Bill filed in Missouri would curb zoning referendum process

A bill filed this month in the Missouri House of Representatives seeks to limit the ability of residents in certain cities to challenge zoning changes through a petition and vote process.

House Bill 2847, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Knight, R-Lebanon, and introduced Jan. 7, would revise Section 89.060 of Missouri statutes by prohibiting certain cities from allowing zoning changes to be addressed through referendums, initiatives or a vote of residents. A currently existing challenge method would remain intact, under which property owners representing at least 30% of affected land may file a formal protest that triggers a requirement for a two-thirds vote by a city’s legislative body. 

The legislation applies only to home rule cities partially located in counties with populations between 260,000 and 300,000. While Springfield is a home rule city, it is unclear whether the population guidelines laid out in the bill would apply to Greene County. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Greene County’s population at 307,942 as of mid-2024, though the most recent decennial census in 2020 placed the county’s population below 300,000.

Springfield Business Journal is seeking comment from Rep. Knight. The representative’s home city of Lebanon does not appear to fall under the bill’s purview, as Laclede County’s population was roughly 36,000, according to the 2020 census.

Cora Scott, Springfield director of public information and civic engagement, said the bill was not initiated by the city of Springfield and is not included in City Council's legislative priorities.

The referendum petition process was used locally in 2022, when Springfield voters rejected a rezoning measure that would have cleared the way for a mixed-use development in Galloway Village adjacent to Sequiota Park, according to past reporting. 

The petition process also was raised in an effort to challenge the Chimney Rock subdivision in the Galloway Village neighborhood. Springfield City Council gave approval to the dedication of public streets and easements for the project in September. 

Prior to the vote, a Galloway Village resident filed a referendum petition that was rejected in March by City Clerk Anita Cotter, who noted administrative decisions are not subject to referendum. A follow-up lawsuit was paused as council considered the measure, according to past reporting. 

Additionally, the owners of the Hotel of Terror haunted attraction, which faces potential seizure by the city of Springfield through the legal process of eminent domain, submitted a stack of petitions to City Clerk Anita Cotter on Jan. 9. Signatures are currently being verified by the city.