The Park City Council on Aug. 26 voted to uphold the planning commission’s 5–1 denial of the North Park Industrial second edition final plat, sustaining the denial by a 7–2 council vote.

Staff and the planning commission recommended denial because the proposed plat relies on a private access easement rather than abutting a public right of way, which conflicts with the city’s subdivision regulations and raises concerns about emergency access and long‑term maintenance. Russ Avey, subdivision administrator, told the council that the parcel has private access provided by Sedgwick County and that the applicant’s proposed configuration does not meet the city standard that subdivided lots must adjoin public right of way.

The applicant argued the property is not landlocked under state law and that a deed restriction limiting development intensity until public streets are extended would address the planning commission’s concerns. The applicant’s attorney said the property has a 40‑foot access easement and that a deed restriction or restrictive covenant could prevent intensive industrial uses from occurring until public streets were extended.

Council discussion centered on whether the planning commission’s decision was reasonable. Staff advised that Sedgwick County and the Sedgwick County Fire Department consider the existing private access inadequate for industrial development and that the subdivision regulations exist to ensure orderly layout and public safety access. After discussion, Councilmember Jim Schroeder moved to uphold the planning commission’s denial and asked the city attorney to prepare an order with supporting findings to be returned to council for final approval; the motion carried 7–2.

Council members noted the avenue remains for the applicant to address the access issue — for example by acquiring additional right‑of‑way from neighboring property owners or by submitting conditions acceptable to the planning commission and the city — and then resubmitting the plat. The applicant said they could prepare deed restriction language and return to the planning commission if the council directed that step.