Planning commission approves rezoning for three Dayton Township lots, limits homes and outbuildings

The Lincoln County Planning Commission voted to approve a change of zone for three undeveloped parcels near 273rd Street and 479th Avenue in Dayton Township, moving the land from mixed RC Recreation/Conservation and A‑1 Agricultural zoning into a Planned Development district that restricts future uses.

Toby Brown, county planning staff, told the commission the request is consistent with both the City of Harrisburg’s and Lincoln County’s comprehensive plans and recommended approval with plan‑development stipulations that limit each lot to one single‑family dwelling, require a minimum 2,000 square‑foot first floor, and cap accessory buildings at 2,400 square feet. Brown said staff held two neighborhood meetings and coordinated with Harrisburg staff and Dayton Township on access and platting. “Staff does recommend approval of this change of zone, with the stipulation of the plan development regulations that were listed under the recommendation,” he said.

Beau Copel, representing applicant Rob Kurtenbach (who was not present), said covenants and restrictions — about 13 pages — will be recorded with the lots and will require owner approval of site plans; he said owners will have 12 months to build and that the covenants prohibit future subdivision without written consent. “He will be putting [the covenants] recorded onto the properties once this is completed,” Copel said.

Commissioners questioned whether rezoning small parcels inside a planned growth area could increase long‑term demands on county services. Commissioner Scott Green said, “I just don’t wanna open Pandora’s box for the county,” expressing concern about setting a precedent for more rural development. Brown replied the application was limited to the three lots identified in Harrisburg’s plan, that the PD rules are intended to arrange utilities for future city connections, and that staff will look into tools such as impact fees to address development costs.

After discussion, Commissioner Boots moved to approve the rezoning with the stipulations in the staff report; Commissioner Sweeter seconded. The roll call recorded yes votes from Commissioners Green, Boots and Sweeter and a final yes from Commissioner John Link; Betty Otten, serving as the Lincoln County Commission representative, abstained. The motion passed (yes 4, abstain 1).

The commission’s approval restricts the parcels to residential development under the submitted PD regulations; commercial uses, agricultural uses that conflict with the PD restrictions, and future subdivision will be prohibited unless the commission and board consider a major amendment through additional public hearings. The commission also noted the city of Harrisburg reviewed and supported the proposal.

Next procedural step: staff will forward the rezoning recommendation and the record to the Board of Commissioners for any required further hearings per county procedure.