximum 6 transient guests and maximum 210 nights per year.
• Case 74-2026 (Data Center Definition): Approved 8-0 to forward to City Council, adopting the proposed text amendments to Sections 29-1.11 and 29-3.2 of the UDC.
• Next Meeting: March 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM (work session at 5:30 PM). Items include continuing ADU amendments, CAP presentation on March 19, and Complete Streets presentation in April. The July 9 meeting is canceled due to AV renovations.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.