Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - May 12, 2025

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on May 12, 2025, to consider three cases: a rezoning request, a special use permit, and a site plan review. The commission approved all three cases unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting (motion by Ms. Warren, second by Ms. Phillips, all in favor).
• The commission excused Dr. Rosenberg and Mr. Landis from the meeting (motions by Ms. Clue Michael, second by Mr. Spruce, all in favor).

Discussion Items

Case 016-25 (Rezone from M-2 to R-3)

• Applicant Roy Shelby (2233 Benjamin Drive, Carthage) requested rezoning of 1148 South Pennsylvania Avenue from Heavy Industrial (M-2) to Multifamily Residential (R-3). He explained that the property, which contains a house, was purchased with cash because banks would not finance it due to its industrial zoning. He stated that under the current zoning, if the structure sustains more than 51% damage, it cannot be rebuilt, and he cannot sell it. City staff recommended R-3 instead of R-1 due to the mixed housing character of the neighborhood. Commission members asked about the choice of R-3 and a notation on the application regarding easements, which staff clarified was not an issue. The commission approved the rezoning (motion by Mr. Spruce, second by Ms. Clue Michael, all in favor).

Case 017-25 (Special Use Permit for Duplexes)

• The applicant requested a special use permit at 3105 South Wisconsin Avenue. The property had been rezoned from R-1 to C-1 the previous year. The applicant intended to build two duplexes instead of originally planned pickleball courts. Staff clarified that special use permits are used for housing types not permitted by right in the C-1 district, and development regulations would match R-2 standards. The commission approved the special use permit (motion by Mr. Spruce, second by Ms. Phillips, all in favor).

Case 018-25 (Site Plan Review for Tiny Home Development)

• Applicant Troy Dunmyle (1302 South Main Street, Joplin) of Vita Nova presented the site plan for a tiny home development at 1201 South Byers Avenue. The plan included a request for a variance to allow a 12-foot wide storm pipe easement instead of the standard 15 feet, to preserve two home sites. The stormwater engineer had approved the narrower easement due to shallow pipe depth. The commission approved the site plan (motion by Ms. Warren, second by Mr. Spruce, all in favor).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Case 016-25 (rezone) with unanimous vote.
• Approved Case 017-25 (special use permit) with unanimous vote.
• Approved Case 018-25 (site plan review) with unanimous vote.
• The next meeting of the Joplin City Council to consider these cases is scheduled for June 9, 2025.
• The meeting adjourned.