Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Joplin Zoning and Planning Commission met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM to consider three cases: a rezoning request, a special use permit for a duplex, and a right-of-way vacation. The meeting began with roll call, approval of prior minutes, and procedural announcements.

Administrative Items

• Excusal of Ms. Clue Michael: The commission initially excused Ms. Clue Michael from the meeting with a motion by Mr. Spruce and second by Ms. Harrington, approved unanimously. Later, Mr. Kimball moved to amend the excusal to include Ms. Clue Michael for votes; that motion was also approved, and she participated in subsequent votes.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with a motion from Ms. Harrington and second from Dr. Rosenberg, approved unanimously.

Case 014-26: Rezoning from M2 (Heavy Industrial) and C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C3 (Commercial) – 730 North Schifferdecker Avenue

• Applicant: Andrea Snyder, 730 North Schifferdecker Avenue.
• Request: To rezone the property to C3 commercial.
• Public Testimony: None in favor or opposition.
• Commission Action: Mr. Spruce moved to approve, seconded by Ms. Phillips. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Case 015-26: Special Use Permit for Duplex in C2 (Central Business District) – 1721 South Joplin Avenue

• Applicant: Michael Fleshman, 1721 South Joplin Avenue.
• Request: To convert a vacant warehouse into a duplex (two residential units) via a special use permit.
• Discussion:
  • The applicant requested a permanent special use permit; staff noted the commission could set a two-year renewal if desired. The commission did not impose a renewal requirement.
  • Commissioner questions addressed: why a special use permit was needed (due to form-based code for C2 district not typically allowing two-family residential as primary use); parking arrangements (the lot has an ingress/egress easement with adjacent owner; garages are included; lease will limit vehicles); and building/fire safety (applicant confirmed one-hour fire rating will be met; no sprinkler required for duplex).
  • The applicant confirmed the units will be long-term rentals, not short-term (e.g., Airbnb).
• Public Testimony: None.
• Commission Action: Ms. Harrington moved to approve, seconded by Ms. Clue Michael. The motion passed 6-1, with one commissioner opposing.

Case 017-26: Vacation of Right-of-Way (Macintosh Circle) – City of Joplin

• Applicant: City of Joplin, represented by Tyler Bel Air (602 South Main Street).
• Request: To vacate a portion of Macintosh Circle right-of-way that no longer aligns with the actual street; simultaneously, the city will record the new alignment. The vacated right-of-way will revert to adjacent property owner (Freeman).
• Discussion: Staff noted that utility easements will be retained via a savings clause.
• Public Testimony: None.
• Commission Action: Dr. Rosenberg moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Spruce. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Case 014-26: Approved unanimously to rezone to C3.
• Case 015-26: Approved 6-1 for a special use permit for a duplex.
• Case 017-26: Approved unanimously to vacate right-of-way.

All cases will be presented to the Joplin City Council on Monday, May 4, 2026.