Planning staff recommend rezoning Capitol Avenue

Planning staff are proposing a rezoning of the East Capitol Avenue area to a mixed-use zoning district and establishment of an overlay district that would require new construction to meet architectural design requirements similar to the existing architecture in the district.

At a public hearing Tuesday at City Hall, Senior Planner Eric Barron said, "We have many people coming to town to visit the old Missouri Prison, and this plan would allow flexibility to keep the historic nature of the area as well as possibly opening up the opportunity for some small business development."

The proposed boundaries of the area have been drawn to closely mirror the boundaries of the East Capitol Avenue Historic District. The establishment of mixed-use zoning for the area and overlay district was recommended by the Central Eastside Neighborhood Plan.

Within the zoning code, the regulations for the Capitol Avenue Overlay District would:

Only apply to new construction and rehab projects on buildings. Existing buildings could be repaired and maintained in their current appearance.

Not apply to PUD plans, installation of storm doors/windows, gutters, vents, and chimney caps, maintenance of existing features, interior work, and city abatement of code violations.

Tie land use to the underlying zoning district. Multi-family buildings would be limited to four units per building, with larger buildings only being permitted through the PUD process.

Establish site design standards such as the building must have a porch and front door toward the dominant street; the lot area and width would be established with the underlying zoning district; building setbacks would be within 2 feet of the average setback line; the maximum width requirement for driveways, while encouraging access from alley; location of parking to the side or rear of the building; walkways from front door to curb; yard fences with iron or wooden posts; and large buildings near streets must be finished with brick or stone.

Establish building design standards including exterior walls on front and side facades would be brick or stone; decorative cornices on front facades; windows and doors would cover a minimum of 5 percent of the front facade to a maximum of 20 percent; buildings are required to include at least three architectural features (from a list of 15 common features in the district) into the front facade; and a minimum height of two stories and maximum height of two and a half stories.

Require a favorable vote of the Historic Preservation Commission for demolition or additions to structures older than 100 years old.

Kathy Bordner and Steve Veile, who own properties on Capitol, encouraged city staff to consider rounding down the 100-year mark to 50 years, saying that was the standard the city's Historic Preservation Commission has adopted, and if it was not adjusted, it could lead to the demolition of several homes.

Councilman Rick Mihalevich noted his fellow 2nd Ward Councilwoman Laura Ward has put forth a resolution to put a hold on demolitions until the plan is approved.

The plan is set to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 9, and if approved, it will go to the City Council where it could be passed in April.

Barron encouraged residents who want to make comments to do so via email, [email protected], by noon March 9 and include "Capitol Avenue Comments" in the subject line.

Written comments may also be sent to: City of Jefferson - Planning Division, 320 East McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

The plan will be available on the city's website, jeffcitymo.org, in the Planning and Zoning Division section.