HAYSVILLE — The Haysville Planning Commission recommended approval of a zone change from light industrial to light commercial for a 1.034-acre property on the north side of East Grand Avenue to allow neighborhood-serving commercial uses, including a proposed laundromat.

Applicant Mike Allard, who said he has taught and coached in Haysville for eight years, told the commission he plans a roughly 140-by-40-foot building with about 70% of the area devoted to a laundromat and the remaining space for a lease tenant such as a restaurant, coffee shop or barber.

Staff explained the request is limited to evaluating whether the site is suitable for uses allowed in the light commercial district; any future development must conform to the light commercial use chart in the zoning code. “The review tonight for what we’re looking at is only evaluating the suitability of the property for uses permitted under the light commercial zoning district,” staff said.

Commissioners described the case as “pretty straightforward.” The commission moved and seconded to recommend approval of the zone change as presented; the motion passed. The recommendation will allow the property owner to pursue the proposed commercial uses, provided project plans meet development standards and any required permits.

Background: Staff said surrounding uses include a mix of industrial, commercial and residential properties. The light industrial district permits manufacturing and services that may generate noise or odors, while light commercial is aimed at neighborhood-serving retail and civic uses. Allard said zoning language had changed since he bought the site and that the zone change is necessary to continue with his planned project.