Downtown Form-Based Code

How to Use This Code.

I want to modify a building or develop a new building:

1. 1.
   Determine if property in question is located within the Form District. If not, this Code is not applicable.
2. 2.
   Determine whether your intended changes would trigger a level of code compliance by looking at the Part 2, Section 209. Non-Conformities.
3. 3.
   Look at the adopted regulating plan. Find the property in question. Note the required building line and the parking setback line.  Note the color of the fronting street-space—this determines the applicable building envelope standard (see the key located on the regulating plan). 
4. 4.
   Find the appropriate building envelope standard in Part 4. Building Envelope Standards. (Note the General Standards in Section 403.) The building envelope standard will tell you the parameters for development on the site in terms of height, siting, elements, and use. 
5. 5.
   Additional regulations regarding streets and other public spaces surrounding the property are found in:

   1. a.
      Part 5. Urban Space Standards - the general parameters and/or specifications for the street-space including vehicular traffic lane widths, curb radii, sidewalk and street tree planting area dimensions, and on-street parking configurations. 
   2. b.
      Part 6. Architectural Standards - materials, configurations and techniques for the architectural elements of the building and lot.
   3. c.
      Part 7. Parking and Loading Standards.
6. 6.
   See Part 2. Administration, Application Process & Appeals for information on the process.

I want to establish a new use in an existing building:

1. 1.
   Find the property on the District Regulating Plan and determine the applicable building envelope standard.
2. 2.
   Determine whether the use is allowed by looking at the permitted Use Table in Part 8. Building Functions. If the use is listed with a cross-reference in the right-hand column, refer to those standards.

I have a use, building or site that is nonconforming:

1. 1.
   Existing uses, buildings and sites that met the rules when they were constructed, but do not comply with this development code are considered nonconforming.
2. 2.
   See Part 2, Section 209. Non-Conformities for further details.

I want to change the regulating plan regarding my property:

See Part 2, Section 207. Amendments to the Form-Based Code.

I want to subdivide my property:

1. 1.
   Property can only be subdivided in accordance with the procedures in Title 18 - Unified Development Ordinance of the Overland Park Municipal Code.
2. 2.
   Any such subdivision shall also meet the standards of this Code.

How to Use this Code

Effective on: 1/1/1901