Revisions to Leawood’s zoning requirements soon could reshape how developers approach mixed-use projects. Leawood’s current mixed-use zoning requires developers to dedicate a certain percentage of a project for specific uses, setting quotas of 15% for office space, 5% for retail and at least 15% for residential. In an effort to keep up with economic trends in commercial real estate, city leaders will review an amendment to the Leawood Development Ordinance softening those ratio requirements for mixed-use projects. The change has been prompted by feedback from local developers representing projects along the 135th Street Corridor. Last fall, the City Council received a letter from area developers voicing concerns about the use percentages set in the city zoning requirements, amid a stiff decline in demand for office space. The planning commission now will consider a revised proposal, scaling back some of the ratio quotas for mixed-use projects. Under the proposed revision, at least 20% of a mixed-use project must be committed to commercial space, with at least 5% set aside for retail and 5% dedicated to office. Residential uses in mixed-use zoning would remain at 15%. The proposed change would prohibit all commercial uses in a mixed-use project from being solely office or retail space. The Leawood Planning Commission will review the latest proposed revision to the zoning code and host a public hearing on the matter at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
