McPherson County imposes moratorium on new approach applications while it tightens permitting standards

The McPherson County Commission on voice vote approved a temporary moratorium on any new highway approach applications as staff and the board develop clearer written standards and enforcement procedures.

The action followed a lengthy discussion led by highway staff about multiple new and expanded approaches that exceeded the county’s permit dimensions and in some cases covered or altered culverts. Highway staff said these noncompliant approaches create potential drainage problems and public‑safety risks. Glenn, the county highway representative, characterized the problem as both operational and procedural: “It’s a public safety issue and it needs to be fixed as quickly as possible,” he said while describing several locations where backfill and slope work did not meet specifications.

Commissioners and landowners debated whether larger approaches are sometimes justified for modern farm machinery and whether the county should create a defined “oversized approach” permit with different fees and conditions. Board members suggested possible rules such as limiting the number of oversized approaches per half‑mile or per property, requiring preapproval with highway superintendent input, and making property owners responsible for culvert costs and approach grading.

To buy time for a comprehensive set of standards and a consistent enforcement approach, the board moved, seconded and approved a moratorium on new applications until the county can adopt clearer zoning/permitting language. Commissioners asked staff to return a proposed ordinance amendment and a recommended enforcement timeline for addressing existing noncompliant approaches.