ORDINANCE introduced by City Manager Dr. Robert M. Perez amending the “District Map” referred to and made a part of the Zoning Ordinances by Section 18.50.050 of the Topeka Municipal Code, by providing for certain changes in zoning on 0.30 acres of property located at 2016 SW 10th Avenue FROM “C-2” Commercial District TO "M-1” Two-Family Dwelling District. (Z26/09) (Council District No. 1)
Voting Option Requirements: (1) Approve Planning Commission's recommendation, 6 votes are required of the Governing Body (2) Reject or Amend Planning Commission's recommendation, 7 votes are required of the Governing Body; or (3) Remand back to Planning Commission, 6 votes are required of the Governing Body.
(Approval will allow residential development of the currently vacant west half of the property.)
The Governing Body has the following voting options:
- Approve the Planning Commission’s recommendation by adopting the ordinance. A minimum of 6 votes are required of the Governing Body.
- Amend or Reject the Planning Commission’s recommendation by amending the ordinance. A minimum of 7 votes is required of the Governing Body.
- Remand to the Planning Commission for further consideration, with a statement specifying the basis for the governing body’s failure to approve or disapprove. A minimum of 6 votes are required of the Governing Body.
Whether to adopt the Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone the property.
Staff recommends the Governing Body move to adopt the ordinance.
Z26/09 is a request by Watson Real Estate Development Inc to rezone property at 2016 SW 10th Avenue FROM “C-2” Commercial District TO "M-1” Two-Family Dwelling District. The rezoning will allow the applicant to develop the property for residential use. Rezoning is necessary because ground-floor residential is not permitted in the “C-2” Commercial District.
The applicant has stated the intent to construct a single-family home on the currently vacant West half of the parcel. There is an existing residence on the east half of the parcel, which is is a legal non-conforming use under the current C-2 zoning. Two addressed residences (976 SW Lindenwood Ave and 2020 SW 10th Ave) were previously located on the West half of the parcel, but were demolished in 2020 after falling into disrepair. The proposed zoning is consistent with the Historic Old Town Neighborhood Plan now being considered for adoption.
The applicant conducted a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2012 SW 10th Ave. Three community members, including representatives of the Historic Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA), attended in addition to the applicant’s representatives, City Planning staff, and City Council District #1 Representative Karen Hiller. Members of the NIA expressed some concerns about the anticipated sale price of the proposed residence but noted in their attached email correspondence that the NIA neither supported nor opposed the rezoning.
Planning staff recommended approval, per the attached staff report. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 6-0-0 at a public hearing held Monday, August 17, 2026.
Approval of the zoning change has no budgetary impact on the City.
Not Applicable.