The Salina City Commission on June 23 approved Ordinance No. 25-11252 to amend R-2 multiple-family residential district standards, raising maximum allowable lot coverage from 35% to 40%.

Planner Dustin Michaelson told the commission the change is intended to align the zoning code with contemporary housing trends — larger average floor areas and a higher prevalence of two-car garages — and to facilitate infill, “missing middle” housing such as townhomes on small, older lots in the city’s Art District. Staff presented Planning Commission material showing median lot sizes in relevant neighborhoods and noted a recent townhome subdivision where several proposed lots slightly exceeded the current 35% limit.

During public comment, neighborhood and citizen speakers urged careful review; one citizen said the request appeared to address a single developer’s plan and urged improved plan-review rigor. Commissioners debated whether to treat the change as a general modernization of zoning standards or a one-off accommodation. After discussion they voted to adopt the ordinance 4–0.

The amendment changes only the lot-coverage percentage in R-2; setbacks, height and other bulk standards remain unchanged. Staff said the update is intended to permit a broader range of viable infill housing choices without altering neighborhood form controls.