The City’s new permitting and licensing software, Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL) is now live.
The following information is provided to assist individuals who wish to site plan property within the City of Lawrence. This is only a guide. Should you have further questions, please call the Planning Office at (785) 832-3150 to schedule an appointment with the ‘Planner of the Day.
Why is a site plan required?
The purpose of the site plan review process is to ensure compliance with the standards of the Development Code prior to the commencement of any Development Activity and to encourage the compatible arrangement of buildings, off-street parking, lighting, landscaping, traffic flow and drainage on the site and from the site. The zoning ordinance requires review to promote safety and convenience for the public and to preserve values of nearby properties.
When is a site plan necessary?
Approval of a site plan is required when any multiple-family residential, office, commercial or industrial development or redevelopment is proposed. Single-family detached dwellings and duplex residential developments do not require site plan approval unless these units are combined to form a complex of four or more units.
What kind of information is provided on a site plan?
A site plan, prepared by an architect, engineer or other qualified professional, illustrates the proposed improvements on a property. Generally, a site plan indicates the size and location of buildings; number, location and size of parking spaces; type and location of pavement surfaces; topography, utilities and drainage information; and landscaping and lighting proposed in the development of a property. Specific requirements for a complete site plan are listed in Section 20-1305 (f) of the Land Development Code.
How do you submit a site plan?
Call the Planning Office to schedule a pre-application meeting with one of the Current Planners to discuss the proposed development or redevelopment. At this meeting, you will be provided with specific requirements to be provided on a site plan and an application form. A completed submittal includes electronic and paper copies of the site plan, the application form and a $50 application fee. Site plans are due by noon on Tuesdays.
The submitted site plans are electronically distributed to various city departments and public utility companies for review. The planner assigned to the project will contact the applicant to discuss the review comments and suggest any revisions which may be needed before the site plan can be processed for Planning Director administrative action. The review period is approximately four to six weeks, dependant upon the complexity of the development proposal. Public notice to adjacent property owners is required for most site plan submittals.
What happens after a plan has been approved?
When a site plan is approved and all conditions have been met, four copies of the plan will be signed and stamped by the Planning Director and the plan will be released to the Development Services Division. Building permits for the project will not be issued until that division receives the stamped plan. If a building permit is not issued within 18 months of the approval, the site plan approval expires.