City council ready for public comment on new zoning rules today

Cape Girardeau City Council members, while sparing no praise for the city planning staff, showed Monday that they didn't like every idea that has been included in a draft zoning ordinance.

The city hasn't overhauled its zoning rules since 1967. The latest draft will be open for public comment beginning at 6 p.m. today in the city council chambers of city hall at 401 Independence St.

The new code has two goals -- rationalize current land use by designating new zoning districts and redefining others, and to solve specific issues created by the current code.

The most controversial issue concerns how many people may share a dwelling. The city currently allows five in most homes, more in some apartments. The new code would limit that number to three, with designated areas of the city allowing more.

"As I look at it, let's be very candid, that's our issue," Mayor Jay Knudtson said Monday.

But that isn't the only issue causing dissatisfaction. Knudtson questioned a three-story height restriction on new construction in the downtown business district. The current limit is eight stories.

"I want to go on record to say I am not ready to do that," he said.

City planner Martha Brown said the three-story rule was drafted after consultations with downtown business and property owners.

Ward 5 councilman Mark Lanzotti said the tone of rules relating to agriculture could discourage farmers from offering their land for annexation.

"The tone of this reads very restrictive," he said.

The move to limit the number of tenants in a single dwelling was sparked by a desire to prevent conversion of suburban homes from owner-occupied to rental units. Ward 4 Councilwoman Loretta Schneider was disappointed that the code could not prevent those actions.

"It isn't who is renting," she said. "It is that the house is used as a rental property, then two are rented, and property values are going down in a season."

If approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the council could vote on the new zoning code in February.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

Cape Girardeau City Council action

Monday

Cape Girardeau City Hall

401 Independence St.

Action Items

Public Hearings

* Held a public hearing regarding the request of Rhodes Development Co. to rezone the property at 1634 N. Kingshighway from C-2, general commercial district, and R-1, single family residential district, to C-2, general commercial district.

Consent ordinances

* Authorized the acquisition of property for Lewis and Clark Parkway between LaSalle Avenue and County Road 618.

* Approved the record plat of Robinson Subdivision.

* Approved the record plat of River Bend Subdivision.

* Approved the record plat of Cape West Crossings-Phase II Amended.

* Approved the record plat of Cape West 13th Subdivision.

* Approved the record plat of a resubdivision of Lots C19, C20 and C21 of The Highlands at Dalhousie-Phase III.

* Approved an ordinance amending the city code regarding weeds to require property owners to mow areas adjacent to their property within city-owned right of way.

* Authorized the issuance of not to exceed $1 million principal amount of Waterworks System Revenue Bonds (State of Missouri - Direct Loan Program - ARRA) Series 2010 of the City of Cape Girardeau to extend and improve the city's waterworks system; prescribing the form and details of the bonds and the agreements made by the city to facilitate and protect its payment and prescribing other related matters.

New ordinances

* Approved an ordinance amending the city code by changing the zoning of a part of 1634 N. Kingshighway and 1698 Kingsway Drive from R-1 and C-2 to C-2.

Liquor license

* Approved an original-package liquor, Sunday sales and wine-tasting license for Pajco Inc., d/b/a Primo Vino! at 1610 N. Kingshighway, Suite 105, Paul R. Dirnberger, managing officer.

Other

* Approved a motion accepting the improvements completed under the 2009 Overlay Program, and authorizing final pavement to ASA Asphalt Inc.