Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025
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Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025
The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 10:15 AM to consider seven cases: street vacations, rezoning requests, a voluntary annexation, a text amendment, and a final plat review. All commissioners were present. Public testimony was heard on one rezoning case. All votes were unanimous, with the text amendment being tabled for further review.
Consent Calendar
- Motion to approve the meeting minutes from the previous meeting was moved by Ms. Harrington, seconded by Ms. Phillips, and carried unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Case 029-25 (Rezone to R3 for apartments): Two residents spoke in opposition. Michael Teeter (2802 Callaway Ridge) expressed concerns about the change from single-family to multi-tenant use, water runoff, and traffic. Liz Macy (4093 West Adobe Lane) objected to the loss of her front-yard view and worried about water runoff into the proposed development. Staff and the developer addressed stormwater management, noting that detention would be provided within the city limits.
Discussion Items
- Case 025-25 (Street Vacation): Joplin Schools requested vacation of a section of Forest Avenue from Rawless Street to Quincy Street to allow construction of a school addition. No opposition; unanimously recommended for approval.
- Case 026-25 (Rezone to C3): Wayne Stevenson (GB Engineering) sought rezoning from M2 and C1-PD to C3 to allow an addition to an existing gas station at 901 North Florida Avenue. Staff noted compatibility with the future land use map (retail commercial). Unanimously recommended for approval.
- Case 027-25 (Street Vacation): Joplin Schools requested vacation of First Street from Monroe Avenue to McKinley Avenue to improve parent drop-off traffic flow. The school district has acquired adjacent lots; street will remain with utility easements. Unanimously recommended for approval.
- Case 028-25 (Voluntary Annexation): RBC Holdings (represented by Wayne Stevenson and owner Rick Benson) requested annexation of 8.3 acres at the southeast corner of West Adobe Lane and Country Club Drive for a 96-unit multifamily development (16 sixplexes). The developer noted the city’s annexation goal, provided tax data showing potential $25,000 annual school district revenue (versus $140 from vacant land), and emphasized that city codes would apply. Unanimously recommended for approval, pending city council.
- Case 029-25 (Rezone to R3): Following annexation, the same property was proposed for rezoning from R1 to R3. The developer presented a preliminary site plan, including two retention ponds, a dog park, and walking trails. The developer voluntarily agreed to add screening and fencing along the north boundary to mitigate neighbor concerns. The commission discussed stormwater management and fire access. Unanimously recommended for approval.
- Case 030-25 (Text Amendment): Staff (Tyler) presented a comprehensive list of 38 proposed amendments to the zoning code, covering topics such as building setbacks, historic preservation, recreational marijuana uses, parking standards, fence materials, and more. The commission held the public hearing but, given the volume of material, voted to table the case to allow additional review. No public comments. Unanimously tabled.
- Case 032-25 (Rezone to C3): David Perryman (My World ABA) requested rezoning from M2-PD to C3 at 7603 East 32nd Street to operate a behavioral health facility for children with autism. The facility provides office-based, one-on-one therapy. Unanimously recommended for approval.
- Case 031-25 (Final Plat): Lillian Bryant (on behalf of Super Mitchell) presented the final plat for Emerald Glades Phase 3, adding 48 lots. The plat includes connections to future phases and a street outlet for future development. Unanimously approved.
Key Outcomes
- Cases 025-25, 026-25, 027-25, 028-25, 029-25, 032-25, and 031-25 all received unanimous votes for approval. The annexation (028-25) is subject to city council approval.
- Case 030-25 (text amendment) was tabled unanimously; it will be brought back at a future meeting after commissioners have time to review.
- All recommended cases will be presented to City Council on Monday, October 6, 2025.
- The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.
Meeting Transcript
All right, and finally, we will call to order our zoning and planning meeting for Monday, September 8th, 2025. Could we please call roll? Ms. Klumeichel. Present. Dr. Rosenberg. Present. Ms. Phillips. Present. Mr. Kimball. Present. Ms. Warren. Present. Mr. Spruce. Present. Ms. Harrington. Present. Do we have a motion on accepting our meeting minutes from our previous meeting into the record? So moved. All second. We have a motion from Ms. Harrington and a second from Ms. Phillips. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Motion carries. All right. The first case that we'll be hearing today is case 025-25. Mr. Kimball, uh, the public hearing procedures. Oh. Thank you. Turn back one page. Okay. Thanks for keeping me in order here. All right. These are our public hearing procedures. It is requested that persons wishing to testify before the zoning and planning commission, please follow these rules. State your name and address clearly for the record. Please give your testimony as briefly and completely as possible. Please do not repeat testimony that has been given previously. We want you to state your facts, but limit your information to only new information.
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