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Commission approves second reading of rezoning ordinance 8283; members signal interest in easing rules for existing duplexes
Summary
On second consideration the commission advanced Ordinance 8283 (rezoning) after staff recommended approval, and commissioners discussed removing special-use permitting requirements for long-standing duplexes in R1-6 amid the Kansas By Housing Act and Senate Bill 418.
The Leavenworth City Commission completed second consideration of Ordinance 8283, a zoning change staff said had been recommended by the Planning Commission, and commissioners then discussed whether the city should stop requiring special-use permits for existing duplexes in R1-6 residential districts.
City staff told the commission the Planning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 8283, which was scheduled for its second consideration. The item received a roll-call vote with commissioners saying "I," advancing the ordinance on second reading.
Afterward, Commissioner Maxwell raised a broader housing policy question: whether existing duplexes should remain subject to special-use permits when they change ownership or need insurance claims processed. "We are giving away a lot of special use permits for existing duplexes in R1-6," Maxwell said, urging the commission to consider letting existing duplexes remain allowed by right to avoid repetitive permit burdens.
Staff and commissioners discussed the recent state-level changes, including the Kansas By Housing Act and Senate Bill 418, saying those measures are likely to require zoning-code revisions. City staff cautioned that removing the permit requirement could reduce paperwork but noted it may require code amendments and careful coordination with state-mandated changes.
Ken, chair of the Planning Commission, described a case where a duplex that had existed for 60 years required a special-use permit for insurance and rebuilding coverage after an event, highlighting the time and cost burden on homeowners. Commissioners signaled consensus to track Senate Bill 418 while staff prepares any necessary revisions and to consider the housing study coming up at a study session.
The commission also approved the consent agenda, including claims totaling $1,565,758.96 and payroll of $443,690.74 for May 22–June 4, 2026.
What’s next: Staff said required zoning-code amendments related to state law will likely be taken to the Planning Commission and then back to the city commission; commissioners asked staff to track SB 418 and return with recommended code changes and options for grandfathering existing duplexes.
