City Commission Approves Rezoning of Mariposa Lot for Single-Family Home

The Salina City Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request that clears the way for construction of a single-family home on a long-vacant lot within the Mariposa subdivision.

Commissioners voted 5–0 to approve Ordinance No. 26-11275, rezoning Lot 1, Block 5 of the Mariposa Subdivision from PDD/R-2 (Planned Development District, Multi-Family Residential) to RS (Residential Suburban).

The 7.11-acre property, located between existing residential neighborhoods and adjacent to the Salina Municipal Golf Course, has remained undeveloped since it was originally platted in 1989 for multifamily housing.

City Planning Manager Dustin Michaelson told commissioners the applicant, Tyler Adams, requested the zoning change to allow construction of a single-family residence with accessory structures, a use not permitted under the current PDD/R-2 zoning.

Michaelson outlined the site’s planning history, noting the Mariposa master plan was approved in concept in 1988 and envisioned a mix of single-family homes and townhome-style multifamily development. Block 5 is the only remaining undeveloped portion of that plan.

Staff said the RS zoning district allows single-family dwellings at a minimum density of one acre per unit, making the proposed use less intensive than the original multifamily concept.

Planning and Infrastructure Considerations

According to the staff report, the property is:

Surrounded by residential zoning on three sides

Buffered to the north by the municipal golf course

Outside the 100-year floodplain

Served by existing water utilities along Cedar Ridge Drive

While a public sanitary sewer main does not run directly along Cedar Ridge Drive, staff said adjacent properties are connected to the city sewer system and the applicant will work with city utilities to establish a connection.

Stormwater runoff from the site already drains toward the Mariposa pond, which was sized in 1989 to accommodate a townhome-style development. Staff said construction of a single-family home would generate significantly less runoff than originally planned and would not require modifications to the existing pond.

Emergency services would continue to be provided by Fire Station No. 4, with future service planned from the new station under construction near Markley and Crawford.

Consistency With the Comprehensive Plan

Michaelson said the city’s Future Land Use Map identifies the area as appropriate for suburban residential development, which includes single-family homes as a primary use.

The Salina City Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on January 6, 2026, and voted 8–0 to recommend approval of the rezoning request.

Planning Commission findings cited:

Suitability of the site for residential development

Compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods

Lack of multifamily development over the past 37 years

Consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan

Commission Discussion and Vote

During discussion, commissioners noted the long vacancy of the property and said rezoning it for single-family use aligns with existing neighborhood patterns along Cedar Ridge Drive. One commissioner, who lives nearby, said neighbors welcomed the proposal because it preserves existing trees and buffers.

The applicant’s representative said the intent is to develop a single-family home on a portion of the property while maintaining a perimeter buffer, rather than clearing the entire site.

No public opposition was voiced during the hearing.

Following discussion, the commission approved the ordinance by roll call vote, with all commissioners voting in favor.

With the rezoning approved, the property can now move forward toward development under RS Residential Suburban standards.