Lawrence Planning Commission Summary
Week of June 25, 2026
Planning commission recommends special use permits for downtown storage
Vacant downtown building sparks zoning change request
Growing downtown housing density drives storage demand
Protection of Massachusetts Street a priority in zoning debate
Zoning amendment implications extend to North Lawrence
Planning commission recommends special use permits for downtown storage
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Wednesday to recommend a text amendment allowing interior self-storage facilities in the Downtown Commercial district by special use permit. The decision alters a city staff proposal that would have permitted the facilities by right with specific design standards. Commissioners expressed concern that allowing storage by right could lead to a flood of unintended developments, opting instead for a case-by-case review process to protect the unique character of downtown Lawrence.
Vacant downtown building sparks zoning change request
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A proposal to repurpose the long-vacant former Borders bookstore building at Seventh and New Hampshire streets drove the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission's recent debate over downtown zoning. The building has sat largely vacant for 15 years, seeing a variety of temporary uses and unrealized redevelopment proposals during that time. Property owner Adam Williams initiated the text amendment to allow climate-controlled, interior self-storage in the building, prompting city officials to reevaluate the allowance of industrial-style uses within the city's commercial core.
Growing downtown housing density drives storage demand
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The push for downtown self-storage is being fueled by an increase in residential development and smaller apartment sizes, according to discussions at the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission. As more apartments and condos are built in the city's core, residents lack adequate space for overflow belongings. Proponents of the zoning amendment argued that providing smaller, climate-controlled storage units within walking distance is a necessary amenity to support continued residential growth and revitalization downtown.
Protection of Massachusetts Street a priority in zoning debate
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Preserving the retail vibrancy of Massachusetts Street emerged as a primary concern for the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission while debating the new self-storage zoning amendment. Commissioners voiced fears that allowing storage facilities by right could result in prime storefronts being converted into inactive warehouse spaces. By requiring a special use permit for any future storage developments, the commission ensures it maintains the authority to deny applications that could harm the primary commercial corridor.
Zoning amendment implications extend to North Lawrence
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A proposed text amendment to allow self-storage in the Downtown Commercial zoning district will also affect parts of North Lawrence, city staff confirmed Wednesday. The district boundary extends north across the Kansas River, an area that does not fall under the same downtown design context. This geographical overlap further motivated commissioners to require special use permits for storage facilities, ensuring they retain oversight for unique parcels outside the immediate downtown core.
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