By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Area Planning Commission will conduct two public hearings beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday to consider changes in the Unified Development Code regarding development density.
The commission will also consider setting a Nov. 18 public hearing for a requested zoning change to accommodate a proposed travel plaza.
City staff has proposed eliminating the minimum area required for a proposed lot development, allowing developers more flexibility in providing lots for businesses with different uses. Staff believes it would make the use of land more efficient and potentially increase the density of developments.
The current minimum size of a parcel for a hotel/motel new development is three acres. Staff believes the requirement is too restrictive if not that much space is needed, provided the other requirements are met.
A second public hearing will address parking in new developments.
Staff is recommending adding proposed language to the UDC to allow limited on-street parking to be counted toward total parking requirements.
The benefit would be less impervious surface and potentially reduced costs for new construction of stormwater requirements.
In other business, the commission will consider setting a public hearings for a request to rezone a portion of 700 W. 48th from C-2 (Commercial General) to A-L (Agricultural).
According to information provided to the commission, this property was formerly Mid Kansas Auto Auction. Owner Mark Ottley has changed business plans for the location and is requesting a change of zoning.
A second public hearing date will be set for a request to rezone a 35-acre tract of land on 230th Ave. owned by Hess Land LLC and a 4.4 acre tract owned by the city of Hays at 5890 230th Ave. from A-L (Agricultural) to C-2 (Commercial General). The location is the northwest corner of the 230th Ave. and 55th St. intersection near the Interstate 70 Exit 157.
The comprehensive plan identifies the area as Business Park, which includes a mix of commercial and light industrial uses.
According to information provided to the commission, a development group has come forward with plans to develop the property that would accommodate local and the traveling public.
The properties are not in city limits and will be requesting annexation. There are no city utilities at the properties. The developer plans to extend water and sewer utilities across I-70. The developer will also be making improvements to 230th Avenue and 55th Street as part of the project.
The complete agenda is available here.