Development News for Kansas City, Missouri

Commission Denies Special Use Permit for North Town Center While Approving Area Plan Amendment and Rezoning

The commission heard three companion cases for the North Town Center site: an area plan amendment from residential low density to downtown mixed use, a rezoning from R2.5 to DX-2, and a special use permit for indoor warehousing and limited manufacturing. Staff recommended approval with conditions, noting a low alignment with the comprehensive plan but balancing it with the building's long-standing existence. The applicant sought to legalize current uses and bring the property into compliance. Neighborhood concerns focused on truck traffic and industrial uses in a residential area. Ultimately, the commission voted to recommend approval of the area plan amendment and rezoning (items 1.1 and 1.2), but recommended denial of the special use permit (item 1.3), aiming to restrict heavier uses and encourage a more suitable future for the building.

KC Metro Auto Sales Expansion Permit Approved with Modified Conditions

The commission considered a special use permit for an expansion of KC Metro Auto Sales at 1031-1035 North Kansas Avenue. The business, operating since 2012 in an M1-5 zone, sought to expand to an adjacent lot to the south. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including lot consolidation, landscaping, fencing, and specific requirements for outdoor lighting and operating hours to be met before BZA approval. A key condition modification involved the SUP expiration, tying it to the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy instead of the disposition letter. The commission approved the permit with these modified conditions.

Dunford Place Designated Historic Landmark

The commission considered a request for the historic designation of Dunford Place at 10804 Grandview Road to the Kansas City Register of Historic Places. The property owner sought the designation to recognize its historical significance associated with Frank Walsh, a prominent local attorney. Staff and the Preservation Commission recommended approval, noting the property retains significant architectural integrity and aligns with the Red Bridge Area Plan. The designation is not expected to have a significant economic impact, as the owner intends to continue residing in the property. The commission approved the designation unanimously.

Franklin Mitsubishi Property Rezoned to B3-2 for Increased Commercial Flexibility

The commission considered a rezoning request for Franklin Mitsubishi at 6300 East 87th Street, seeking to rezone three parcels from UR (Unified Residential) to B3-2 (Commercial) zoning. The property owner intends to sell the lots, and the B3-2 zoning provides broader commercial use flexibility than the current UR zoning, which limits uses primarily to auto sales. Staff recommended approval, noting the Blue Ridge Area Plan designates the area for commercial future land use and that B3-2 zoning requires a special use permit for auto sales, thus maintaining oversight. The commission approved the rezoning without conditions.