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1. Can I have an apartment in my garage or guest house on my property?

Multiple residences are permitted if the property is zoned B-1 (Two Family) or B-2 (Multiple Family) or if your property is subdivided into 2 lots. Please contact Planning & Development at (785) 537-6332 for more information.

2. How do I determine what my property is zoned?

If your property is located in Riley County outside of the limits of an incorporated city, you may call Riley County Planning & Development to obtain that information. When you call you should know one of the following to make sure the correct property can be located:

1. the property owner
2. the property's legal description or
3. the property's address

An even more accurate method of determining zoning of a property is to come to the Planning & Development office. This way staff can locate the property on the computer mapping system and also answer any question you may have about the zoning.

3. I have 60-acres and I would like to sell 30-acres of my land. Do I need to plat the property?

Possibly, is the answer. Generally, in the unincorporated portions of the County, divisions of property that are 20 acres or greater are exempt from the platting requirements. However, within the Manhattan Urban Area such divisions are only exempt if the property will be used strictly for agricultural purposes or as a cemetery. It is always a good idea to check with the County Planning & Development Department to determine any platting and/or zoning requirements prior to the sale of any land, particularly since this is information that will not be included in a title search or abstract of title.

4. I received a notice of public hearing in the mail. What exactly does it mean?

State law requires that surrounding property owners within 1000 feet be directly notified whenever a rezoning, variance or conditional use is requested. Riley County also sends notice when a platting is being proposed. This notice tells you the time, date and place where the public hearing is being held, the requested change and where the property is located. You are welcome to attend this hearing to voice your support or concerns regarding the requested change or to just ask questions about the proposal. You may also at any time call Riley County Planning & Development to find out more about the request

5. If I want to make a complaint against someone regarding a possible zoning violation, can I remain anonymous?

Yes. But it is often advantageous to leave your contact information so that staff can respond back to you regarding the violation or to obtain additional information from you. Also sometimes it is necessary for individuals to testify in court to provide evidence of ongoing violations. For more information on zoning enforcement issues in Riley County, contact the Riley County Zoning Enforcement Officer.

6. What is a PUD?

PUDS are custom-made zoning districts for a specific site. They were created to promote progressive and flexible land development, such as:

a. A maximum choice of living environments

b. A more useful pattern of open space and recreation

c. A development pattern which preserves and utilizes environmental features

d. A more efficient use of land and provision of services

e. A development pattern in harmony with land use density, neighborhood character, transportation facilities, community facilities and economic development potentials.

The PUD process has two steps: the Preliminary Development Plan and the Final Development Plan. The Planning Board reviews the application for approval of the Preliminary Development Plan, holds a public hearing, then sends its recommendations on to the BOCC for action. Upon approval of the application, within seven days the owner records a statement with the Register of Deeds. The owner submits a Final Development Plan to the RCPB before a building permit is issued. This final plan must be in substantial compliance with the Preliminary Development Plan.

7. What is the process for sub-dividing land?

The requirements and procedures for selling a portion of an existing parcel are outlined in the Manhattan Urban Area Subdivision Regulations and the Riley County Subdivision Regulations. These separate regulations apply in different portions of the unincorporated areas of the County. Contact the Planner in the Riley County Planning & Development office for more detailed information regarding this process.