Planning commission recommends denial of rodeo event venue near Shawnee Heights

The Shawnee County Planning Commission on April 14 voted 5-0 to recommend denial of conditional-use permit CU 2404, which sought authorization for a rodeo event venue on property zoned RA-1 (Rural Agriculture) at 6320 Southeast 40 Fifth Street in Tecumseh Township.

Planning staff recommended denial after concluding the application did not satisfy the legal standards the commission must consider. Harim, the planner who prepared the staff report, told commissioners: "Planning staff finds that not all concerns have been addressed, such as, 1, the traffic study... 2, the noise control... 3, landscaping... 4, security measures... 5, emergency services. And 6, emergency response plan." The commission’s motion to deny was made by Commissioner Chad Gearhart and seconded by Commissioner Dan Bridal; the roll call vote was 5-0 in favor of the recommendation to deny.

The commission record shows the proposal has been under review since June 10, 2023, with prior public hearings and multiple continuances. Staff said the applicant submitted…