Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shawnee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in zoning
Short-Term Rental Permit at 3316 N Union Ave
Mark and Christina Hanson got unanimous approval to run a short-term rental in the R-1 residential zone. Staff and the Planning Commission both recommended it and no neighbors objected.
Oakland/Kickapoo rezoning to split two houses into two lots
After the 2024 citywide rezoning, some existing single-family homes sit in R-3 zones where they're technically not allowed. A tornado or major fire could have forced owners to rebuild as something denser. This amendment keeps single-family homes legal in R-3.
Lot split and rezoning at 415 W. Oakland / 401 S. Kickapoo
A grandfathered lot with two houses can't be split under current R-2 rules, so lenders treat it as a duplex. Rezoning to R-1 lets each home get its own lot.
Short-term rentals at Twin Lakes
Resident Linda Agey asked the commission to revisit the short-term rental ordinance for the Twin Lakes district, citing environmental, safety and oversight concerns — six Airbnbs are advertised but the city can only find inspection reports for two. She asked for a future agenda discussion.
Aviation code overhaul
An ordinance was up for consideration to repeal and recodify parts of the city's aviation regulations in Chapter 6 of the municipal code.
Zoning correction at 1510 N. Beard Ave
A home that's been a residence for 18+ years was inexplicably zoned commercial, which blocked the owners' refinancing. The commission's recommendation fixes a likely decades-old mapping error and brings the lot in line with surrounding residential zoning.
Swimming pool permit in Twin Lakes district
Pools in the Twin Lakes zone need a conditional use permit because the city wants tight control over construction near the lakes and floodway. Staff verified this parcel is outside the floodplain, so the pool cleared without objection.
Short-term rental CUP for 1309 N Broadway
Mark and Christina Hanson got unanimous approval to run a short-term rental in the R-1 residential zone. Staff and the Planning Commission both recommended it and no neighbors objected.
Walmart signage variance at Shawnee Mall
Walmart is remodeling the Shawnee Mall store and needs extra signage square footage to keep its directional signs for the pharmacy, auto care, and pickup areas. The board decided the store's highway setback and big net signage reduction justified an exception to the code cap.
Subdivision covenant concerns in Bison Addition
A longtime resident says a recorded covenant requires Bison Addition lots to stay residential and 'runs with the land,' and questions how rezoning one lot can override it. Staff explained the lot will be consolidated with the Lifestyle Plaza parcel, taking it out of the addition.
Mixed-use zoning for the Kickapoo corridor
The city has an MU (mixed use) zoning district on the books but has never applied it anywhere. A corner building near Jefferson Elementary that's half commercial, half apartment, is the first test case, and its owner argues it's a gentler step than full C-2 commercial.
Rezoning of 1402 East Independence Street
A request to turn commercial-zoned land into high-density residential was denied after months of deferrals. Supporters of keeping commercial corridors intact got their way, and the applicant's history of multiple LLCs drew public criticism.
Real Estate Sign Regulations
The old sign code capped real estate signs at 90 days a year, which didn't match how long homes actually stay on the market. The fix lets signs stay up until a sale or lease closes.
Self-storage rezone denied on North Union Avenue
A request to rezone part of 4731 North Union Avenue from high-density residential to regional commercial for a self-storage facility was rejected 5-1, keeping the land residential for now.
Affordable apartments across from Sequoia Elementary
A developer wants to convert the vacant 66-year-old former nursing home at 1402 East Independence Street into 26 affordable apartment units. Neighbors cite noise, traffic, property values, and notification problems; the Board put off a decision until February 9.