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Harvey County denies Pete’s Puddle permit to host public events amid ongoing floodplain, septic and permitting concerns
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners denied Pete’s Puddle’s conditional use permit to host events after planning staff reported unresolved floodplain, septic and permit violations and continuing new construction without required approvals.
The Harvey County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a conditional use permit request from Pete’s Puddle to host public events, citing unresolved floodplain and permitting violations and ongoing, unpermitted construction on the property.
Planning staff told the board that the property — originally a seasonal campground, later converted to a fish farm and now functioning as a campground and events venue — is in the floodplain and several structures lack building permits, elevation certificates and floodplain permits. Karen Rote, Harvey County planning and zoning staff, told commissioners the property had unpermitted construction, bank stabilization work and a fence in the right of way, and that staff recommended denial because the property owner “has shown they’re not going to comply with the county’s requirements.”
The recommendation followed a May site visit described by Rote, who said a stop‑work order was issued for events pending compliance and that state permits might be required for floodplain work. Rote told the commission staff had not provided an elevation certificate showing living units are built at least one foot above base flood elevation and said “floodplain violations are serious violations for all of Harvey County.” She warned that failure to enforce floodplain regulations could put the county at risk of suspension from the National Flood Insurance Program.
At the meeting, Chad Anderson, who identified himself as an owner/operator of Pete’s Puddle, disputed several of Rote’s findings and said he and his contractors were working with state agencies. Anderson said the building the county cited had “just been unloaded off of a truck two days prior” and was not yet set or occupied, and he described efforts to test potable water and to meet state water requirements: “Our water came back tested absolutely great. We’re working with KMU. We’re working with the state right now currently.” Anderson also said some neighbors are members of Pete’s Puddle and that the venue draws visitors and sales tax revenue into the county.
Commissioners debated the balance between the venue’s economic role and the county’s responsibility for public safety and code enforcement. One commissioner noted the difficulty of enforcing state approvals the owner still awaited, but said public safety requirements for water, sanitation and floodplain compliance still must be met before large public events could be allowed.
Commissioner motioned to deny the conditional use permit for events (CUP 24‑06) “due to lack of compliance and ongoing new violations.” The motion carried by voice vote; all present voted in favor.
The commission’s action denies Pete’s Puddle the requested permission to host events at this time. Commissioners and county staff said they welcome the property owner to return after the state and county permitting steps are completed and compliance is demonstrated.
The county asked staff to schedule follow‑up and possible executive‑session discussion with legal counsel about next steps. Anderson and other speakers at the meeting urged the board to consider the venue’s economic impact while requiring compliance.
The denial applies specifically to hosting events; the commission’s action did not order closure of the property but left enforcement and any future approvals contingent on meeting county and state floodplain, building and public‑health requirements.
