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McPherson County denies special‑use request for dirt racetrack after neighbor complaints
Summary
The McPherson County Board of Commissioners denied a special‑use permit for a proposed dirt racetrack (resolution 2024‑14) after hearing neighbor concerns about traffic, noise and alleged threats; the planning board had recommended denial 7–1.
The McPherson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 30 to deny a special‑use permit for a proposed dirt racetrack, adopting resolution 2024‑14 and upholding the planning board’s recommendation.
The hearing centered on case SU24‑0102, requested by Miss Barta to convert a private family track into a venue for public events. County staff reported the planning board disapproved the request by a 7–1 vote and noted three noise complaints filed with the sheriff’s office. The administrator also confirmed public notice procedures were met.
Neighbors testified at the hearing. Tammy Schrop, who identified her address as 1723 Overland Road, said traffic had increased and described a near‑miss involving a truck and trailer. She said she saw a Facebook post indicating $20 admission for an event and alleged hostility and threats by a person she named as Josh, adding she was worried for her son with a disability if events continued.
The applicant, Miss Barta, told the board she had submitted additional documentation and said she believed she had received a fair hearing. In response to board questions, she said the track was built within the last year, that work had been largely self‑performed and that she had not collected admission fees for the recent gathering (she said people had donated toward the work).
Zoning staff clarified that private, family‑only use of land is not regulated by the county; the special‑use request sought explicit permission to commercialize the track for public events — a use that would be regulated.
After deliberation, a commissioner moved to adopt the planning board’s findings and recommend nonapproval. The motion carried on roll call: Chairman Becker — Aye; Commissioner Keizer — Aye; Commissioner Dowling — Aye. The county clerk will certify the resolution and file it with the register of deeds; the applicant has 30 days from the hearing to appeal to district court.
The board’s action leaves the property limited to uses allowed without a special permit; any future attempt to host public, revenue‑generating events would require a new application and review.
