Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Shawnee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in zoning with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.