City of Topeka Planning Commission Meeting - June 16, 2026

The Topeka Planning Commission met on June 16, 2026, with six commissioners present (a quorum). The meeting addressed several rezoning and conditional use permit applications, discussed proposed updates to the off-street parking regulations, and received a report from the Special Committee on Housing.

Action Items

Z2606 – Rezoning at 4212 & 4236 SW Burlingame Road

• The applicant, Topeka Church of Christ (Central Church of Christ), requested a rezoning from R1 single-family dwelling to I1 light industrial for a 10-acre property. Staff recommended approval, noting the property is surrounded by industrial and residential uses and a neighborhood meeting was held on June 1st. The commission voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the staff recommendation.

CU2603 – Conditional Use Permit for Enclosed Garage Storage

• The applicant, Frank Mead, requested a conditional use permit for a 20-unit enclosed garage storage facility at SE Madison Street and SE 11th Street. The property is across from the historic Ritchie House. Staff recommended approval with conditions (including a 25-foot setback and additional landscaping). The applicant stated the garages would serve residents of a nearby apartment complex. Public testimony was provided by Bob Totten, Executive Director of the Shawnee County Historical Society, who expressed no position but noted concerns about increased population in the area. The commission voted 5-1 to approve the staff recommendation (Commissioner Pearson opposed).

Z2604 – Rezoning at 1117 SE Madison Street

• The applicant, Kanza LLC, requested a zoning change from M2 multiple-family dwelling to D1 downtown district for a 0.17-acre vacant lot. Staff recommended D2 zoning instead, as it provides a smoother transition to the surrounding residential area. The applicant indicated the property may be used for stormwater retention. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the staff recommendation for D2 zoning.

Z2605 – Rezoning at 916 SW Polk Street

• The applicant, Azura Credit Union, sought a rezoning from M1A limited multifamily to ONI2 office and institutional to expand a parking lot. The property is a non-registered historic house. Staff recommended approval, noting the 30-day demolition waiting period had been completed. Shamika King Sons of the Historic Old Town Neighborhood spoke in support, thanking Azura for working with the neighborhood. The commission voted to approve the staff recommendation (the vote count was noted as 5-1, though the exact tally was unclear; the motion passed).

Discussion Items

Parking Code Update

• Staff presented proposed changes to Chapter 18.240 (off-street parking regulations), including reducing minimum parking requirements for multifamily residential uses (e.g., from 2.0 per unit to 1.5 per unit for larger units), simplifying retail/restaurant standards, and allowing more flexibility for shared parking and administrative reductions. The commission discussed the need to balance parking supply with walkability and infill development. Commissioner Bowling emphasized clarity, and Commissioner Pearson raised concerns about ADA parking. The commission voted 6-0 to authorize staff to proceed with stakeholder outreach and prepare a draft for a future public hearing.

Report from Special Committee on Housing

• The committee chair reported on the status of the missing middle amendment (scheduled for Policy & Finance on July 10th), the upcoming housing study update (public meeting on June 24th at TCalC), and a discussion with Jared Shrimmer of Midwest Homes about barriers to manufactured/modular homes. A commissioner suggested exploring pre-approved housing plans to expedite affordable housing development. The committee plans to continue these discussions.

Public Comments

• Public testimony was received for the zoning cases as described above. No general public comments were made during the designated period.

Key Outcomes

• All four zoning and conditional use cases were approved as recommended by staff.
• The commission directed staff to move forward with the parking code update, including stakeholder engagement, with a target of returning in three to five months.
• The Housing Committee will continue to explore innovative housing solutions and prepare for the land use and growth management plan update.