Most of Kansas City’s land is dedicated to residential uses. The condition of our existing housing stock and creation of new housing is important to the well-being every Kansas Citian and to the long-term health of our city.

Like all cities, Kansas City’s zoning rules control what may be built on a property and our subdivision rules dictate how land can be divided and sold for the purposes of building.

Many neighborhoods built before adoption of our first zoning ordinances (1923) or subdivision ordinances (1954) do not comply with today’s zoning and subdivision rules. These areas of the city are often referred to as “infill” development and because of the rules that have applied, investment in existing housing stock and creation of new housing has been difficult to achieve.

In many cases the conventional (old) rules require you to get variances, major subdivisions, or development plans. These are burdensome due to their cost and the length of time it takes. The new rules:

• Stimulate investment in existing housing by removing these requirements.
• Are context-based. If your home is like those in your area it will be easier to build.
• Protect neighborhoods from development that is out of place.

Visit our Infill Residential Lot and Building Standards page for more details.

In many cases the conventional (old) rules require you to get variances or major subdivisions. These are burdensome due to their cost and the length of time it takes. The new rules will:

• Allow re-establishment of previously platted lots without approval.
• Allow creation of up to 15 new lots with staff approval.
• Apply context-sensitive lot area and width rules. Meaning if your proposed lot is like others in your area you will not need a variance.
• Require public investment in existing neighborhoods in some cases.

Visit our Subdivisions page for more details.