photo by: City of Lawrence

A city map shows the four parcels that comprise an annexation request.

After recently approving new subdivision regulations aimed at encouraging smarter growth, the City of Lawrence has received a request to add 100 acres to the city for a new residential development.

City of Lawrence and Douglas County leaders approved new regulations earlier this fall that prohibit new neighborhoods in rural areas near the city’s boundaries unless that land is ready to be added to the city. The amendment bars the development of additional rural subdivisions and instead requires potential developers to request that the land be added to the city so the neighborhood is subject to city lot sizes and other standards. Both governing bodies cited the need for denser and more efficient growth, and Mayor Brad Finkeldei said he saw it as a pro-growth proposal that would encourage the city to annex more land into its boundaries and for that land to develop in a denser capacity that will provide more housing.

The request is to annex approximately 100 acres that are located east of Kansas Highway 10 and south of North 1750 Road, according a city staff memo. BG Consultants Inc. submitted the request on behalf of the property owners, Garber Enterprises and Maxwell Trust. The property adjoins the city limits, and the annexation is being requested to facilitate future residential development on the property.

The annexation consists of four parcels that are north of the city’s Rock Chalk Park trail area, according to a city map. The land is currently vacant, and the proposed use is single-family residential, according to the annexation application. The parcels are currently part of Kanwaka Township.

The commission will be voting only on whether to receive the annexation request and begin the review process as part of its consent agenda on Tuesday. The request would then go the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission for review. The Planning Commission’s recommendation would then be sent to the City Commission for its consideration. The fiscal impact to the city is unknown at this time and will be evaluated as part of the review, according to the memo.

The Lawrence City Commission will convene at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.