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Topeka council approves rezoning for 2450 SE 25th after debate over density and ownership
Summary
The governing body approved rezoning 1.14 acres at 2450 SE 25th from single-family R-1 to M1A on May 5, 2026, after council members debated parking, maximum density and whether the out‑of‑state LLC owner had proper authorization to sign applications.
The Topeka Governing Body voted May 5 to rezone 1.14 acres at 2450 SE 25th from R-1 single-family to M1A limited multifamily, a change staff said would allow townhomes or small multifamily structures but impose density limits and zoning standards on development.
Dan Warner, the city’s planning and development director, told the council the planning commission reviewed the request and recommended M1A rather than the originally requested M2, noting M1A allows up to four units per building and up to 15 dwelling units per acre while M2 permits higher densities. “So the proposal was to rezone the original proposal from R-1 single family to M2 multiple family dwelling districts,” Warner said, then explained why staff recommended M1 or M1A instead.
The discussion centered on how many units the site could practically hold, parking impacts and who owns the property. Council member Christina Valdivia Alcala questioned whether the applicant had provided valid owner authorization and flagged concerns about the property being held by an out‑of‑state LLC. “We don't know who's going to buy it. We don't know who's going to develop on it,” Valdivia Alcala said, urging staff to supply proof that the recorded owner could legally sign for the application.
Warner and the city attorney replied that the city verifies ownership through county deed records and that staff will supply the requested documentation to council members. Board members also debated practical density: staff said the theoretical maximum was 17 units on the 1.148‑acre site, but the developer’s stated intent was approximately 14 units, and parking requirements would further constrain actual unit counts.
After members disclosed ex parte contacts, Council member Hiller moved to approve the planning commission’s recommendation for M1A. The motion passed: the clerk recorded eight yes votes; two council members — Christina Valdivia Alcala and Council member Cal — voted no.
What’s next: The rezoning ordinance was adopted as recommended. Any future building proposal on the site will be subject to development standards (setbacks, height, parking) and routine permitting and review.
