City of St. Louis Invites Community to Zoning Upgrade Open House

The City of St. Louis invites residents, business owners and community stakeholders to participate in the second public event for the ZOUP, the City’s Zoning Upgrade Project, on Wednesday, December 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex (4343 W. Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115).

The event 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.

“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—a modern code to meet the moment—marks the first comprehensive rewrite and map update to St. Louis’s zoning since the 1950s. Led by the Planning and Urban Design Agency (PDA) and the Zoning Section of the Building Division, the process builds on extensive community engagement conducted for the SLUP and will modernize how land use is regulated in the City, improving clarity, equity, and alignment with community goals.

“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 to review and comment on draft code language. The process includes:

• A full audit and diagnostic of the existing zoning code;
• Incorporation of feedback from residents, the Zoning Upgrade Advisory Committee, and working groups of technical experts and practitioners;
• Public workshops, webinars, and educational events under the “Code Connect” series; and
• Development of zoning districts, development standards, and a zoning map based on the SLUP and the aforementioned public engagement.

“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, talk with the project team, and share feedback. Light refreshments will be provided.

A virtual “Code Connect” meeting will be held on Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. for those unable to attend the event in person. Join the discussion via Zoom by registering at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83911709124?jst=2

For more information about ZOUP: The Zoning Upgrade Project, or to learn about future engagement opportunities, visit www.zoup-stl.com, or contact info@zoup-stl.com or 314-266-8620.