Shawnee planning commission approves Saint Joseph sports‑field lighting with 11 p.m. cutoff

The Shawnee Planning Commission voted Oct. 6 to approve special use permit SUP‑25‑04 to allow Saint Joseph Catholic Church, at 11525 Johnson Drive, to replace existing stadium lighting and install four 60‑foot LED poles at its sports field.

Staff presented a photometric plan showing a maximum of 0.4 foot‑candles along the south property line adjacent to single‑family homes, under the Shawnee municipal code limit of 0.5 foot‑candles. Staff recommended approval subject to three conditions: (1) fixtures be shielded and output not exceed 0.5 foot‑candles at the neighboring property line; (2) stadium lights be turned off no later than 11 p.m.; and (3) the special use permit be reviewed after one year.

Father Scott Wallisch, representing Saint Joseph Catholic Church, told the commission the applicant agreed with staff’s recommendation. Architect Alec McKay described the proposed poles and foundations: “The Musco Lighting poles have a concrete base that are then put it’s a precast structure that’s put into the ground, and then the metal pole is sleeved over top,” McKay said, adding the applicant was not concerned about deterioration with the proposed design.

Commissioners discussed safety of the existing wooden poles, enforcement and the appropriate hours for the lights. Commissioner Hollick, who said he coached on the field, asked whether the existing poles presented a safety risk; staff said no safety complaints had been received and deferred foundation/engineering specifics to the applicant. Commissioner Peterson noted the staff‑recommended 10 p.m. cutoff was arbitrary pending the applicant’s schedule and advocated for consistency with other local facilities; several commissioners favored a firm 11 p.m. cutoff with the one‑year review available to revisit hours.

Residents raised concerns at the public hearing. Jim Berry told the commission the lights had remained on “all night” on a recent occasion and urged a permanent 11 p.m. requirement. A public commenter suggested installing a timer; commissioners and staff noted modern LED systems often allow remote or timed control and that the one‑year review would permit adjustments if issues arose.

Commissioner Peterson moved to approve SUP‑25‑04 “with the following conditions: number 1, as stated, that not to exceed 0.5 foot candles at the property lines; number 2, the stadium field light shall be turned off no later than 11PM; and number 3, that we will review this special use permit in 1 year based on performance.” Commissioner Aber seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

The approval allows Saint Joseph Catholic Church to remove eight 38‑foot poles and install four 60‑foot LED poles, subject to the conditions above. The city council will consider the matter on a tentative date of Oct. 27 as part of its review of the planning commission recommendation.