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Community Development

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1. What is the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a policy document consisting of maps and written policy statements, and goals and objectives, addressing a number of issues relating to growth, housing, economic development, transportation, environment, parks and open space, aesthetics, community character, and neighborhood and historic preservation and conservation. The primary emphasis of the document is to provide long range guidance to property owners, citizens and decision makers on land use issues, such as where residential, commercial and industrial development should occur in the future, and at what densities. Manhattan and Riley County updated the Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan in a two-year joint planning process, culminating in adoption by the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board, the Riley County Planning Board and the City and County Commissions in June 2003. To read the Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan or to download maps and text, please visit the Planning Division section of this web site and go to "Comprehensive Plan and Other Policy Plans and Documents".

2. What is a PUD?

A Planned Unit Development is a zoning process which combines all of the development review processes (zoning, subdivision and site planning) into one comprehensive approach. Within a public hearing process, the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board reviews issues including: site plans, proposed land uses, density, architecture, landscaping and screening, signage, lighting, drainage, pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access and other related issues, to create a site specific zoning district. Unlike regular zoning districts, the process allows a more flexible approach towards site plans and land use mixtures, so that a development can be designed for a specific site. The process also gives the community and decision makers more ability to have direct input into the character and design of a project.

3. What are Zoning Regulations?

The Zoning Regulations consist of both a map of the City and a written ordinance, which divide the community into land use districts, such as residential, commercial, industrial or Planned Unit Developments, as well as the Airport Overlay, University Overlay and Flood Plain districts. The Zoning Regulations describe what type of land use activity is permitted in each district, and also regulates how buildings, signs, parking and other construction may be placed on a lot. The document also provides regulations for temporary and accessory uses, and provides standards and procedures for rezonings and actions of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

4. What are Subdivision Regulations?

The Subdivision Regulations are a written document which describe the review procedure and the minimum design and submittal requirements for creating a subdivision. The regulations insure that each subdivision provides safe, buildable lots, with adequate drainage, access for both vehicles and pedestrians, connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods, and adequate utility and public services

5. How many dwelling units may be in a house?

The number of dwelling units permitted in a house is based on the zoning district in which the house is located, the dimensions of the lot, the square footage of the lot, and the number of off street parking spaces available. For further assistance, please call the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412.

6. Where may I place a fence on my property?

Generally, a fence may be placed: 1) Along the rear and/or side property lines. 2) Fences may not be in the front yard setback. They must be set back at least 25 feet behind the front property line. Before building a fence, please make sure you know where the property lines are located. The curb of the street is not your front property line. You can obtain a copy of the subvision plat for your lot from the Public Works Department at City Hall (785-587-2415) or email Nathan Page. In some cases, you may need to hire your own surveyor to accurately locate property lines. Also, check with the City to make sure there are no drainage easements on the lot. Fences may not be placed in a drainage easement, or in a vision clearance triangle at street intersections. In addition, always call 1-800 DIGSAFE to have the underground utilities marked before you start digging. If you have any questions concerning placement of a fence, please call the Community Development Department before starting construction (785)587-2412. Depending on the height of the fence you may need a building permit (call the Code Services Division (785)587-4506 to find out if you need a permit).

7. What can I do if I can't comply with the setback requirements?

If your are unable to comply with the set back requirements, you have the option of applying for an Exception. You should contact a Planner with the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412, to get more information on how to apply for the Exception. A preapplication meeting is required. Exception Doc.

8. What is my property zoned?

You may call the Community Development Department (785)587-2412 to get this information. You need the address and possibly the legal description.

9. How many people may reside in a dwelling unit?

Either (a) an individual or two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or under foster care established by governmental action, living together as a single housekeeping unit; or (b) a group of not more than four (4) persons, some of which are not related by blood, marriage, or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit.

10. Where may I place a detached storage shed or a detached garage on my property?

Detached accessory buildings are required to be set back: *60 feet from the front property line. *On corner lots accessory buildings shall be set back from the side street a distance not less than that required for the principal structure. * 3 feet from the side property line. * 5 feet from the rear property line. * 10 feet from the rear property line if the rear property line abuts an alley. For additional assistance, please contact the Community Development Dept. at (785)587-2412.

11. If I have a concern about parking issues, too many tenants in a dwelling unit, or too many apartments in house, how do I get someone to look into this for me?

You may call the Community Development Department (785-587-2412) and speak with the Zoning Inspector.

12. How do you file an application for a conditional use permit?

Application for a conditional use permit must be filed with the Community Development Department. For further assistance, please call the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412. A preapplication meeting is required before submitting an application. Conditional Use Permit: (Filing Instructions)

13. What are the regulations regarding campaign signs?

The Manhattan Zoning Regulations permits campaign signs within the City Limits under the following conditions: 1. Said signs may be erected not earlier than sixty (60) days prior to said election and shall be removed within fifteen (15) days following said election. 2. No sign shall be located within, or over the public right-of-way. To insure that signs are not placed in a public right-of-way, the following guidelines should be followed along most streets: · Signs should be placed behind sidewalks; if there is no sidewalk, signs should be placed at least 15 feet behind the curb. · Major streets such as Seth Child Road, Ft. Riley Boulevard, Tuttle Creek Boulevard, Kimball Avenue, and US Highway 24, usually require much greater setbacks, and are often fenced and/or have large drainage ditches, behind which signs should be placed. · Finally, it is recommended that care be taken to insure that vision is not blocked near street intersections.

14. How do the Manhattan Zoning Regulations get amended?

For further assistance, please call the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412. A preapplication meeting is required before submitting an application.

15. How do you request the rezoning of a property?

For further assistance, please call the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412. A preapplication meeting is required before submitting an application. Rezoning: (Filing Instructions)

16. How do you request a variance?

For further assistance, please call the Community Development Department at (785)587-2412. A preapplication meeting is required before submitting an application. Variance: (Filing Instructions)