Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning Oread R5 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Historic Resources Commission asks staff to advise Planning and City commissions that Oread design guidelines must guide any R‑5 redevelopment
Summary
The Historic Resources Commission directed staff to draft comments to the Planning and City commissions on a proposed R‑5 rezoning in the Oread Overlay, stressing that any redevelopment should meet the Oread design guidelines and noting that two buildings on the site may be character‑defining.
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission on Oct. 16 directed staff to prepare a written comment for the Planning and City commissions emphasizing that, if rezoned to R‑5, proposed redevelopment in the Oread Overlay must comply with the Oread design guidelines. The motion passed with one abstention.
Staff described a rezoning request that would combine five properties adjacent to the University of Kansas and seek R‑5 (very high density) designation. Lynn Braddock Zollner told commissioners that two of the structures — a 1929 apartment building and a 1937 house — appear to be character‑defining for the Oread Overlay District, while three others (built in the mid‑1960s) are not. She noted that if the 1937 house remains after rezoning, it could become nonconforming because single‑family dwellings are not allowed in R‑5.
"If rezoned, we would still be governed by the Oread design overlay district guidelines," Lynn said, recommending the HRC provide comments to the Planning and City commissions. Commissioners discussed whether specific buildings could be preserved while allowing higher density elsewhere; staff said HRC can request that certain properties be held from rezoning or that guidelines be reaffirmed during planning review.
Lance Adams of Adams Architects, representing the applicant team, said the request is a test case for the new R‑5 zone that allows 33 units or more per acre and that some existing buildings have fire and code issues. "This is a brand new approach for the city of Lawrence with their new R‑5 zoning. This would be the first place in Lawrence," Adams said, adding the project team has discussed parking and fire‑safety concerns with city staff and the fire department.
The commission voted to have staff draft comments, with the chair authorized to sign, that would reiterate the commission’s expectation that redevelopment meet Oread design guidelines and that commissioners may request additional review of character‑defining structures as subsequent applications are filed. The vote carried with one abstention.
