The Leavenworth County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of an updated special-use permit for Countryside Chalet, a wedding and event venue at 12751 206th Street (case DEV-25-124).

Planning staff summarized that the venue has operated under an SUP since 2017 and the current owners acquired the property in 2022. The request would amend the existing SUP to increase the annual event cap from 40 to 80 (specifically, 60 weddings and 20 additional events). Staff said the occupancy cap of 200 would remain unchanged and the Public Works Department concluded that because occupancy and typical guest counts are not increasing, a new traffic study was not required; staff reported an average of about 125 guests per event.

Staff also noted the applicants intend to apply for a state liquor license (they anticipated applying in Q4 2026) and that the SUP would need to be amended if the venue wishes to sell alcohol. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions in the staff report; staff pointed out a duplicate insurance condition in the draft and clarified only one $1,000,000 liability insurance requirement is needed. The property owner, who identified himself as Greg, addressed commissioners and explained operations, security staffing and that outside security is contracted for events.

During public hearing questions, commissioners probed the SUP term (staff explained the tiering system, and recommended a term up to 10 years for this type 3 business, though the commission may set a different term). After discussion and edits to conditions, a commissioner moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners; the motion was seconded and passed 7-0. The BOCC will consider the request no earlier than Feb. 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Leavenworth County Courthouse.

The commission's conditions include retaining the 200-person occupancy cap, clarifying insurance language, and continuing privacy/security-related conditions carried over from the 2017 approval.