BOULEVARD AND PARKWAY STANDARDS

Kansas City Zoning and Development Code pt. 300 Series, div. 88-323

in effect

Kansas City Zoning and Development Code § 88-323-01 PURPOSE

88-323-01 - PURPOSE Considerable public and private investment exists and is expected to occur adjacent to boulevards and parkways within the city. The following standards are intended to promote quality development reflective of the character of the city's boulevard and parkway system, whether on an established, historic boulevard or on a parkway traversing undeveloped areas of the city. Historically, the city has been built along both parkways and boulevards that, while similar in the concept of extending green pathways through the city and connecting residents to parks, vary somewhat in purpose and design. Both complement a grid system of arterials and local streets in enabling transportation. In older, established areas though, formal boulevards predominate, with intersections at all cross streets. Parkways, with wider medians and rights-of-way, accommodate changes of alignment and grade and follow the natural terrain predominant in many undeveloped areas of the city. In these areas, it is not feasible to construct a grid transportation system. The standards support established boulevard and parkway design criteria and are intended to acknowledge variations of development patterns adjacent to parkways and boulevards by accounting for an area's built or rural environment, topography, drainage pattern, or natural features to be preserved while balancing the need to move traffic with the mission of building "a city within a park." 88-323-01-A APPLICABILITY 1. Generally. Boulevard and Parkway standards apply to all development adjacent to and within 150 feet of a boulevard or parkway classified as part of the Kansas City, Missouri Boulevard and Parkway system and identified on the Major Street Plan. The 150-foot distance is measured from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the boulevard or parkway to the nearest property line of the lot occupied by or proposed to be occupied by the regulated use or development. The standards apply, however, only to that portion of the adjacent property (parcel or lot) located within 150 feet of the boulevard or parkway. [image omitted; see the official code] In addition, there are situations where design standards set out for boulevards will be applied to sections of parkways. This occurs where two parkways meet and within a ¼ mile radius (as measured from the centerline) of these intersections — termed development nodes. Where the median width of the parkway is minimized at these intersections (although right-of-way remains a minimum of 150 feet), application of boulevard standards to these development nodes calls for a reduced building setback, and placement of a customer entrance on the front or side façade. This provides a development pattern upon a complete street system, supporting multi-modal transportation, providing safe access for pedestrians, and offering active commercial street frontages. [image omitted; see the official code] 2. New Development. Full compliance with the Boulevard and Parkway Standards (as defined in 88-110-03-G, 88-120-03-G, 88-130-04-G, 88-140-03-G, 88-310-02, 88-323, 88-325, 88-331, 88-335, 88-340, 88-375, 88-425, 88-450, 88-810-192, 88-810-512, 88-810-1108 and 88-810-2165, and Tables 110-1, 120-1, 130-1 and 140-1 ("Boulevard and Parkway Standards")) is required for all new buildings/structures constructed within the area defined in the Boulevard and Parkway Standards. 3. Enlargements and Expansions of Existing Buildings/Structures and Vehicular Use Areas. Full compliance with the Boulevard and Parkway Standards is required if the enlargement or expansion exceeds thirty percent (30%) of the gross square feet of the existing building/structure and for the development of any new or expanded vehicular use area. If the enlargement or expansion is thirty percent (30%) or under, then the Boulevard and Parkway Standards will not apply. All other provisions of the Zoning and Development Code as are applicable will continue to apply. 4. Façade Changes. Changes to the façades of existing buildings/structures will not require compliance with the Boulevard and Parkway Standards; provided, however, that no façade changes may be made that will increase the building/structure's nonconformity. 5. Accidental Damage or Destruction. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 88-610-04-D, nonconforming buildings, structures or uses that are destroyed or damaged in any amount may be restored without coming into compliance with the Boulevard and Parkway Standards. A building permit to reconstruct a destroyed or damaged structure must be submitted or use re-established within 6 months of the date of occurrence of such damage, and once issued, construction must be diligently pursued or the nonconformity will be considered to be discontinued. 6. Previously Approved Preliminary Plans, Development Plans and Preliminary Plats. Permits may be issued for previously approved site-specific preliminary plans, development plans or preliminary plats that were approved prior to the effective date of the Boulevard and Parkway Standards in accordance with the previously approved plat/plan without compliance with the Boulevard and Parkway Standards. (Ord. No. 150544, § 1, 7-23-2015; Ord. No. 160341, § 1, 5-12-2016; Ord. No. 160759, § 1, 10-20-2016)

Kansas City Zoning and Development Code § 88-323-02 NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

88-323-02 - NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 88-323-02-A. SITE AND BUILDING ORIENTATION AND SETBACK 1. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a boulevard or within a development node, the principal building shall be set back a maximum of 20 feet from the right-of-way line. 2. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, the principal building shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way line. 3. If located on a boulevard or within a development node, a customer entrance of the principal building shall either face the boulevard or parkway or be located on a side façade. [image omitted; see the official code] 4. Pedestrian access to a customer entrance shall be via direct access from the public sidewalk or the on-site pedestrian circulation system as shown on the approved development or site plan and in compliance with 88-450. 5. Any delivery and service access shall be located on the sides or rear of the principal building (façade not facing the boulevard or parkway) and not visible from the boulevard or parkway. 88-323-02-B. SURFACE PARKING Non-accessory surface parking is prohibited. Accessory surface parking shall be designed and constructed as follows, except as may be otherwise allowed in this section (for lodging uses): 1. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a boulevard or within a development node, a vehicular use area must be located on the side or rear of the building. Parking located on the side of the building shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet behind the front building line or 30 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater. 2. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, parking located on the side of a building shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet behind the front building line or 30 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater. 3. No more than 30% of a site's frontage adjacent to the boulevard or parkway may be used for vehicular use areas. 4. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, a vehicular use area may be located in front of the building (between the building and the parkway right-of-way line) if the building's main entrance is on the façade facing the parkway and further subject to the following: a. The vehicular use area is limited to one row of parking and a two-way aisle; b. The vehicular use area must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the parkway right-of-way line c. No more than 30% of the site's frontage (excluding that of parking in front of the building) may be used for vehicular use area. 5. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, and if there is no vehicular use area (except for a circulation drive) in front of the building, more than 30% of the site's frontage may be used for vehicular use area, with provision of setback (determined by the largest resulting dimension for the parcel) as follows: a. For one additional bay of 65 foot maximum width (two rows of parking and a two-way aisle), a setback of 50 feet shall be provided; b. For an additional two bays of 125 foot maximum width (four rows of parking and two, two-way aisles), a setback of 75 feet shall be provided; c. For an additional three bays of 185 foot maximum width (six rows of parking and three, two-way aisles), a setback of 100 feet shall be provided. Note: Maximum width of bays includes 25 foot wide, two-way, 90 degree aisles and 18 foot deep parking stalls. It does not include required landscaping area per 88-425. 6. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, a circulation drive of maximum 12 feet in width, set back 30 feet from the right-of-way, may be utilized. 88-323-02-C. STRUCTURED PARKING A structured parking facility shall be designed and constructed in accordance with 88-425-07 Screening of Parking Garages, with additional provisions: 1. The ground-level street frontage, with the exception of any pedestrian ingress/egress, shall be improved with retail, office, residential, or other uses in accordance with an approved development plan. 2. No ground level parking spaces shall be located immediately adjacent to the boulevard or parkway. Any spaces located on the ground level shall be behind and concealed by improved space. 3. Primary vehicular access to the structure shall not be provided via the parkway or boulevard. Any secondary access located on the boulevard or parkway shall be limited to a single, two-way drive. Openings to the parking facility for vehicular or pedestrian use shall be designed so as to obscure parked vehicles. Ramps shall be fully located within the structure. 88-323-02-D. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING 1. Landscaping and screening shall be in accordance with 88-425. 2. Any fencing that is visible from the boulevard or parkway shall be 80% transparent and constructed of high quality, permanent materials. Maximum height shall be 6 feet in the rear and 4 feet in the side. No fencing shall extend beyond the front building line. Fencing must be of steel, iron, concrete, stucco, stone, brick or other acceptable material. Wood picket or stockade fencing is not permitted. Chain link fencing is not permitted, except for the enclosure of a public playfield or a school playfield. 3. Dumpsters, mechanical equipment and utility cabinets shall be screened in accordance with 88-425-08 and subject to further regulation as follows. Above ground utility cabinets shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from the right-of-way line of the boulevard or parkway. Building mounted equipment shall not be located on the building façade facing the boulevard or parkway. [image omitted; see the official code] 4. Outdoor storage is permitted as an accessory use in the B4 and M districts, allowed on a façade not facing the boulevard or parkway and further subject to 88-425-09. [image omitted; see the official code] 88-323-02-E. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN As proposed, the standards for development adjacent to and within 150 feet of boulevard and parkways represent best management practices as found in codes of other cities nationally and internationally. The standards are commonly known and understood by any licensed architect and are deemed to be quantifiable and acceptable. The standards are intended to allow for creativity in design of sites and buildings, while ensuring that the public investment in the asset - the boulevard and parkway system - is protected. 1. The architectural design and materials of a structure shall be of high quality. When the structure is that of a "national chain," the high quality standard typical of that "national chain" shall be constructed. [image omitted; see the official code] 2. Design, material, and color shall be applied consistently to all façades and reflect the character of the neighborhood, as existing or proposed. The neighborhood is considered the area immediately adjacent to and along that corridor and within the view shed of the corridor. A neighborhood would also be considered the residential component of an approved development plan. 3. Building exteriors shall be constructed of durable and maintainable materials such as stone, wood, brick, artistic steel, or as otherwise approved. Materials shall not include aluminum or vinyl siding. Materials that have texture, pattern, or lend themselves to a high quality of detailing are encouraged. 4, Façades shall vary in massing and articulation, including accents, protrusions/recesses, horizontal/vertical elements, variable rooflines, or other design features. [image omitted; see the official code] 5. Extensive use of bright or fluorescent colors shall not be permitted. 6. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, structures shall provide a minimum of 33% transparency on the ground level façade facing the parkway. 7. If adjacent to and within 150 feet of a boulevard or within a development node, structures shall provide a minimum of 60% transparency on the ground level façade facing the boulevard or parkway within the development node. [image omitted; see the official code] 88-323-02-F. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR SITES WITH LODGING 1. A lodging establishment must contain rooms that open to the interior of the building. Buildings with direct exterior access to guest rooms are not permitted. [image omitted; see the official code] 2. To accommodate short-term parking and guest services at the front entry to the lodging establishment, a vehicular use drive may be placed between the front building line and the boulevard or parkway. To integrate this vehicular use area into the building, the area must be covered by a permanent porte-cochere structure which shall be constructed as follows: a. the porte-cochere shall extend the width of the drive and be a minimum of 20 feet in length; and b. the porte-cochere shall be structurally and architecturally integrated into the building design and considered to be part of the principal building; and c. if adjacent to and within 150 feet of a boulevard, the main entrance of the principal building shall be set back a maximum of 20 feet from the right-of-way line; or d. if adjacent to and within 150 feet of a parkway, the main entrance of the principal building shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way line. 88-323-02-G. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR SITES WITH GASOLINE AND FUEL SALES 1. A gasoline and fuel sales establishment shall not be permitted on a boulevard or within a development node. 2. A gasoline and fuel sales establishment may be permitted with special use permit on a tract of minimum two acres located at the intersection of a parkway and an arterial (not a boulevard or parkway as shown on the major street plan), subject to the following: a. The canopy, pumps, and any functions associated with gasoline or fuel sales or other vehicular service shall be oriented toward the arterial and not toward the parkway. b. Gasoline or fuel sales areas shall be covered by a canopy set back a minimum of 50 feet from the parkway, or 30 feet from the parkway if the 30 foot setback area includes construction of a stone or brick wall or a decorative steel fence along the parkway no greater than 3 feet in height, unless the elevation of the adjacent property is such that a higher or lower wall/fence is appropriate as determined by the Director of City Planning and Development, and landscaping as approved by the Director of City Planning and Development. c. Canopy design shall be integrated with that of the principal building in respect to pattern, scale, material, and form. d. Vehicular use areas shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the parkway, or 30 feet from the parkway if the 30 foot setback area includes construction of a stone or brick wall or a decorative steel fence along the parkway no greater than 3 feet in height, unless the elevation of the adjacent property is such that a higher or lower wall/fence is appropriate as determined by the Director of City Planning and Development, and landscaping as approved by the Director of City Planning and Development. e. The site shall contain a retail building that is at least 5,500 square feet in size. 88-323-02-H. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR SITES WITH VEHICLE SALES AND SERVICE Any vehicle sales and service establishment permitted by this ordinance (refer to use tables) shall comply with the following provisions: 1. Any vehicle or light equipment for sale, rental, or service or must be located inside the building. 2. Any delivery and service access must be located on the sides or rear of the building (façade not facing the boulevard or parkway). 3. Any function or device (including but not limited to queuing to enter the facility, air pump station, etc.) associated with vehicle or light equipment for sale, rental, or service shall be located on the sides or rear (façade not facing the boulevard or parkway) of the building. 88-323-02-I. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL USES Any industrial use permitted by this ordinance (refer to use tables) shall comply with the following provisions: 1. Any structure or vehicular use area must be set back a minimum of 75 feet from the boulevard or parkway, and the setback area shall be landscaped per 88-425. 2. Any loading and service doors must be located on the sides or rear (façade not facing the boulevard or parkway) of the building. (Ord. No. 150544, § 1, 7-23-2015; Ord. No. 160759, § 1, 10-20-2016; Ord. No. 190911, § A, 12-5-2019)

Kansas City Zoning and Development Code § 88-323-03 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

88-323-03 - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 88-323-03-A. ONE AND TWO UNIT RESIDENTIAL 1. One and two unit residential structures located on a boulevard or within a development node shall front onto the boulevard. Front yard setback shall not exceed that required by Table 110-2: Lot and Building Standards. 2. One and two unit residential structures shall front onto the parkway if located on lots platted to front onto the parkway or within a block where the majority of existing structures front onto the parkway. 3. One and two unit residential structures fronting onto a parkway shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the parkway right-of-way line, or as otherwise determined by provisions of 88-820-09. 4. One and two unit residential structures siding onto a parkway must be set back a minimum of 45 feet from the parkway right-of-way line, or as otherwise determined by provisions of 88-820-09. 5. One and two unit residential structures may back onto a parkway, with the following requirements: a. a 30 feet rear yard setback per 88-110; and b. a 60 feet "no build" landscape buffer to be platted as a tract, of which: i. the first 30 feet of the landscape buffer tract, adjacent to the parkway right-of-way, shall be a parkway landscape easement. In general, the city shall be responsible for the maintenance of the 30 foot parkway landscape easement. Landscaping of this portion of the tract shall be done by the developer and occur within one year of platting of this tract or prior to issuance of any building permits for structures on lots within the subdivision, whichever occurs first. ii. the next 30 feet adjacent to the residential lots shall be the maintained by a property owner's association. Certain stormwater BMP's may be located within this portion of the tract. A landscape plan must be submitted in accordance with 88-425 and Parks and Recreation Department requirements. Landscaping of this portion of the tract shall be done by the developer prior to issuance of any building permits for structures on lots within the subdivision. iii. A covenant to maintain the "no build" landscape buffer tract, describing maintenance responsibilities, shall be recorded with the plat. No buildings, structures, or fences may be erected within this landscaped buffer tract. Any fencing shall be located at the rear of the platted residential lot; shall be of consistent type, material, and height along the rear of the subdivision; and shall be shown on the landscape plan, 6. For one and two unit residential structures fronting onto a boulevard or parkway, driveway access off the boulevard or parkway is permitted. Where possible, shared driveways or eyebrow streets are encouraged. 7. Detached garages or carports shall not be located between the boulevard or parkway and the residential structure. If attached, garages or carports facing the boulevard or parkway shall be no closer to the right-of-way line than the longest facing wall of the residential structure. [image omitted; see the official code] [image omitted; see the official code] 88-323-03-B. MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL (INCLUDING MULTI- UNIT HOUSE, MULTIPLEX AND MULTI-UNIT BUILDING) 1. A main entrance to a multi-unit residential structure or to each unit, in the case of a structure with units having individual entrances, shall face the boulevard or parkway. The side may face the boulevard or parkway; however, an additional setback is required. 2. Driveway access to serve multi-unit residential lots is permitted along boulevards and parkways. Where possible, shared driveways or eyebrow streets are encouraged. 3. Pedestrian access to a main entrance shall be via direct access from the public sidewalk or the on-site pedestrian circulation system as shown on the approved development or site plan and in compliance with 88-450. 4. Setback for a multi-unit residential structure located on a boulevard shall not exceed the maximum required front yard setback as stated by Table 110-2: Lot and Building Standards. 5. A multi-unit residential structure located on a parkway must be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the parkway right-of-way line. A multi-unit structure siding onto a parkway must be set back a minimum of 80 feet from the parkway right-of-way line. 6. No vehicular use areas may be located between the structure and the boulevard or parkway. Parking shall be located on the side or rear of the structure and set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front building line. When the structure sides upon a parkway (not permitted on a boulevard), parking must be set back a minimum of 80 feet from the parkway right-of-way line. 7. Detached garages or carports shall not be located between the boulevard or parkway and the residential structure. If attached, garages or carports facing the boulevard or parkway shall be no closer to the right-of-way line than the longest facing wall of the residential structure. 8. Architectural design and materials of a multi-unit structure shall be of high quality and reflect the character of the neighborhood, as existing or proposed in accordance with an approved development plan, and applied consistently to all façades. 9. Façades shall vary in massing and articulation by providing accents, protrusions/recesses, horizontal/vertical elements, variable rooflines, and other design. 10. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment must be screened per 88-425-08. 11. Landscaping and screening shall be in accordance with 88-425. 88-323-03-C. INFILL OR PREVIOUSLY APPROVED HOUSING Notwithstanding any of the requirements in 88-323-03, any principal residential structure may be designed and constructed to face the street that any existing, immediately adjoining principal residential structure faces and may be set back the same distance from the street as the existing, immediately adjoining principal residential structure. A principal residential structure may be designed and constructed to face the street and be set back from the street in accordance with any city council approved plat or development plan. (Ord. No. 150544, § 1, 7-23-2015)

Source: City of Kansas City, Missouri, Code of Ordinances, Charter and Zoning and Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mo/kansas_city/codes/zoning_and_development_code?nodeId=ZODECOKAMI_300_SERIESUSRE_88-323BOPASTFetched: 10/28/2026