How to Check the Zoning of a Property in Kirksville

Before buying, leasing or changing the use of a Kirksville property, check the zoning.

The City specifically warns businesses not to assume that a previous use proves a proposed new use is permitted.

Start with the City's zoning resources

Kirksville currently provides:

• an interactive zoning GIS;
• a PDF zoning map;
• Chapter 44 of the Code of Ordinances;
• Planning & Zoning information.

The interactive map is useful for identifying the district attached to a parcel.

Search the exact property

Use the exact address or parcel location.

Do not rely on:

• what the neighboring property is doing;
• an old real-estate listing;
• the previous tenant's use;
• a decade-old screenshot.

Zoning boundaries and permitted uses are legal questions tied to the actual parcel.

The map is only step one

Once you identify the district, open the current zoning ordinance.

Chapter 44 contains the rules that determine what a district allows and what standards apply.

The district label by itself does not explain every:

• permitted use;
• conditional or special use;
• setback;
• parking requirement;
• sign rule;
• home-occupation rule.

Verify before spending money

The City's Start a Business guidance makes this especially important for commercial leases.

Do not sign a lease, buy equipment or begin renovations based only on an assumption that a use is allowed.

A business license can be denied when zoning does not permit the proposed operation.

Maps can contain limitations

Interactive GIS is extremely useful, but a map display is not a survey.

For boundary disputes, legal descriptions or exact measurements, use the appropriate property records and professional resources.

Ask the City when the decision matters

If the project depends on a particular interpretation, confirm it with the City Planner or Codes & Planning before committing money.

Useful questions include:

• Is this use permitted in the district?
• Does it require a Special Use Permit?
• What setbacks apply?
• Are there parking requirements?
• Does the proposed sign require separate approval?

If the zoning does not work

Finding the wrong zoning district does not automatically mean the project is impossible.

A rezoning or another approval path may exist depending on the proposal.

For that process, see How Rezoning a Property in Kirksville Works.

The practical rule is simple:

map first, ordinance second, City confirmation before consequential spending.