Together with Pattern Zones Co, MBL led an ambitious project to bring one of the most innovative pre-approved building programs in the country to the City of Overland Park KS.

The team’s approach went well beyond simple pre-approved buildings. Instead, the team questioned almost every aspect of the city’s current entitlement and permitting process with the goal of increasing opportunities for home-ownership.

While Pattern Zones Co focused on the zoning and development code, MBL was tasked with leading a comprehensive review of the city’s building safety policies as they relate to Missing Middle housing. The team was surprised to find that the average permit for a single family house in Overland Park was over 5,000 square feet. Because of this, the building safety department had instituted several policies that, while prudent for these large buildings, had the effect of making it far more difficult and expensive to build smaller more affordable housing types.

Through skillful navigation of Kansas statutes, the International Residential Code, and Overland Park’s own municipal code, MBL was able to recommend new policies that dramatically lower barriers not just for pre-approved buildings, but for every developer who is interested in building smaller more affordable homes in the city.