Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board
Week of September 1, 2026
Planning board recommends code amendments to comply with state housing law
Board retains 25-foot setbacks for Established Neighborhood Overlay
Sierra signage approved at West Loop Shopping Center
Ziggy's Pizza clears signage hurdle at downtown restaurant location
Planet Fitness site plan modified to keep existing ATM
Board approves final plat for New Hope Subdivision amid recusal
Planning board member departs
Planning board recommends code amendments to comply with state housing law
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board unanimously recommended changes to the Manhattan Development Code on Aug. 31 to comply with Kansas Senate Bill 418. Assistant Director of Planning and Development John Adam noted that the new state mandate classifies townhouses, duplexes and detached homes equally as single-family residential, effectively eliminating the protest petition option for residents when neighboring property is downzoned to those classifications. The city will continue its policy of sending neighborhood notices for all rezonings, despite the legal reality that residents will lose petition rights in these specific downzoning cases. The recommendation now goes to the city commission for final approval.
Board retains 25-foot setbacks for Established Neighborhood Overlay
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Despite state mandates requiring the city to accommodate 3,000-square-foot lots, the planning board opted to maintain 25-foot rear property setbacks within the Established Neighborhood Overlay. While rear setbacks in most other residential districts will be reduced to 10 feet to accommodate the smaller lot sizes dictated by Senate Bill 418, city staff argued the 25-foot requirement is necessary to preserve the historical, spatial characteristics of Manhattan's original town plat.
Sierra signage approved at West Loop Shopping Center
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The board unanimously approved a major modification to the West Loop Shopping Center's planned unit development to allow new signage for Sierra. Sierra is taking over the northern portion of the building formerly occupied by Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, located near the northeast corner of Anderson Avenue and Seth Child Road. The approval permits a 221.8-square-foot storefront sign and an additional 150.95-square-foot sign on the building's south facade, bringing the structure's total approved signage to 681.75 square feet.
Ziggy's Pizza clears signage hurdle at downtown restaurant location
MANHATTAN, Kan. - New signs for Ziggy's Pizza at 1026 Poyntz Ave. received unanimous approval, officially amending the site's planned unit development next to City Park. The approved plan adds three permanent signs, including a south-facing sign replacing the existing "Greetings from Manhattan" mural. Board members expressed mild concern about the high volume of signage for the property but approved the measure on the condition that temporary feather signs currently staked on the property are removed.
Planet Fitness site plan modified to keep existing ATM
MANHATTAN, Kan. - A planned unit development for the upcoming Planet Fitness at 421 E. Poyntz Ave. was amended to retain an existing automated teller machine on the property. A project representative requested the change, citing an active contract for the machine that extends for several more years. Retaining and relocating the ATM on the site will eliminate eight parking spaces, though city planners noted the property still has ample parking to support traffic movements for the shopping center. The board approved the modification 4-0.
Board approves final plat for New Hope Subdivision amid recusal
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The final plat for New Hope Subdivision Unit Two passed 3-0 on the board's consent agenda, marked by one member's recusal. The board's presiding chair abstained from the vote, citing a conflict of interest due to his leadership role within New Hope Church, which is the property owner and applicant for the subdivision development. Despite the recusal, the board maintained a quorum and advanced the agenda item without debate.
Planning board member departs
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Aug. 31 meeting marked the final appearance for one Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board member, who announced their departure at the close of the session. The member stated they are moving out of state and resigning from their seat on the board. Fellow board members and city staff thanked the departing member for their service to the community prior to adjournment.
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