> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Manhattan Planning Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/riley-county-commission-summary-50/ - Published: 2026-08-19T13:06:49.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-19T13:06:49.000Z - Description: Week of August 19, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: ksu, #summary # New state law forces city to limit housing design standards # Planning board considers shrinking rear yard setbacks # City aims to protect infill housing density standards # Smaller residential projects to see relief from strict design rules # Board looks to scrap visible foundation rules for new homes # City moves to relax multifamily facade material bans # Board reviews site changes for Planet Fitness and local pizzeria --- ### New state law forces city to limit housing design standards MANHATTAN, Kan. — The planning board reviewed zoning code amendments at its Aug. 17 meeting prompted by Senate Bill 418, which restricts the city from enforcing design standards on anything other than the front facade of new residential buildings under 2,500 square feet. Assistant Director of Planning and Development John Adam noted that the change complicates corner lots, which have multiple street-facing facades. However, staff is aligning the city's code with the state mandate for now until future case law provides further clarity on how cities can regulate multi-sided properties. --- ### Planning board considers shrinking rear yard setbacks MANHATTAN, Kan. — In response to a new state mandate establishing a 3,000-square-foot minimum lot size for single-family homes, city planners are proposing a reduction of rear yard setbacks from 25 feet to 10 feet in several zoning districts. Planners noted the traditional 25-foot setback heavily restricts the buildable area on smaller lots and questioned whether mandating large backyards is still a modern necessity. Staff hopes the reduced setbacks will prevent developers from being forced to constantly seek exceptions from the Board of Zoning Appeals for small-scale projects. --- ### City aims to protect infill housing density standards MANHATTAN, Kan. — To maintain the success of residential infill development, particularly in Manhattan's older wards, the city plans to retain specific lot area per dwelling unit minimums despite sweeping changes to local subdivision regulations. Planning staff informed the board that keeping these specific density standards intact will prevent new infill lots from becoming less dense, preserving the character, efficiency and current housing density of existing neighborhoods. --- ### Smaller residential projects to see relief from strict design rules MANHATTAN, Kan. — The planning board reviewed proposals to exempt duplexes and detached single-family homes from stringent redevelopment design standards originally intended for large apartment complexes. The proposed amendments also remove subjective and frustrating architectural requirements, such as mandatory bay windows and specific stair setbacks for basement or first-story entrances, replacing them with measurable, flexible standards like brick or siding pattern changes. --- ### Board looks to scrap visible foundation rules for new homes MANHATTAN, Kan. — Aesthetic requirements mandating visible foundation materials on new homes in the Established Neighborhood Overlay will likely be eliminated after city staff noted the rule has failed its original intent. Originally designed to discourage slab-on-grade houses and mimic historic basements, the mandate has instead resulted in builders adding masonry skirts primarily to meet the minimum requirement. Planners noted the requirement is purely visual and can inadvertently complicate Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for new construction by forcing elevated porches. --- ### City moves to relax multifamily facade material bans MANHATTAN, Kan. — Extensive building facade regulations for multifamily housing districts across Manhattan could be scaled back, giving developers more architectural freedom. Board members and staff agreed that current rules, which explicitly ban materials like corrugated metal panels, are overly subjective and can stifle architectural creativity. Planners noted that developers generally avoid building visually unappealing structures on their own accord, making the restrictive checklist unnecessary. --- ### Board reviews site changes for Planet Fitness and local pizzeria MANHATTAN, Kan. — City planners announced modifications to two existing planned unit developments to accommodate commercial site updates in Manhattan. The changes include an amended final development plan at the former Kmart site to retain drive-thru ATMs near the newly located Planet Fitness, as well as an updated signage package for a pizzeria at the West Loop shopping center. --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)