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