Planning commission recommends zoning change for Diamond Drive tract

Rezoning aims to spur development on long-vacant interstate tract

Floodplain regulations to govern future Diamond Drive builds

Commission greenlights preliminary plat for Auburndale District Addition

Anticipated hotel drives South Ninth Street subdivision layout

Stringent fire safety conditions attached to Auburndale plat

Planning commission advances commercial agenda without public opposition

1. Planning commission recommends zoning change for Diamond Drive tract

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a zoning map amendment for a 1.8-acre tract at 645 W. Diamond Drive during its July 21 meeting. The applicant, Mike Harvey, representing Bobcat of Salina Inc., requested the property be rezoned from C-7 highway commercial to C-5 service commercial. The change aims to provide consistent zoning across properties along the south side of West Diamond Drive, aligning with the neighboring Bobcat dealership. The recommendation now goes to the Salina City Commission for final action following a 14-day protest period.

2. Rezoning aims to spur development on long-vacant interstate tract

SALINA, Kan. — A plot of land north of Interstate 70 that has remained vacant for decades may finally see future use following a recommended zoning change. City staff noted that the property's previous C-7 highway commercial zoning restricted uses primarily to interchange services like gas stations and hotels, contributing to its prolonged vacancy. A mid-2000s infrastructure master plan and a 2008 special benefit district previously paved West Diamond Drive and extended utilities to the corridor, preparing the site for the broader C-5 service commercial uses now permitted.

3. Floodplain regulations to govern future Diamond Drive builds

SALINA, Kan. — Despite a zoning change intended to broaden commercial possibilities at 645 W. Diamond Drive, any future development on the site will face strict floodplain regulations. City staff informed the planning commission that portions of the 1.8-acre tract lie within an AE flood zone. Consequently, any structure built on the property must have its lowest floor elevated at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation, a requirement that remains in effect regardless of the property's new C-5 service commercial zoning.

4. Commission greenlights preliminary plat for Auburndale District Addition

SALINA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved a preliminary plat for the Auburndale District Addition, a 9.19-acre commercial development located at 3135 S. Ninth St., during their June 2 meeting. The plat, submitted by Jeff Maes of ComPro Realty on behalf of registered property owner JIARONG LLC, subdivides an undeveloped tract north of Avenue A into eight distinct lots, including commercial development lots, common area internal drives and a stormwater detention basin. The approval is subject to 10 conditions, including the underground placement of utilities and specific infrastructure improvements.

5. Anticipated hotel drives South Ninth Street subdivision layout

SALINA, Kan. — A future hotel is the anticipated anchor for a newly subdivided portion of the Auburndale commercial development on South Ninth Street. While specific construction plans were not part of the preliminary plat application approved by the planning commission, city staff noted the plat's design — specifically Lot 5 — was configured to accommodate the hotel's footprint and access needs. Separate zoning and site plan applications will be required before any building permits are issued for the 2.71-acre lot.

6. Stringent fire safety conditions attached to Auburndale plat

SALINA, Kan. — Development of the Auburndale District Addition will require several fire safety upgrades to support future commercial builds, according to conditions set by the planning commission. The approved preliminary plat mandates the installation of a looped water main, three new fire hydrants and an emergency access road built to withstand a 75,000-pound fire apparatus. Additionally, if the emergency access easement is gated, the applicant must install a Knox box to ensure immediate access for the Salina Fire Department.

7. Planning commission advances commercial agenda without public opposition

SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Planning Commission advanced its commercial real estate agenda without facing any public opposition during its recent meetings. Neither the July 21 rezoning of a West Diamond Drive tract nor the earlier June 2 complex replatting of the Auburndale District Addition drew public comments in person or via Zoom. With unanimous votes from the attending members, the commission swiftly dispatched its limited Tuesday agenda and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for Aug. 4.

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