Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - May 13, 2024

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM CT. The meeting was called to order with roll call. Present: Ms. Warren, Mr. Kimball, Ms. Phillips, Mr. McCullough, Mr. Landis. Dr. Rosenberg was excused. The commission adopted minutes from the previous meeting and reviewed multiple rezoning, annexation, and special use permit requests.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to excuse Dr. Rosenberg: passed unanimously.
• Motion to accept minutes from last meeting: passed unanimously.
• Public hearing procedures were read into the record.
• The commission accepted into evidence the 2012 Comprehensive Plan, Development Code, and related city documents.

The following cases were struck without discussion:

• Case 014-24 (voluntary annexation) – struck.
• Case 015-24 (rezoning from R1 to R3) – struck.
• Case 021-24 (rezoning from M2 to R2) – struck due to an error in legal advertisement; will be re-advertised for June.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 016-24 (R1 to C1, 3105 S. Wisconsin Ave.): Steve Williams (2601 Wisconsin Ave.) spoke in favor, stating he wants to operate a four-court indoor pickleball facility for seniors. Sally Robinson (2430 N. Indiana Ave.) also spoke in support.
• Case 018-24 (R1 to C3, 108 N. St. Louis Ave.): Damian Tirable (48 Briarwood Dr.) and Jeremy Canada (1625 Apricot Dr.) spoke in favor, representing Blackstone Gastro Pub. They plan to demolish an existing home and develop the lot for outdoor activities (gazebo, pickleball, cornhole, horseshoes) and additional parking.
• Case 019-24 (alley vacation, same location): The same applicants spoke in favor, seeking to vacate the alley right-of-way to allow full use of the property while preserving utility easements.
• Case 020-24 (R1 to R2, SW of S. McCoy Ave & W. 23rd St.): Joel Standford (423 E. 4th St.) spoke in favor, proposing to build four duplexes (2-bedroom, 2-bath, 1-car garage) to supply moderately affordable housing.
• Case 022-24 (special use permit for dog salon/kennel, 407 N. Shifferdecker Ave.): Shelly and Nathan Jansen (2908 W. 17th St.) spoke in favor, wanting to add a luxury pet boarding and doggy daycare facility to their existing pet grooming salon.
• Case 023-24 (special use permit for coffee shop, 204 N. Jackson Ave.): The applicant (Bearded Lady Coffee Co.) withdrew the case. Susan Back (4530 S. Pearl St.) spoke as a church member, expressing support for preserving the historic building through a special use permit, but staff clarified that the permit would be specific to the applicant.

No speakers opposed any case.

Discussion Items

• Case 016-24: Commission questioned whether the property matched the map and asked about future use. Applicant confirmed a four-court indoor pickleball facility. Approved.
• Case 018-24: Commission asked about demolition of the existing home and parking plans. Applicant confirmed demolition and existing parking across the street. Approved.
• Case 019-24: Commission clarified that the vacation is right-of-way only, not utility easements. No permanent structures can be placed in the utility easement. Applicant confirmed understanding. Approved.
• Case 020-24: Commission asked about access (common road from W. 23rd St.) and orientation of duplexes (facing each other). Approved.
• Case 021-24: Staff explained that the legal description advertised in the Globe was incorrect; the case will be re-advertised for the June agenda without an additional application fee. Commission struck the case.
• Case 022-24: Commission asked no questions. Approved and sent to city council under a resolution (special use permits go to council).
• Case 023-24: Staff reported the applicant withdrew due to recent complications. Commission struck the case. Susan Back spoke in favor of preservation; staff clarified that if another entity were to pursue the same use, a new application would be required.

Key Outcomes

• Case 016-24: Approved (motion by Mr. Landis, second by Ms. Phillips; all ayes).
• Case 018-24: Approved (motion by Ms. Warren, second by Mr. McCullough; all ayes).
• Case 019-24: Approved (motion by Ms. Warren, second by Mr. McCullough; all ayes).
• Case 020-24: Approved and set to council (motion by Ms. Phillips, second by Mr. Landis; all ayes).
• Case 022-24: Approved and sent to council under a resolution (motion by Ms. Phillips, second by Mr. Landis? Transcript unclear but motion made and seconded; all ayes).
• Case 023-24: Struck (motion by Mr. Landis, second by Ms. Phillips; all ayes).
• Cases 014-24, 015-24, 021-24: All struck (each with motions and seconds; all ayes).
• No new or old business. Meeting adjourned (motion by Mr. Landis, second by Ms. Warren; all ayes).

The next city council meeting to consider the commission's recommendations is scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2024.