[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6485271,"mediaKeyId","5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282","parentId",5444946,"title","Planning commission tells county to rely on NFPA standards, not a half‑mile blanket setback for battery storage","audioSeconds",452,"startMs",4584000,"endMs",5036000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282&start=4584&end=5036","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282/thumbnail_4584000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6485271/Saline-County/Kansas/Planning-commission-tells-county-to-rely-on-NFPA-standards-not-a-halfmile-blanket-setback-for-battery-storage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485271-f82b5ce8b0e992abf4d17c23cdedfcb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152739&Signature=bZk8caxyAoQBJVDtoIpq9~hll1M7rqNIbC9hZlkBEPPWXKy66KkY1Vy8UD1Nh1x43hHZmm5KWmi2FikM1YofZ6hofH2ONuuCaDALJuZBJBkgpU~v-bdsQTVzCZMZ5qXu130jqpzDuSPTWZSD2UaeslfMeZKx7DMT8hVncmPXTP24QW4r2d~f1kooRlLA7EeVa9nJvWZzUzcKH~7AxITONQMGgT1pj9A8tGgb~Fl4uT0Ng5y-x~LPIi2nt9-udxir4rB98ODJXhRw4GlRBknVbHcMWBMVvJQko1Wp6UbHm8ifvcig79jGYEyy9TbcYiDh8HDYa1dIM~LufDymh3yelg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Saline County, KS","date","2025-07-23T01:54:11.777Z","article","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted July 22 to forward a letter to the county commission recommending that battery energy storage system (BESS) siting be reviewed under nationally adopted NFPA standards rather than imposing a blanket half-mile setback from residences.

Commission members said a blanket half‑mile exclusion could effectively prevent most BESS proposals because occupied residences exist within a half mile of many electrical substations. The commission’s letter notes that the planning commission retains authority to require setbacks greater than NFPA guidance on a case-by-case basis and that referencing a national standard allows the county to rely on evolving technical provisions without repeatedly amending local rules.

Tim, county planning staff, reviewed the proposed language and told commissioners the draft letter reflected their prior discussion. Commissioners discussed NFPA guidelines and local emergency-response considerations, and one participant reported that recent training indicated BESS fire-incidence rates are low (described in the meeting as a small fraction of one percent across installations worldwide).

The commission voted to forward the letter to the county commission for consideration rather than adopting a half-mile blanket setback; the chair said the county commission had previously discussed a half-mile setback request and the planning commission preferred the NFPA-based approach with case-by-case discretion.

The planning commission recommended keeping technical setback and safety standards aligned with nationally recognized codes (NFPA) while preserving local authority to require additional measures for specific proposals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Saline County Planning Commission - July 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded a recommendation to the county commission on July 22 that battery energy storage siting rely on NFPA standards rather than a blanket half-mile setback from residences.","taxTitle","Saline County, Kansas","taxId",55342,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485274,"Commission conditionally approves new East Waterwell Road event venue; neighbors voice traffic and noise concerns",2338,2083000,4421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282&start=2083&end=4421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282/thumbnail_2083000.jpg","/articles/6485274/Saline-County/Kansas/Commission-conditionally-approves-new-East-Waterwell-Road-event-venue-neighbors-voice-traffic-and-noise-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485274-f1c399e08ce712f3b08c6d42f8a44c59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152739&Signature=S4guL1EQpAHs-sIAwHo20ZRXHVTB4mMD5YXowsyrUesA46uCWcyGlSglx7x~4CgG8ErEcXk2yPSwqVbbu7TwdgbFqrKJHfa8~FOCR6y~xqgMd6r7to~A9bNP~HOXz2Y2-jMqybsLrqxHcVXsIw8hQoJKrUMa7ZFwTyAXfZCPRiMG8eQ4RWW~Ck3eyPbESwTcBRe4U8tfN~y1RcsdCjcm5VuNGpd0q0sYtlkhNYy0jPiW5E5sqzWMlqz84VbYDFVK6~enoLxSQCwu1YulVDHZ1k7v4PGSJxTmBg2RMkN4gcJmY6NEDvP7vBb5Sj7DihIGWjfdOxZ0sQH4TVbjRp30Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 granted a conditional use permit to Wilfred (\"Ed\") and Rochelle O'Connor to establish an event venue at 3546 East Waterwell Road, with conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts including a three-year review, no off-site parking in the roadway, ingress/egress signage and required commercial and environmental approvals.

Planning staff described the proposal as a seasonal/meeting venue to host weddings, reunions and similar events on the agricultural portion of the parcel. Staff said the applicant agreed to adjust lot lines so the proposed use area meets the three-acre minimum under the county environmental code and that environmental services must review well and septic plans. The applicant stated there would be no on-site lodging, no fireworks or wood-burning fireplaces and that alcohol would not be provided by the venue (guests could bring it).

Applicant Wilfred O'Connor told commissioners the building would be a steel-clad post-frame structure (roughly 60 by 80 with covered wings) and said the venue would host up to 120 guests for events but that many gatherings would be smaller. \"It's just a nice meeting spot,\" O'Connor said, adding the facility would be available year-round by reservation.

Neighbors raised multiple concerns during the public-comment period. Anthony De Laurentiis, who lives nearby, cited safety issues for pedestrians, mobility-device users and horse riders who use Waterwell Road; he also raised worries about trash, noise, lighting and property values. Diana Harden of the Saline County Conservation District and neighbor Lexi Schwartz echoed concerns about security, fencing, lighting spill and the narrow road without shoulders.

Commissioners and staff discussed site details including septic suitability and parking layout. Environmental staff present (Seth) said soils on the site are suitable for a septic system and that a 50-by-50 area initially shown for septic was too small; environmental requirements must be met before final approval. Commissioners added conditions recommended by staff and agreed to a three-year review period and a clear prohibition on parking in the public right-of-way; they also asked for ingress/egress signage and required that lighting be shielded so it does not illuminate adjacent properties.

The motion to approve the permit passed with one dissenting vote; the chair announced the motion carried. Approval is conditioned on completion of the county commercial permit review, environmental services' requirements for well and septic, adherence to no off-site parking in the right-of-way, and a three-year review to monitor impacts.","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit on July 22 for an event venue at 3546 East Waterwell Road, with multiple conditions designed to limit neighborhood impacts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485279,"Second NextTech tower OK’d near Southeast Saline School; commissioners ask for coverage maps",518,1547000,2065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282&start=1547&end=2065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282/thumbnail_1547000.jpg","/articles/6485279/Saline-County/Kansas/Second-NextTech-tower-OKd-near-Southeast-Saline-School-commissioners-ask-for-coverage-maps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485279-5657dbe962bd922f26cf8333bd02198a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152739&Signature=SKksUoxUF95xtWYe~Xp7BsooHZJcX8tvxAwre2mIINeU67nOyxQQjrVAJ19CLzuAQ603yRLVwmKGlhSuvP1TGbFEa6EeR9-saEEYYa3FcfgzQlQDI~RU0OszB-eWgwNrZQQspLNZxCoyPQAwAfS4bIqAZoIctFJje5IFd3amfkHWNyCFXsRxQBjUjjzu8alYuYNTzoYDLZcy0nVQ81TgDEwyUWvGelfbAvQe4A5QT2CT1xTW2tbVAUGw-u87e3nONYOFVWWEDMYdxESKvbNkprxlMNt-aQ-QsTpN~O4R7HqYHrVypDLEgzVf4fEQbY-nS~-5MCgUmb6C8JPBSAZy8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 approved a second conditional use permit for a 250-foot telecommunications tower proposed by NextTech Wireless at a site near Southeast Saline School, while asking the company to provide radio-frequency coverage maps in future submittals.

Planning staff said the tower would sit on a 60-acre parcel (addressed at 5064 East K-4 Highway), meet the commission’s setback requirements on the submitted site plan and lie outside the airport buffer zone. Staff recommended approval contingent on commercial permit review and submission of FAA and FCC approvals prior to building permit issuance.

A commissioner asked NextTech to provide RF coverage maps showing where the company’s nearest sites are and how the proposed tower would change local coverage. A NextTech representative said RF maps are available and can be provided: “We do have RF maps...they're plotted out in different colors that show the signal strength,” the representative said.

NextTech staff also told the commission the tower location is behind the school near practice fields and would be set well back from the road. Commissioners approved the CUP with staff conditions and a fence requirement similar to the prior tower item; the chair declared the motion carried.

Approval requires NextTech to submit FAA and FCC approvals and to complete the county commercial permit review before building permits are issued.","Commissioners approved a second conditional use permit for a 250-foot NextTech wireless tower near Southeast Saline School, and a commissioner requested RF coverage maps to show how the new site fits with existing coverage and nearby towers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485284,"Commission approves 250-foot NextTech wireless tower with fence condition",492,1025000,1517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282&start=1025&end=1517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282/thumbnail_1025000.jpg","/articles/6485284/Saline-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-250-foot-NextTech-wireless-tower-with-fence-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485284-01316c6eb034e97cc3de1ff4dad0b125/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152739&Signature=ITGkN~0FbwYeZOov4TfDV-Mm28wMiIvqfGnfEXI-lgYYuOr0GDTuIbXKmqTS6j6VV710Rj7mgnGgvO4CJWDaIgmtN0tymyDg6HiLS75Ssq06b~ouL5WB8aEqL8lPmX4o4zQHZrXcPaoi0hTBuvjVwVwI4jdV6gmVgpVLWVFztiijrALGWbw7PUYulbTixeShHDA39k2dB3GSVBnqnbc3~HoPJNDAXdGycd8GbT9TJhi-5N~wQ~jcJpyw0ydZHUCZYJEvN~2GesYZbXT4vy7TEKmWmPeAgKPGP3xWeMa4LNWR8PIOlax4OZSaXmHVtI~i3OxePWtO4Emk1pT4zteByg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 approved a conditional use permit for a 250-foot self-supporting telecommunications tower proposed by NextTech Wireless, with conditions including submission of FAA and FCC approvals and a six-foot chain-link fence around the tower compound.

County staff said the tower will occupy a leased 100-by-100-foot site, will meet setback requirements shown on the site plan, and is not within the airport buffer zone. Staff recommended approval with the conditions that commercial permit review be completed and that FAA and FCC documentation be provided before building permit issuance.

Creighton Remus, a representative of NextTech Wireless, told the commission the firm had completed FAA, FCC and environmental reports for the site. “This site...is at a higher location and stuff, and it's gonna get us, you know, higher coverage on that to get further out,” Remus said, describing the selected location as set back from the road in a pasture.

A nearby resident, Travis Godfrey, asked for clarification of the tower’s exact location; Remus and staff pointed to the northeast corner of the pasture and described the compound as typically a 30-by-30 to 40-by-40 fenced area within the leased 100-by-100-foot parcel. Commissioners added a condition requiring a six-foot chain-link fence around the base of the tower for security.

The commission moved and seconded approval with staff conditions plus the fence requirement. The chair announced the motion carried.

The approval is subject to completion of the county commercial permit review and submission of FAA and FCC approvals before a building permit will be issued.","The commission approved a conditional use permit for a 250-foot self-supporting telecommunications tower proposed by NextTech Wireless, requiring FAA/FCC approvals, completion of commercial permit review and a six-foot chain-link fence around the tower base.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":103,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6485289,"Planning commission approves private bed-and-breakfast tied to Salina Country Club",503,522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282&start=522&end=1025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5444946-465e1a1444737ced638138349bbbe282/thumbnail_522000.jpg","/articles/6485289/Saline-County/Kansas/Planning-commission-approves-private-bed-and-breakfast-tied-to-Salina-Country-Club","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6485289-d574bb938d73a120f8d01eaca6bf6f30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152739&Signature=BsdCNBQEqOmxdYJkZHVzZbGq8TAqxqu1I0ff4mQ42l9tHiRvoFNzVpn5uHfjT9gMWk2NIdTM9R2NT3-xjI7H1AfIMVSPeM5GhHpnVV2p43Q~OOHRyQWTfttndAFiVpoxrU5VKfqUqf1kB9PoO5am~0rlUEjmZaSi2n-WjkFyb2Zh0OvYG-XcoiEWJPxvlsFbdqRjVYcgHkh0eAuIjgM54~IX5UyA2teQD1EHpsewsqj~Q090NX9hB7uWyt95hv4QFfu5-IY1eX~u8TztcnIVdWtAmDPFJ~fNBZc6gtQgcN0a9Mqe-CJ3hjbkf1Tf~C62PyamRriZU3qcSdUJvG2Nkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 approved a conditional use permit for a private bed-and-breakfast proposed by Dream Team LLC to serve members of the Celina Country Club.

County staff told the commission the proposal would keep the property residential in character while allowing small-scale dining and overnight lodging for club members. Staff recommended approval with conditions including completion of a commercial permit review and environmental services sign-off for any septic system.

Tim, county planning staff, told commissioners the property would remain residential in nature and that “All food brought in will be prepared at the country club and brought to this location.” He also said no structures are located within the 100-year flood plain on the parcel and that no public comments had been received as of the report’s cutoff.

Heather True, a representative of JRI working with the Celina Country Club, described operations as appointment-based and limited to members. “It is our expectation that these locations will be used for special occasions of small parties looking for a fine dining experience,” True said, adding that dinners would average “right around a dozen” guests and that guests could be transported from the club to the site.

Commissioners made and seconded a motion to approve the permit with the staff conditions. After the vote, the chair announced, “Motion carries.”

The permit approval is conditional on the applicant completing the county’s commercial permit review to verify compliance with adopted codes, and on environmental services approving any septic system if applicable. The county staff noted that if the facility were opened to the general public rather than limited to members, additional ADA and commercial kitchen requirements would apply.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript; the motion was announced as carried.","The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a limited-scale, members-only bed-and-breakfast proposed by Dream Team LLC to serve Celina Country Club, subject to commercial permit review and environmental checks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission tells county to rely on NFPA standards, not a half‑mile blanket setback for battery storage

Commission conditionally approves new East Waterwell Road event venue; neighbors voice traffic and noise concerns

Second NextTech tower OK’d near Southeast Saline School; commissioners ask for coverage maps

Commission approves 250-foot NextTech wireless tower with fence condition

Planning commission approves private bed-and-breakfast tied to Salina Country Club