City Commission Explores Zoning Change for Multi-Family Apartment Complex

During Monday's City Commission Meeting, commissioners engaged in discussions regarding application #Z23-10 filed by Salina Destination Development, LLC. The application seeks a change in zoning classification from Saline County AG to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) to facilitate the construction of a multi-family apartment complex. The proposed rezoning area covers an 11.2-acre tract on the west side of Virginia Drive, south of West Magnolia Road, directly south of American Ag Credit.

Salina Destination Development, Inc. recently acquired a 41.92-acre tract west of Menards, with 11.2 acres earmarked for Phase 1 of the multi-family housing development. The remaining 30.72 acres are designated for Phase 2 and future phases. While the entire parcel was annexed into the city in December 2023, the rezoning request currently focuses solely on the 11.2-acre Phase 1 portion.

The proposed development aligns with the R-3 zoning district, designed for multi-family development with specific standards and limitations. These include minimum lot dimensions, setbacks, maximum structure height, parking requirements, and landscaping regulations. Salina Destination Development, LLC has submitted plans for a 250-unit apartment complex with parking spaces exceeding the minimum requirement.

The site's suitability for development under existing zoning was discussed, emphasizing the limitations of the current Saline County AG classification for multi-family residential use. The property owner argues that the R-3 zoning would unlock the development potential, citing the presence of public utilities and favorable physical attributes.

Considering the character of the neighborhood, the City Commission examined the compatibility of R-3 zoning with nearby properties. While R-3 zoning is limited in the vicinity, staff believes the proposed site meets locational criteria for multi-family housing.

Public utilities and services were thoroughly evaluated, with a focus on water, sanitary sewer, gas, electrical lines, and storm drainage. The property's proximity to K-State Salina and the Airport Employment Area was highlighted as contributing to its suitability for new housing development.

Streets and traffic considerations included proposed access drives along Virginia Drive and Magnolia Avenue. A traffic study concluded that the existing roadways could handle the additional traffic generated by the proposed housing project, with no major improvements required.

Assessing conformity with the Comprehensive Plan, the City Commission reviewed the proposed land use map amendment from commercial to Urban Residential. The Planning Commission recommended the zoning change to R-3, citing the property's proximity to educational and employment institutions and the suitability for multi-family residential development.

The City Commission voted 5-0 vote in favor of the zoning change.