Springfield, Missouri | Community Development Code Questionnaire

This code shifts emphasis from use regulations to design standards. Permitted uses have been generalized to allow flexibility for different uses, but distinguished by scale to create greater distinctions between zoning districts. Increased emphasis is placed on design – the form and format of buildings and sites; the frontage relationship between streetscapes and buildings; and the landscape and site design, particularly at transition areas.

This code implements the street design types in Forward SGF in a city-wide approach. Four general design types are created for application in distinct contexts along street segments and each design type pairs with functional classifications that apply to the overall street system. This is done to improve streetscape options and the civic design of Springfield.

This code shifts emphasis from density and use (i.e. low-density, multi-family) to building types (i.e. townhouse, small apartment, apartment complex, etc.). This is done to place greater specificity on the form and format of buildings, while allowing more options for compatible-scaled housing within districts and improved transitions between districts.

This code emphasizes context to implement the Place Types in Forward SGF. “Context” is primarily determined by the type of street a property fronts on (pedestrian-oriented vs. automobile oriented); the development pattern (block structure, open spaces, and lot sizes); and scale and format of uses and buildings. Different districts and different streetscape/frontage combinations allow these places to respond to their context and contribute to the community through appropriate development and transitions.