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Planning commission backs Villages’ maternity home, 6-0, ahead of Jan. 12 BOCC hearing
Summary
The Shawnee County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for The Villages to open a maternity group residence at 7220 SW 10th Street. Staff described the project as a 12-person, home‑style program for pregnant adults and their newborns.
The Shawnee County Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval of a conditional use permit for The Villages to open a maternity group residence at 7220 Southwest 10th Street in Mission Township.
Harine Perez, planning and zoning administrator, told the commission the application (CU2505) requests a group residence to serve up to six pregnant adult women and their children, with a maximum of 12 residents total (including unborn children). Staff said the facility would have four on‑site staff for daily operations, no live‑in staff, and 24/7 staffing when residents are present. Perez recommended approval, finding the proposal consistent with RR‑1 zoning and Shawnee County’s comprehensive plan.
Mark Bernheidi, CEO of The Villages, told commissioners the property previously housed The Villages’ office and sits on the organization’s larger campus. “We’re excited about getting the maternity home opened,” Bernheidi said, adding the residence would include six bedrooms and offer up to a year of stay after birth while staff work to transition residents toward independent living.
No members of the public offered testimony for or against the item at the meeting. Staff said 15 letters were mailed to property owners within 1,000 feet in Shawnee County (and 200 feet in the city of Topeka); no responses were received.
A commissioner moved to approve the request subject to the conditions listed in the staff report; another commissioner seconded. The commission called the roll and recorded six affirmative votes. Staff said the item will go to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration Monday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m.
The staff conditions include limiting occupancy to 12 residents, requiring operation according to the applicant’s business plan submitted with the application, and securing all required state and local licenses and inspections before operation. The planning staff report also noted compatibility with surrounding residential, agricultural and undeveloped land and that the underlying RR‑1 zoning would remain unchanged.
The commission’s recommendation does not itself authorize operations; final approval will be decided by the Board of County Commissioners at the Jan. 12 meeting.
