ask questions, and provide feedback on the Zoning Upgrade Project.
The City of St. Louis Invites Residents to Shape the Future of Their Neighborhoods with Zoning Upgrade Project
The City of St. Louis is calling on all residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to participate in the second public event for the Zoning Upgrade Project (ZOUP). This event, taking place on Wednesday, December 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, will be an open house and hands-on workshop where participants can review and provide feedback on the Code Diagnostic, a document highlighting the current conditions of the City’s existing zoning code, and explore new abstract zoning districts that align with and help activate the City’s Strategic Land Use Plan (SLUP) and neighborhood plans.
The Zoning Upgrade Project, led by the Planning and Urban Design Agency (PDA) and the Zoning Section of the Building Division, marks the first comprehensive rewrite and map update to St. Louis’s zoning since the 1950s. This modern code aims to improve clarity, equity, and alignment with community goals, and is a crucial step in ensuring that St. Louis grows in a way that reflects the values and priorities of its residents.
“Updating our zoning code is essential to making sure that St. Louis grows in a way that reflects our community’s values and priorities,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “This next phase gives residents the opportunity to see what we’ve learned, react to early concepts and help shape the zoning districts that will guide the future of our neighborhoods.”
The Zoning Upgrade process includes a full audit and diagnostic of the existing zoning code, incorporation of feedback from residents and technical experts, and public workshops and educational events. The goal is to create a more user-friendly, flexible zoning code that reflects contemporary best practices and the unique character and needs of all of St. Louis’ neighborhoods.
“We’re excited to share the results of the diagnostic phase and to begin testing ideas for a more user-friendly, flexible zoning code that reflects contemporary best practices,” said Don Roe, executive director of the Planning and Urban Design Agency. “Public feedback at this stage is critical to ensuring the new code reflects the unique character and needs of all of St. Louis’ neighborhoods while holding true to the goals and vision set in the Strategic Land Use Plan and neighborhood planning efforts.”
The Zoning Upgrade project will continue through 2026 with additional community events and opportunities for residents to review and comment on draft code language. The ultimate goal is to build a zoning code that is understandable, equitable, and effectively implemented.
“Our goal is to build a zoning code that is understandable, equitable, and effectively implemented,” said Zoning Administrator Mary Hart Burton. “This open house is an opportunity for residents to see the progress, ask questions, and make sure the new code reflects what’s most important to them.”
All residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 4 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 3 to review materials, ask questions, and provide feedback on the Zoning Upgrade Project. This is a chance for the community to have a direct impact on the future of their neighborhoods, so don’t miss out!
