Zoning Code Update

In its most basic form, zoning is a set of rules that determine what can be built and how land can be used in different parts of the city. Think of it as dividing the city into neighborhoods or districts, where each area has its own rules about whether properties can be used for homes, businesses, factories, parks, agriculture or more. These rules also specify things like how tall buildings can be, how far they need to be set back from the street, and how much parking is required.

The current KCK Zoning Code was adopted back in the 1980s — over 40 years ago. While it was designed to serve the city well at the time, a lot has changed since then. The city has grown, neighborhoods have evolved, and development patterns look completely different. More importantly, many developers and property owners have found the current code difficult to navigate and overly complicated.

The UG is updating the zoning code to make it simpler, clearer and more user-friendly for all. The goal is to create rules that are easier to understand and apply while still protecting neighborhoods and guiding development in ways that benefit the community. By updating it now, the UG can address challenges that have emerged over the years and make the code work better for everyone.

In 2023, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas adopted PlanKCK, an update of its 2008 Citywide Master Plan. A comprehensive plan is our community's "North Star," establishing a shared vision that guides future infrastructure investments, economic development, and other strategic actions that shape our many and diverse neighborhoods.

PlanKCK, adopted in November 2023, outlines goals, objectives, and strategic initiations: strategies for attracting the resources, funding, and partners to help us achieve these goals. This is supported by an empowered community that believes in these goals and contributes in their own way to making this vision a reality. The Zoning Code Update plays an important part in bringing these strategies into reality. Learn more about PlanKCK.

The short answer is: it depends. Here are some ways a Zoning Code Update could affect your property:

If you own a home and plan to keep living there, the update may have little to no impact on you day-to-day. Your home will likely remain in a residential zone, and you should be able to continue using it as you always have. If you're thinking about making changes to your property — such as adding a rental unit, building a fence, expanding your home, or starting a home-based business — the new code might affect those plans. Some updates make these kinds of changes simpler and more straightforward, while others might introduce new restrictions. The good news is that the new code should be much clearer about what is and isn't allowed.

If you own a business or commercial property, the update could affect your operations, expansion plans or what types of businesses can operate in your area. Again, the new code should make it clearer what's possible.

When complete, the Zoning Code Update will include a transition period and/or protections for existing uses, so you'll have time to adjust if needed.