Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner

Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner

Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner

Roger B. Wilson

Boone County Government Center

801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333

Columbia, MO 65201-7732

(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311

Boone County
Commission

Boone County News Release

Boone County Commission to Consider Recommended Regulatory Code Changes to Support Affordable Housing

COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 26, 2026) - On Tuesday, March 31 at its 7 p.m. meeting, the Boone County Commission will consider recommended changes to the Boone County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations aimed at supporting housing affordability in Boone County. The meeting will also include a public hearing during which citizens are welcome to comment on the proposed changes.

The Boone County Planning & Zoning Commission approved the proposed recommendations during its March 19 meeting. The housing code reforms address a variety of issues through the lens of housing affordability in Boone County.

Potential amendments include:

• Duplexes by right: allow two-family dwellings on corner lots in A-2, A-R, and R-S zones with no special permit required.
• Accessory Dwellings: expand rules to allow in-law suites, garage apartments, and backyard cottages on more lots.
• Definition updates: update the definition of “family” and “maximum occupancy” to reflect modern households.
• Mixed-Use Housing: allow residential units on the 2nd floor of all commercial buildings throughout the county.
• Cottage Lot Standard: new zoning category for smaller “cottage” lots, enabling modestly sized, more affordable homes.
• Streamlined Approvals: certain subdivision plat vacations approved administratively – reducing delays and hearing burdens.
• Front Setback Flexibility: administrative allowances for existing structures in front setbacks with no variance hearing required.

“Housing affordability is a growing concern across the nation. These reforms are a good step forward here in Boone County, but the work must continue. We must remain focused and dedicated to addressing this issue over the long term. We’re very appreciative of Director Florea getting this package of reforms to Commission before his April retirement. Bill was instrumental in pushing these reforms along in a tight timeline as well as crafting the reforms before us.”

Prior to voting on the recommendations, the Planning & Zoning Commission held public hearings in Centralia, Columbia, and Ashland to gather input from residents throughout the county.

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