Planning commission approves cabinet‑making shop with KDHE, environmental conditions

The Dickinson County Planning Commission approved CUP 26‑07, a conditional‑use permit for a cabinet‑making shop, but added multiple conditions and documentation requirements to address generator noise, diesel storage, well proximity and hazardous byproducts.

Staff described the property as roughly 154 acres in a rural, lower‑density zone and said the applicant intends to run operations indoors; the applicant is represented at the meeting by Levi (identified in staff comments as the applicant’s representative). During public comment and board questioning, residents and commissioners raised concerns about diesel generator noise and placement, proximity of the well to fuel storage, disposal of sawdust and varnish fumes, and whether KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) had been consulted.

One attendee summarized typical generator noise ranges, and another longtime local worker noted industrial operations often require PPE and would typically operate backup generators rather than run continuously. Staff and commissioners discussed the lack of explicit county noise‑decibel standards and the role of KDHE and environmental services in approving fuel containment and septic/well setbacks.

After deliberations about whether to table the item to gather additional documentation, a commissioner moved and a colleague seconded to approve CUP 26‑07 with written conditions. The motion requires KDHE/environmental services approval of generator exhaust and sound levels, confirmation of diesel‑storage containment and well proximity compliance, a hazardous‑waste plan addressing varnish and industrial fumes, a waste‑disposal plan for byproducts (sawdust), Hays Township approval, and a requirement that any physical expansion trigger a new CUP. The motion passed by voice vote.

Staff said building permits and occupancy cannot proceed until the specified environmental and township clearances are submitted and accepted.