Lee's Summit, MO Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

The Downtown Core Area design standards open with a statement of intent at UDO Sec. ' The boundaries follow the Downtown Master Development Plan adopted May 10, 2005, and the area splits into two zones with separate standards, the Commercial Core Area and the Transition Area (Sec. 410(B)-(C)). Sec. 420(B) requires an Exterior Renovation Permit for most exterior work in the Downtown Core when the preliminary/final development plan process does not already apply, including exterior rehabilitation, facade removal or replacement, window and door replacement, and any new signage or awnings in the Commercial Core.

The permit is not required for routine maintenance items listed in the section, such as reroofing, tuck pointing, exterior painting in period-appropriate colors, and sidewalk or driveway repair, though painting over unpainted brick is specifically barred. The Director must issue a written decision within ten business days of a complete application (Sec. 420(B)(2)); a denial can be appealed to the City Council by filing with the City Clerk within 20 business days, with the Planning Commission holding a recommendation hearing first (Sec. 420(B)(3)). The Commercial Core's design standards at Sec.

440 point applicants to the 'Lee's Summit Design Guidelines Manual for the Downtown Core Area,' prepared for the City by Thomason and Associates, Preservation Planners, and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission on June 26, 2006. Demolition permits for buildings in the Downtown Core, other than casualty-loss demolitions, must sit pending for 30 days so the Historic Preservation Commission chair can review the application before the Building Official issues it (Sec. 430(A)).