The core of the development approval process is the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that contains all of the city's zoning
and subdivision regulations.
For a step-by-step guide to development, see the Development Handbook.
Zoning
All land in Overland Park is contained within a specific zoning district.
The district regulations within the Unified
Development Ordinance specify the uses permitted within each district,
the minimum yard setbacks, density limitations, off-street parking requirements
and similar development restrictions.
Property owners can apply to the city to "rezone" their property to a different zoning district at any time. For most types of rezonings, the application must be accompanied by a preliminary development plan that indicates the location and size of the proposed buildings and site improvements, and the anticipated visual appearance of the buildings.
Special Use Permits
Land uses that are not permitted within a particular zoning district, such
as hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and convention centers, are typically
approved through a Special
Use Permit (SUP).
The approval process for rezonings, Special Use Permits and preliminary plats include public hearings before the Planning Commission, the City Council or both. The city considers public input into these hearings to be an essential part of the development process and requires that surrounding property owners be notified by mail that a rezoning, special use permit or preliminary plat application is pending.
Once the correct zoning or Special Use Permit is in place, detailed plans for each phase of development are approved through the Final Development Plan process.
Final development plans, as well as preliminary and final plats, are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Final plats must also be approved by the City Council if right-of-way is being dedicated to the city.
The Planner of the Day can address further questions and can be reached by phone at 913/895-6217 or by e-mail at pod@opkansas.org.