Comments sought on Jefferson City ordinance regulating demolition

Dust flies in the air as demolition of I-Hall on the grounds of the old Missouri State Penitentiary continues. Funds for the work wwere provided through a state community development block grant awarded to the city in 2010.
Dust flies in the air as demolition of I-Hall on the grounds of the old Missouri State Penitentiary continues. Funds for the work wwere provided through a state community development block grant awarded to the city in 2010.

During the last 18 months, Jefferson City's Historic Preservation Commission (CJHPC) drafted a proposed demolition ordinance. Now, the city Planning and Protective Services Department is taking comments on the proposal through April 12.

The Public Works and Planning committee is scheduled to discuss the ordinance at its April 20 meeting, which is set for 7:30 a.m. in the Boone/Bancroft Conference Room at City Hall.

The Historic City of Jefferson (HCJ) introduced the proposed demolition ordinance to the Historic Preservation Commission in September 2015. In February, the commission approved its version of the demolition ordinance.

Requirements of the ordinance would include:

Establishing a "Historic Preservation Commission Boundary" for reviewing properties 50 years and older. The boundary roughly covers Belair Drive on the west, Stadium Boulevard on the south, Grant Street on the east and Missouri River on the north. All other properties that do not lie within the designated boundary would not be subject to the historic preservation review, unless designated as a local landmark, local historic district and/or on the National Register of Historic Places.

Identify items required to be submitted as part of the demolition application for historic buildings. Existing demolition application includes the historic preservation checklist, and interior and exterior photographs. The proposed ordinance would add the inclusion of a map identifying the location of the property, plot plan showing the principal and/or accessory building footprints, and statement from owner as to why property cannot be rehabilitated or sold at a reasonable price.

Requiring a property proposed for demolition be posted with a sign indicating a demolition permit has been submitted, notification sent to affected property owners within 185 feet of the subject property including the time, date and place of public hearing. This would also include posting of notice of public hearing at city hall and on the city's website.

Giving the Historic Preservation Commission 60 days from an application's submission to provide a recommendation on the issuance of the demolition permit. The 60-day review period is not a change from the current code.

If the Historic Preservation Commission recommends denying the demolition permit, the application would be forwarded to the council.

If the council rejects the Historic Preservation Commission recommendation to deny the permit, the permit would be suspended for at least 30 days. During the 30-day suspension, the Historic Preservation Commission could consult with civic groups, agencies and other interested parties; get a third party to acquire the property; explore moving the building(s); or submit landmark application or initiate historic district designation.

If the City Council affirms the Historic Preservation Commission's denial recommendation, the applicant could appeal to the Circuit Court.

To make comments on the proposed ordinance, you can send an email to [email protected] with "Proposed Demolition Ordinance Comments" in the subject line. You can also mail comments to: City of Jefferson-Planning Division, 320 E. McCarty St., Jefferson City, MO, 65101.