Topeka city leaders shelved a housing proposal on Nov. 10 that would have allowed property owners in single-family neighborhoods to apply for conditional-use permits to build duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, WIBW reported.
Current city zoning laws typically restrict multi-unit homes in single-family areas unless the property undergoes a formal rezoning process. Under the proposed ordinance, developers could have sought a conditional-use permit for specific projects without changing the underlying zoning designation.
Each multi-unit project would still require adherence to city guidelines and final approval from the governing body. Both council members and opposing residents argued that multi-unit developments require individual review rather than a blanket approach.
“I felt like we needed to pump the brakes because I don’t feel like everybody’s fully informed, and there was a lot of people that I heard that said that they weren’t really supporting what we have, because they didn’t quite understand it, and so I think we need a clear understanding so we can make a better decision for the whole city,” Sylvia Ortiz told WIBW, a Topeka council member.
Supporters of the ordinance argued that Topeka needs more flexible housing options to accommodate growing demand.
Critics raised concerns about neighborhood compatibility and the potential impact on single-family residential areas. City officials indicated that further research is required before the governing body revisits the matter.
City officials said that the Topeka City Council will not take formal action on the housing ordinance until next year, allowing members time to gather more research and community input.
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