Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs rezoning near Metro Avenue; residents warn against splitting farmland
Summary
The Leavenworth County Planning Commission voted 8‑0 to recommend rezoning three parcels near Metro Avenue from RR‑5 to RR‑2.5; staff said lack of water and sewer makes higher densities unlikely, while nearby residents urged preserving farmland.
The Leavenworth County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a rezoning from RR‑5 to RR‑2.5 for three parcels near Metro Avenue in a decision that will go to the Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 29, 2025.
Planning staff described the request as an estate‑planning rezoning covering three parcels, including one parcel adjacent to I‑70. “Because there is not sufficient, water and public sanitary sewer to this site, it is probably very unreasonable or unlikely that they could develop RR 2.5 zoning request as that better meets the physical constraints of that property,” planning staff said during the public hearing.
Staff’s analysis noted the northern two parcels fall on the future land‑use map at a density equivalent to three units per acre, so the application does not fully conform to the comprehensive plan. Planning staff told the commission the lack of infrastructure (water and sewer) means the higher density is unlikely in the near term and that rezoning can be an estate‑planning measure to preserve options for the future.
Resident Kelly Owsley, 18900 Hemphill, opposed broader subdivision of farm ground and said she did not want to see larger tracts split into multiple 2.5‑acre parcels. “I would not like to see that,” Owsley said. Another resident who identified herself as Rebecca asked whether rezoning would allow immediate denser development; planning staff replied that rezoning to 2.5 does not itself enable three units per acre without utilities and that, in the absence of public water, a private well would require a minimum five‑acre parcel.
The commission found the rezoning complies with the factors it considers and moved to recommend approval. The roll call vote was recorded as 8‑0 in favor (Marcus Major, Andrew Gribble, Robert Owens, Steve [surname inaudible], Doug Tyson, William [surname variants], Jaden Bailey and Joshua Zinger). Per staff, the Board of County Commissioners will consider the rezoning no earlier than Oct. 29, 2025.
