City of Topeka Planning Commission Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Topeka Planning Commission met on August 18, 2026, to consider several rezoning requests, a neighborhood plan update, an annexation, and to discuss text amendments including regulations for data centers and energy storage systems. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the previous meeting.
• Declaration of conflict of interest: Commissioner Heron disclosed a working relationship with the NOTO organization but stated she could vote fairly; she also had an ex parte communication about a NOTO project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Z2608 (1600 SW Topeka Blvd): No public comments.
• Z2609 (2016 SW 10th Ave): No public comments.
• CPA2601 (Historic Old Town Neighborhood Plan Update): Shamika King Sims, President of the Historic Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Association, expressed support for the plan but raised concerns about displacement and gentrification. She proposed a 30% markup cap on infill housing relative to the lowest valued property on a block to protect long-term residents. She emphasized the need for intentionality to minimize displacement.
• Data Centers & Energy Storage Systems: Multiple speakers addressed the proposed hyperscale data center south of Topeka:
  • Brad Blackburn (former planning commissioner, council member) urged careful due diligence on water/energy consumption, noise, stormwater, tax implications, and road damage.
  • Rebecca Marple (nearby landowner) requested classification of hyperscale data centers as heavy industrial, a cap on megawattage, strict noise and temperature controls, and transparency.
  • Chris Tyler (Wakarusa resident) described devastation seen at a similar site in DeSoto, Kansas, and asked commissioners to consider long-term community impacts.
  • Dennis Brinkman (stormwater management background) urged strict containment and monitoring for coolant fluids and diesel storage.
  • Carol Marple (farmer near site) requested heavy industrial zoning for large data centers and warned about utility strain and loss of community character.
  • Amy Gillette (ETJ resident) highlighted indirect water use from power generation, questioned the actual tax benefit of capital investments, and asked for megawatt caps.
  • Rachel Chu (Shawnee County resident) expressed concerns about water, noise, and community impact.
  • Rick Tyler (Wakarusa resident, 47 years in electric utility) described the 400‑megawatt load as unprecedented and discussed potential power plant construction and ratepayer impacts.
• Text Amendments (X1 Zoning): Tom Underwood (property owner in NOTO) and Pedro Conception (CEO of NOTO Arts Entertainment District) requested amendment to allow secondhand shops/antique stores in the X1 district, or rezoning the entire NOTO BID area to X3 to enable uses like theaters and hotels.

Discussion Items

• Z2608 – Rezoning to M1 (1600 SW Topeka Blvd): Staff reported the 0.15‑acre lot has been vacant for over 30 years; the applicant (Scent, a nonprofit) plans to build an affordable duplex using infill. The commission noted the area’s surplus of vacant office space and approved the rezoning 6‑0.
• Z2609 – Rezoning to M1 (2016 SW 10th Ave): The applicant will split the lot and build a single‑family home. The site is at the edge of Historic Old Town; staff recommended approval. Approved 6‑0.
• CPA2601 – Historic Old Town Neighborhood Plan Update: Staff presented the plan, which includes $1,139,250 in infrastructure projects (26 sidewalk projects, curb/gutter, mill and overlay on SW Lincoln) and $70,000 for a park. Remaining projects total $1.45M. The commission discussed the 30% markup suggestion but decided not to include it, noting difficulty in tracking sales data. The plan was approved 6‑0.
• A2602 – Annexation (19.35 acres): St. Peter and Paul Church and 37th Engage LLC consented to annexation to connect to city water and sewer. Staff found it consistent with the comprehensive plan. Approved 6‑0.
• Data Centers & Energy Storage Systems: Staff updated on the 12‑month moratorium (adopted July 14, 2026) and the county’s new regulations. The discussion focused on defining data centers by size and power consumption, potential zoning (heavy industrial vs. conditional use permit), and utility impacts. Commissioners expressed the need for a consultant, commissioner training, and better information. Continued discussion is scheduled for September.
• Text Amendments (Zoning Code Revisions): Staff presented a broad list of potential amendments: manufactured homes/tiny houses, pawn shops/secondhand goods in X1, drinking establishments in C2, truck fuel pumps, 90% rule for accessory buildings, animal care, automobile sales, crisis centers, indoor recreation, reception facilities, RV campgrounds, short‑term rentals, D3 uses, and industrial buffers. No action was taken; a public hearing is anticipated in October.
• Report from Special Committee on Housing: Chair Jim Kyle reported that the “missing middle” text amendment (adopted by the commission in November 2025) remains pending before the governing body, with no scheduled date. He distributed excerpts from the 2026 Consolidated Action Plan showing that median home prices rose 63% (2019‑2025), rents rose 20%, incomes only 13%, and 33% of households are cost‑burdened. He urged commissioners to recognize the severity of the housing shortage and continue efforts to increase affordable housing.

Key Outcomes

• Z2608: Approved 6‑0.
• Z2609: Approved 6‑0.
• CPA2601: Approved 6‑0.
• A2602: Approved 6‑0.
• Data center discussion to continue at the September meeting.
• Text amendments will be brought back for a public hearing and commission action in October.
• The housing committee will continue its work; the missing middle amendment awaits governing body consideration.