Harvey County rescinds denial, approves conditional use permit for Pete's Puddle

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners on June 3 rescinded a prior denial and approved Conditional Use Permit CUP24-06 for the event site known as Pete's Puddle, and adopted Resolution 2025-16 formalizing that approval.

County planning staff told commissioners that the applicant had supplied signed neighbor notifications, an emergency plan, a map of roads and alternate water provision, potable water samples, portable restrooms and hand‑washing stations, trash and traffic control plans, and that the on‑site sewer system was in compliance. Staff also reported that the township had no objection to a fence in the right of way and that the applicant had complied with a county stop‑work order by postponing a concert.

Karen (planning staff) said some items remained in progress, including RV site construction permits and certain state permits tied to floodplain work, but that the county's conditions tied to the CUP application had been met. Applicant Ronald Anderson said he had retained a certified engineer and had ``two pallets of water'' on site with plans to obtain more as needed; he told commissioners he had postponed activities while addressing the county's concerns.

Commissioners discussed whether to reopen public comment and noted neighbors had been notified and opportunities to speak at county meetings remain available. County counsel Brad Jantz advised the commission it could reconsider the prior denial based on changed circumstances and that, even if approved, the commission retains authority to suspend or revoke a conditional use permit if problems arise later.

The board first adopted a motion to reconsider and rescind the prior denial, then moved to approve CUP24-06 with the conditions as described by staff. The motions passed; the board then approved Resolution 2025-16 to memorialize the action. The commission directed staff to prepare the resolution text and the CUP documentation for signatures.

Next steps identified during the meeting included finalizing outstanding building and RV permits, continuing coordination with the Kansas state agencies for floodplain approvals, and ensuring first responders and the sheriff had updated event schedules and contact lists. Commissioners stated they expected to monitor compliance and noted the county retains authority to revisit the permit if neighbors register complaints or if conditions lapse.

The applicant and staff were instructed to provide any remaining documentation to the county and bring the signed resolution and CUP copies back for execution.