The I-1 Light Industrial District zoning regulations for the property at SE 45th St, Topeka, KS 66609 (Parcel ID: 1341904003009010), located within the City of Topeka, are outlined in the Topeka Municipal Code, Chapter 18.165. Below is a concise summary of the I-1 zoning regulations based on the City of Topeka’s zoning code, focusing on permitted uses, development standards, and key requirements. For precise details or updates, consult the City of Topeka Planning Department (785-368-3728) or their website (www.topeka.org/planning).
I-1 Light Industrial District Overview
The I-1 zoning district is intended for light industrial activities with minimal environmental impact, such as manufacturing, warehousing, or assembly, while ensuring compatibility with adjacent areas. It allows a range of industrial, commercial, and accessory uses, subject to specific standards.
Permitted Uses
The following uses are generally allowed in the I-1 district (subject to compliance with performance standards). This list is not exhaustive; consult the Topeka Municipal Code for a complete list:
- Principal Uses:
- Light manufacturing (e.g., electronics, food processing, small-scale assembly).
- Warehousing and distribution facilities.
- Wholesale trade or storage.
- Research and development facilities.
- Contractor’s offices or equipment storage (without heavy machinery).
- Public utilities and services.
- Accessory Uses:
- Offices related to the primary industrial use.
- Employee amenities (e.g., cafeterias, break rooms).
- Limited retail or service uses tied to the primary operation (e.g., factory outlet).
- Conditional or Special Uses (requires approval via a conditional use permit):
- Heavy equipment storage or repair.
- Certain commercial uses (e.g., retail or restaurants) if not accessory to the industrial use.
- Recycling facilities or salvage operations (subject to strict conditions).
Uses must comply with performance standards (e.g., noise, vibration, odor, glare) to minimize impact on nearby properties.
Development Standards
Key dimensional and design requirements for I-1 zoning include:
- Minimum Lot Size: No specific minimum lot size, but sufficient to meet setback and parking requirements (your 2.23-acre parcel is likely adequate).
- Setbacks:
- Front yard: 25 feet minimum.
- Side yard: 10 feet minimum (may increase if adjacent to residential zones).
- Rear yard: 20 feet minimum.
- Building Height: Maximum 45 feet (may be higher with conditional approval).
- Lot Coverage: No maximum lot coverage specified, but must allow for parking, landscaping, and stormwater management.
- Parking: Off-street parking required based on use (e.g., 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. for warehousing; 1 space per 500 sq. ft. for manufacturing). See Chapter 18.240 for detailed parking standards.
- Landscaping/Screening: Buffering or screening (e.g., fences, vegetation) required if adjacent to residential zones or public rights-of-way.
- Signage: Subject to Chapter 18.250 (e.g., freestanding signs up to 100 sq. ft., height limits based on setback).
Performance Standards
All activities in I-1 must comply with environmental and operational standards to limit:
- Noise: Must not exceed levels specified in the city’s noise ordinance.
- Vibration: No perceptible vibration beyond property lines.
- Odor/Emissions: Must meet state and federal air quality standards.
- Glare/Heat: Lighting and operations must be shielded to avoid off-site impacts.
- Waste: Proper disposal of industrial waste required.
Additional Requirements
- Site Plan Review: Any development requires a site plan submission to the Planning Department, showing layout, parking, landscaping, and utilities.
- Utilities: Verify access to water, sewer, and electricity through the City of Topeka Utilities Department (785-368-3111).
- Case Numbers (Z72/72, Z70/32, Z62/39): These may indicate prior zoning actions or conditional use permits. Contact the Planning Department to review these for restrictions or additional requirements specific to the parcel.
- Floodplain/Environmental: Check if the parcel is in a floodplain or has environmental constraints via the City’s GIS portal (https://topeka.maps.arcgis.com) or Shawnee County GIS.
Next Steps
To proceed with development or confirm specific use:
- Contact Planning Department: Call 785-368-3728 or visit www.topeka.org/planning to verify permitted uses, case number details, or submit a site plan.
- Check Parcel Records: Use the Shawnee County Appraisal Real Estate Search (www.snco.gov) for property history or constraints.
- Feedback: For zoning map issues, email Lee.Allen@snco.us (SNCO GIS).
If you have a specific use in mind (e.g., warehousing, manufacturing), I can help clarify if it’s permitted or requires a conditional use permit. Let me know if you need further details, case number research, or assistance contacting the city!
