Florissant Planning and Zoning Studies Historic Business District

The Florissant Planning and Zoning Commission moved one step closer to clearing which businesses are permitted uses for the Historic Business District Monday night.

But there’s still lots of discussion to be had before a final decision could be rendered regarding amending the zoning code.

Monday night, Building Commissioner Phillip Lum and provided a list of more than 40 types of businesses that could be placed as a permitted use in the Historic Business District.

A permitted use would allow for a business to obtain all permits and necessities without hesitation. A special permitted use, which is an option for the commission, would have businesses present their plans and information to the Planning and Zoning Commission followed by the City Council for approval.

Hessel said that he’s struggled with this code for close to 30 years and still doesn't have a clear solution to it.

“When you have a long list like this in the zoning code, it’s subject to interpretation,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is go through the zoning code and eliminate provisions.”

Building Commissioner Lum said that he spent a few days reviewing those businesses and addresses in the district and figuring out what is and isn’t addressed in the code. This is what brought Lum to list of more than 40 business categories to be looked at by the commission.

In reviewing the list, the commission went through a portion of the list and noted businesses that had not been included, such as a motorcycle shop, as well as business categories that didn’t seem clear-cut, such as building preservation/restoration.

The .

With more than 40 items to consider, City Attorney Hessel asked the commission to take their time with this to really review and think through each item.

“We’ve got to amend what we have to day,” he said. “We’ve got to take the first step.”

The commission decided to continue the item until its next meeting to further review the list.

New commissioner comes aboard

The Planning and Zoning Commission welcomed its newest member, Steven Olds, to the table.

. Olds replaces Commissioner Jim Ross who stepped down late last year.