City updating development codes to align with Forward SGF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Following the November 2022 adoption of the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan, the City of Springfield is updating a series of city codes that guide and regulate the use, design and installation of public and private development improvements to meet the community-driven vision for the future of Springfield. 

This implementation phase of Forward SGF is planned to occur through spring 2025. Specifically, the code update will target Chapter 36 Land Development Code (zoning code and subdivision regulations). Updates to the regulations include Article II: Subdivision Regulations, Article III: Zoning Regulations and coordination with Article V: Building Code. Review and coordination with other city codes that regulate the design of streets, stormwater, and other infrastructure will also occur to ensure that all codes related to new development are consistent and compatible. The last comprehensive update of the City’s development codes was in 1995, although various amendments have been made periodically. 

This effort will focus on how to implement the key concepts of already established plans and policies in Forward SGF. It may look at a variety of regulatory strategies or may dive deeper into specific issues to verify and refine the community direction. 

Forward SGF recognizes the following trends to consider when updating the City’s development codes: 

• Increased emphasis on quality of place – a more attractive, pet-friendly and amenity-rich experience. 
• Increased emphasis on creating complete neighborhoods with diverse housing close to amenities and services. 
• Reduction in parking demand and expansion of delivery and pick-up services in the retail and restaurant sectors. 
• The need to accommodate emerging consumer trends and preferences, such as expanded outdoor dining, drive-up and drive-thru services, parklets, food trucks and outdoor markets. 
• A greater demand for environmentally conscious development. 
• Greater emphasis on improving the retail and service experience. 
• Increased emphasis on City corridors to be better integrated allowing more flexible permitting. 
• Increased flexibility in permitted uses for expansion of home occupations
• Increased flexibility for commercial and business spaces, office-warehouses and logistical service providers.

For more information about additional public engagement opportunities with various stakeholder groups, please contact Randall Whitman at [email protected] or at 417-864-2027. To learn more about Forward SGF, visit forwardsgf.com.