Council approves comprehensive fee schedule resolution

Council eliminates proposed residential burn permit fee

Changes to tire disposal fees adopted

Applications open for District 8 council seat

Council approved rezoning for Oldtown mixed-use project

Fire department promotes free smoke detector program

Commission delays vote on solar regulations

Public pushes for larger solar acreage limits

Battery storage safety and inclusion debated

Commissioners to revisit land density maps

Debate emerges over residential setbacks

Reliance on conditional use permits favored

Upcoming rezoning to correct residential classifications

Council approves comprehensive fee schedule resolution

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Topeka City Council voted 8-0 to adopt a resolution establishing the city's master fee schedule for permits, licenses and services following amendments to burn permit fees. The resolution codifies rate adjustments discussed during the 2026 budget process and includes an amendment changing the fee review requirement from "annually" to "when requested by the governing body or staff."

Council eliminates proposed residential burn permit fee

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council voted 7-1 to eliminate a proposed $25 annual fee for residential burn permits, reducing the cost to zero, after a council member argued the fee would burden low-income residents and potentially lead to illegal burning. Fire officials clarified that while the fee was removed, permits are still required for burn piles larger than 3 feet wide by 2 feet high.

Changes to tire disposal fees adopted

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council adopted changes to tire disposal costs as part of the new fee schedule, shifting the fee for tires without rims from a flat rate to the "actual incurred charges" the city pays for disposal. This adjustment aims to address concerns that previous flat fees failed to cover the city's costs for handling dumped tires.

Applications open for District 8 council seat

TOPEKA, Kan. — Applications for the vacant City Council District 8 seat are open until 5 p.m. Jan. 26, with the vacancy covering the area roughly between 21st and 29th streets from Gage Boulevard to the county line. Interviews for the position are scheduled to begin in the first week of February.

Council approved rezoning for Oldtown mixed-use project

TOPEKA, Kan. — The council unanimously approved a rezoning request for a property at 2012 S.W. 10th Ave. in the Historic Oldtown neighborhood, converting the site from a commercial district to a planned unit development. Planning Division Director Dan Warner noted the building, previously converted from a storefront to a residence, will now support a live-work environment with a mix of limited commercial uses and residential units.

Fire department promotes free smoke detector program

TOPEKA, Kan. — Fire Chief Chad Longstaff promoted a public safety initiative offering free smoke detectors to residents, including installation by fire department personnel who will also assist with changing batteries in existing units. Officials urged residents, particularly those in older neighborhoods with close property lines, to utilize the service to improve community safety.

Commission delays vote on solar regulations

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Planning Commission voted unanimously to defer action on proposed solar energy conversion system regulations until its February meeting. Commissioners cited a need to reflect on extensive public testimony and potentially amend the draft, specifically regarding the proposed 240-acre cap on solar projects. The delay allows members to review updated land density maps and consider adjustments before sending a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

Public pushes for larger solar acreage limits

TOPEKA, Kan. — During a public hearing, representatives from the League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club argued that the proposed 240-acre limit on solar farms would effectively ban utility-scale solar in the county. Speakers urged the commission to increase the limit to between 1,000 and 1,500 acres, noting that neighboring Douglas and Johnson counties have adopted larger allowances to attract economic development and clean energy projects.

Battery storage safety and inclusion debated

TOPEKA, Kan. — The draft regulations currently postpone the allowance of battery energy storage systems, a decision that drew sharp debate from attendees. Proponents argued that battery storage is essential for a reliable energy grid and that modern safety standards mitigate fire risks, while opponents cited concerns about thermal runaway fires and toxic groundwater contamination. A commissioner questioned an electrical engineer during the session regarding the safety and recyclability of future battery technologies.

Commissioners to revisit land density maps

TOPEKA, Kan. — A planning commissioner requested a review of updated land density and flood plain maps before finalizing any solar regulations. The commissioner noted that previous discussions may have relied on maps from 2016 and stated an intention to verify whether the county's current topography and parcel density can realistically support solar farms larger than the proposed 240-acre limit.

Debate emerges over residential setbacks

TOPEKA, Kan. — The proposed regulations include a 500-foot setback for solar installations from residential structures, a requirement some speakers described as excessive and restrictive to development. While solar advocates argued that vibrations and noise are minimal at 150 feet, residents opposing the projects maintained that significant setbacks are necessary to protect homes from potential fire hazards and preserve property values.

Reliance on conditional use permits favored

TOPEKA, Kan. — A commissioner expressed a preference for relying on the conditional use permit process rather than implementing rigid ordinance restrictions. The commissioner argued that a robust permit process allows the body to evaluate projects on a case-by-case basis, utilizing specific guidelines for safety and reclamation without setting arbitrary limits that might stifle development.

Upcoming rezoning to correct residential classifications

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Shawnee County Land Use and Development Department previewed a county-initiated rezoning item intended for March that aims to rezone properties along Northwest 62nd Street from commercial to residential. The correction is designed to assist approximately 10 to 12 property owners who are currently facing challenges with property appraisals, insurance, and rebuilding rights due to their homes sitting on commercially zoned land.

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