FAQs

The purpose of a pre-application conference is to familiarize the applicant with the development review and approval process, provide for an exchange of information, advise the applicant as to key planning, zoning, engineering, and other considerations, and to determine the information required to accompany an application.

Unless waived by the Zoning Administrator, a pre-application conference is required for any application requiring a public hearing before the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board (MUAPB) or Manhattan Board of Zoning Appeals (MBZA). This includes requests for:

• Annexation
• Rezoning
• Preliminary Plat
• Replat
• Substantial Modification, Planned Unit Development
• Conditional Use
• Any other request the Zoning Administrator deems advisable to do so.

No. The greatest value is in fostering an open and honest exchange on a proposal that will have equal benefit to the applicant and staff.

For the ease and convenience of all concerned, pre-application conferences are subject to a set schedule that is determined the first of each calendar year. Conferences are held twice a month on alternating Thursdays. Please see the Pre-Application Conference Schedule table below. Conferences will be scheduled in 15-minute increments beginning at 1:00 pm with the last conference to conclude by 5:00 pm. In scheduling your appointment, you will be asked to provide an estimate of the time you believe necessary to review your proposal with staff. Most pre-application conferences take less than 30 minutes which you may use as a guide.

A request for a pre-application conference will need to be submitted, along with submittal requirements, no later than seven (7) days prior to the requested meeting date. See the Pre-Application Conference Meeting Schedule table above.

The extent of information to be provided depends on the type of land use request being sought. At a minimum, applicants are encouraged to provide:

• A map of the site.
• A conceptual site plan of proposed development or subdivision of land.
• Conceptual building elevations for requests where that will involve building architecture and materials to be provided.
• A description of the development and proposed development objectives.
• A description of available and planned infrastructure and utilities.
• A conceptual overview of stormwater drainage and traffic characteristics and impacts.

Depending on the type of development proposed, usually multiple departments other than Community Development will be involved to provide a comprehensive scope of review. Those department typically involved include:

• Community Development – Zoning and subdivision requirements and processes.
• Public Works – Water, sanitary sewer, stormwater management and transportation issues.
• Risk Reduction – Fire and emergency services, building codes and permitting.
• Parks and Recreation – Parks, trails, open space and landscaping.

Finance – Public financing of infrastructure and modification of existing benefit districts.

Yes. Following each pre-application conference, Community Development will compile comments and prepare a meeting report that will be distributed to all participants within seven (7) days of the meeting. No official action or recommendation on a proposed development will result from the pre-application conference, but it will identify the principal issues and set expectations should the applicant follow through and make application.

If an application is not filed within six (6) months of the pre-application conference, a new conference will be required before an application is filed. In addition, if an application is filed that is different from what was discussed at the pre-application conference, a new conference will need to be held before an application is filed.