Douglas County approves one-year extension and funding agreement for Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project

Douglas County commissioners on March 11 approved a one-year extension for a conditional use permit for the Kansas Sky Energy Center solar project and separately approved a funding agreement that lets the county recover third-party inspection costs tied to the permit’s conditions.

Planning manager Becky Pepper told the board the original approval was adopted May 22, 2024, and county code requires implementation or a building permit within two years or the permit expires. Staff received a timely extension request on Dec. 23, 2025, and recommended setting a new expiration date of May 22, 2027. “Staff does recommend approval of the approval extension request,” Pepper said.

Commissioners asked how the board’s action would interact with an ongoing court order; legal counsel said the judge’s order prevents the applicant from entering the property and making…