Board reviews tighter size limits and septic compliance for detached accessory apartments

City commission expresses renewed interest in accessory dwelling units

Proposed regulations would mandate screening for towing facilities

Board proposes 500-foot buffer for towing yards near homes

Board debates proactive rezoning for McCall Triangle

City attorney reviews state statutes impacting development code

Manhattan development pace slows, staff focus on policy

1. Board reviews tighter size limits and septic compliance for detached accessory apartments

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Planners held a work session Monday to review proposed amendments to the Riley County Land Development Regulations that would tighten size limits on accessory apartments in detached structures. Under the proposed rule, an accessory apartment could not exceed 50 percent of the total square footage of a detached structure. Staff noted the change aims to close a loophole where property owners build large structures essentially functioning as secondary dwellings, which strictly require conditional use permits. The proposed size restrictions also aim to prevent violations of Kansas Department of Health and Environment sanitary codes, as true accessory apartments can connect to an existing home's system, whereas unpermitted secondary dwellings require entirely separate septic systems to ensure proper waste management and prevent overburdening local wastewater systems.

2. City commission expresses renewed interest in accessory dwelling units

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Discussions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may resume following a recent push from the Manhattan City Commission. City staff reported that after the planning board forwarded a letter regarding ADUs, at least one city commissioner expressed a desire for the board to develop the policy further. Staff are currently meeting with the city manager's office to map out strategies and navigate potential community pushback, which has stalled similar proposals in the past.

3. Proposed regulations would mandate screening for towing facilities

MANHATTAN, Kan. — General growth and movement of towing and storage businesses have prompted local officials to propose new screening requirements for the facilities. Because the current zoning regulations are silent on the visual impact of tow yards, the proposed amendment would explicitly require them to adhere to the same visual screening standards currently enforced for auto wrecking, salvage and junk yards.

4. Board proposes 500-foot buffer for towing yards near homes

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Alongside new screening rules, the planning board is reviewing a proposal to require a 500-foot buffer between towing facilities and residential zoning districts. Planners noted that towing storage yards are generally less visually impactful than auto wrecking yards — which require a 1,320-foot residential setback — but still require standard zoning protections to shield nearby neighborhoods.

5. Board debates proactive rezoning for McCall Triangle

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Planning board members debated Monday whether Manhattan should proactively rezone areas like the McCall Triangle to encourage the mixed-use development outlined in the city's comprehensive plan. While some board members suggested initiating "MX" mixed-use zoning to spur commercial development, staff advised caution, noting that proactive rezoning by the city requires significant public discussion to avoid inadvertently creating nonconforming properties for existing owners.

6. City attorney reviews state statutes impacting development code

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan City Attorney Katie Jackson is collaborating with municipal attorneys across Kansas to evaluate how recent state statutes will affect local development codes. City staff updated the planning board Monday, noting that the broad implications of the state laws are currently being studied, with further updates anticipated at upcoming meetings.

7. Manhattan development pace slows, staff focus on policy

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The pace of new development in Manhattan has slowed recently, city staff reported to the planning board Monday. With fewer building and zoning applications coming in for review, staff are utilizing the downtime to focus on behind-the-scenes work, including refining city codes, researching comprehensive plan alignments and addressing long-term policy strategies.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us