Here’s how to weigh in on new development projects proposed near you in Johnson County

Natalie Wallington
·4 min read

New construction projects may seem to pop up at random, but you have more power over new additions to your neighborhood than you might realize.

In Johnson County, public feedback is a key part of making these projects a reality. Planning commissions hold regular meetings where residents can comment on proposed developments.

Public feedback for new developments can play a significant role in their approval by city planners. Here’s how to weigh in on the developments coming to your area.

Who makes decisions about development projects in Johnson County?

In order to give feedback on a proposed project, you first need to figure out which governing body oversees it. Johnson County has three regional zoning boards that make decisions about development projects that fall outside the city limits of Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Gardner and Mission.

These regional boards also oversee any projects happening within one mile of an airport. Developments planned within the county’s five cities, as long as they aren’t near an airport, are reviewed by each city’s own planning commission.

You and your neighbors can formally object to a development by filling out and signing a protest petition form. A successful protest petition makes the proposed project more difficult for zoning board members to approve.

In order to file one, you and your neighbors need to collectively own 20% or more of the land within 200 feet of a project in a city, or within 1,000 feet of a project outside city limits.

Johnson County regional zoning boards

  • Northwest Zoning Board: Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at 111 South Cherry Street in Olathe. Check the upcoming agendas here.

  • Southeast Zoning Board: Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at Johnson County Fire Station 2 at 19120 Metcalf in Stilwell. Check the upcoming agendas here.

  • Southwest Zoning board: Meets 6:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Gardner Senior Center at 128 East Park in Gardner. Check the upcoming agendas here.

Overland Park

Here’s a list of projects currently under review in Overland Park. You can let the city’s Planning Commission know how you feel about proposed developments by sending them an email, speaking at a public hearing or contacting your city council member.

The schedule of upcoming public hearings can be found on the planning commission’s webpage. You can find the city’s protest petition forms here.

Olathe

Here’s a map of proposed developments in Olathe, and here’s the development review schedule for 2022. On it you can see the dates of neighborhood meetings and planning commission meetings, application deadlines and more.

All planning commission meetings are currently happening online— here’s where to watch them. Members of the public can sign up to speak at these meetings for up to five minutes by calling 913-971-8750 or emailing PlanningContact@OlatheKS.org. You can also file a protest petition using this form.

Lenexa

Here’s a schedule of Lenexa’s Planning Commission meetings for 2022. These meetings are open to the public and include a public comment period where you can share your views. Basic information about pending applications can be found on the city government’s website here, but the best way to get updates about proposed developments is by signing up for the city’s planning agenda newsletter.

You can also take a look at projects currently underway on the city’s development map. Find Lenexa’s protest petition form here.

Gardner

The Gardner Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 120 E. Main St. All meetings are open to the public. Find meeting agendas and minutes at the bottom of this page.

Mission

The Mission Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of every month at Mission City Hall, located at 6090 Woodson Street. However, meetings may be held online due to COVID-19. Call City Hall at 913-676-8350 to check where the meeting you plan to attend will be held. Find meeting agendas and minutes here.

Do you have more questions about zoning, land use or new developments in the Kansas City area? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.