Commissioners adopt Resolution 082426 to amend Riley County land-development rules

Riley County commissioners approved Resolution 082426 during their Aug. 24 meeting, adopting a set of amendments to the county Land Development Regulations to clarify accessory-apartment sizing, nonconformity rules and screening requirements for certain industrial uses.

Bob Isaac, a planning staff presenter, summarized the proposed changes and the planning-board review process: "For you today, this is a public hearing, to consider amendments to the Raleigh County Land Development Regulations," he said, explaining additions such as a 50% size cap for accessory apartments located inside detached accessory structures and new screening standards for towing and storage facilities. (The board and staff used the county name in the presentation; this report uses the locally correct county name, Riley County.)

After questions from commissioners about grandfathered uses and lot-of-record treatment, a commissioner moved adoption of Resolution 082426; the motion was seconded and carried. The resolution, as presented, updates definitions and screening standards and moves some use-specific screening language into the general screening section of the regulations. No public commenters asked to speak during the hearing, and staff recommended approval based on prior work sessions with the Riley County Planning Board and the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board.

The commission's action places the amended provisions into effect per the terms of the resolution; staff said the amendments reflect both maintenance items and clearer standards intended to prevent detached accessory structures from functioning as de facto secondary dwellings without conditional-use review.