Site Planning in the City of Lawrence, KS
The following information is provided to assist individuals who wish to site plan property within the City of Lawrence. This is only a guide. Should you have further questions, please call the Planning Office at (785) 832-3159 to schedule an appointment with the 'Planner of the Day.
Why is a site plan required?
The purpose of the site plan review process is to encourage the compatible arrangement of buildings, off-street parking, lighting, landscaping, traffic flow and drainage on the site and from the site. The zoning ordinance requires review to promote safety and convenience for the public and to preserve values of nearby properties.
When is a site plan necessary?
Approval of a site plan is required when any multiple-family residential, office, commercial or industrial development or redevelopment is proposed. Single-family, duplex and triplex residential developments do not require site plan approval unless these units are combined to form a complex of four or more units. The zoning ordinance does not permit issuance of a building permit or the increase in the intensity of a use on a property until a site plan has been approved.
What kind of information is provided on a site plan?
A site plan, prepared by an architect, engineer or other qualified professional, illustrates the proposed improvements on a property. Generally, a site plan indicates the size and location of buildings; number, location and size of parking spaces; type and location of pavement surfaces; topography, utilities and drainage information; and landscaping and lighting proposed in the development of a property. Specific requirements for a complete site plan are listed in Section 20-1431 of the Zoning Ordinance.
How do you submit a site plan?
Call the Planning Office to schedule a pre-application meeting with one of the planners to discuss the proposed development or redevelopment. At this meeting, you will be provided with specific zoning ordinance requirements to be provided on a site plan and an application form. A completed submittal includes 16 copies of the site plan, the application form and a $50 application fee. Site plans are due by noon on Tuesdays.
The submitted site plans are sent to various city departments and public utility companies for review. The planner assigned to the project will contact the applicant to discuss the review comments and suggest any revisions which may be needed before the site plan is forwarded to the City Commission for consideration. The site plan review period is a minimum of 21 days. The planner assigned to the project will prepare a written report which will be provided to the City Commission and the applicant. The applicant will be asked to provide additional copies of the site plan (with any necessary revisions) for the commission packet.
What happens at the City Commission meeting?
You or your representative should plan to attend the meeting to explain your project and answer questions. The City Commission meets on Tuesdays at 6:35 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 6 E. 6th Street. Prior to the meeting you will have received a copy of the staff report provided to the commission which describes the project and makes a recommendation. The City Commission may approve the site plan with conditions, deny the site plan or defer the issue for further study.
When a site plan is approved and all conditions have been met, three copies of the plan will be signed and stamped by the Planning Director and the plan will be released to the Building Inspection Department. Building permits for the project will not be issued until that department receives the stamped plan. If a building permit is not issued within one year of the City Commission's approval, the site plan approval expires.
