Planning commission approves PUD rezoning for 2012 Southwest 10th Avenue

The Topeka Planning Commission voted to approve PUD 25-13, a rezoning request by Coast to Coast Construction to convert the property at 2012 Southwest 10th Avenue from C-2 commercial to a planned unit development that would permit limited C-2 uses and one to two residential dwellings.

Planning staff told the commission the site comprises about 0.15 acres and that the PUD master plan was waived because the PUD’s required conditions can be placed directly in the ordinance that will go to the governing body. Staff recommended approval with five conditions designed to prohibit incompatible C-2 uses on the site, such as car washes, automobile service stations, drive-through establishments and automobile rental establishments.

During public testimony, Shamika King Sims, speaking for the Historical Town Neighborhood Improvement Association, said the association supports the proposal and that neighborhood representatives saw the property and had no opposition after a Dec. 3 neighborhood information meeting. “We feel that this is an appropriate use, given that he was able to save the building from the potential of being demolished for a parking lot,” she said.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about the master-plan waiver, whether any pending tax-amendment proposals would affect the property (staff said those changes would not apply to C-2 zoning without rezoning), and on-site parking and access. With no further discussion, a motion to approve the PUD was made, seconded and carried; the chair announced the motion passes.

The case will be tentatively scheduled for consideration by the governing body next month, per the meeting’s standard calendar procedures.