Development News for Leavenworth, Kansas

Planning Commission Recommends Zoning Text Amendments and Special Use Permits for Duplex Dwellings

The Planning Commission reviewed proposed text amendments to the city's zoning ordinances. These amendments included general cleanup, allowing shipping containers for storage in industrial districts, updates to landscape buffer tables, revisions to sign regulations (including window signs and electronic message centers), and adding a definition for heavy vehicle equipment sales, rental, and services. The commission recommended approval of these amendments to the City Commission. Additionally, the commission considered and recommended approval for two special use permits (SUPs) for two-family dwellings in R16 zoning districts at 1119/1121 Sherman Avenue and 1125/1127 Sherman Avenue. Both properties were legally non-conforming as duplexes built prior to current development regulations. The purpose of the SUPs was to bring the properties into conformance with current zoning. Staff found that these continued uses would not cause substantial harm to surrounding properties, would contribute to housing diversity, and would not increase traffic. The SUP for 1119/1121 Sherman Avenue was approved with the condition that the property owner register it as a two-family rental property. The SUP for 1125/1127 Sherman Avenue was also approved with similar findings, noting its lot size and existing parking. Both recommendations will proceed to the City Commission for further consideration.