Mayor Spencer supports bill enhancing housing standards for large families

The City Council of St. Louis convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding housing, urban development, and zoning. The meeting featured key testimonies from representatives of the mayor's office and the building division, focusing on proposed amendments to the housing conservation code.

Commissioner Ware from the building division initiated the discussion, confirming that the division does not foresee major issues with the proposed amendments to Exhibit A of the housing conservation code. The primary change involves limiting occupancy in master bedrooms to two individuals, a shift from the previous standard based solely on square footage. Additionally, the age limit for children not counted in occupancy has been adjusted from 30 years to 6 years. Ware emphasized that all existing public safety codes, including those related to smoke detectors and structural integrity, remain intact, indicating that the amendments are minor adjustments rather than sweeping changes.

Following Ware's remarks, Gilberto Pinella, director of the Office of New Americans, spoke on behalf of the mayor's office. He reiterated the administration's support for Board Bill 18, which aims to clarify the city's interior housing standards. Pinella highlighted the bill's intent to assist larger families, particularly those resettling in the city, by providing them with more suitable housing options. He noted that the bill emerged from the need to accommodate families seeking to establish themselves in St. Louis, moving beyond the limitations of small apartments.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing housing standards and supporting families in their transition to life in St. Louis. As discussions continue, the council aims to ensure that housing policies reflect the needs of its diverse community.