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Commission expands county zoning to allow observatories and other passive recreational uses
Summary
Lancaster County commissioners approved text amendment 260007 to add passive/observational activities (including observatories and telescopes) to the definition of recreational facilities and to permit special-permit area/yard reductions; Branched Oak Observatory will seek a site-specific special permit addressing parking, lighting and traffic.
The Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 6-0 (one recusal) on June 10 to approve text amendment 260007, which amends county zoning regulations to include passive recreational activities — such as stargazing, birdwatching and observatories — in the definition of recreational facilities and allows the planning commission to modify area and yard requirements for recreational facilities on a case-by-case special-permit basis.
Planner George Wesselhoff said the amendment was requested by the Branched Oak Observatory after county staff identified that the observatory's existing activities were not expressly permitted under the AG zoning definitions. The change will allow observatories and similar low-intensity passive recreational uses to apply for a special permit; site-specific questions about event frequency, parking capacity, lighting plans and traffic impacts would be addressed during the subsequent special-permit review.
Ann Post, counsel for Branched Oak Observatory, said the organization was proactive in contacting staff once the use discrepancy was discovered and that the observatory hosts public events, monthly programs, and occasional large events. Matt Anderson (co-founder and executive director) and supporters described educational and community benefits, saying aurora-related events have drawn large crowds — the group cited a May 2024 aurora event that community materials say hosted approximately 1,300 attendees on its first night.
Some nearby residents supported the amendment as an opportunity for public education. Others, including Karen Bludgic, expressed safety concerns about a nearby intersection (referred to in testimony as a high-crash location) and urged that any expanded event activity be conditioned on traffic analysis and permit limits. County engineering staff confirmed the corner has a history of accidents and said traffic impacts and the gravel access will be reviewed during a special-permit application.
Commissioners said the amendment provides a narrow and appropriate framework for the observatory and for similar passive recreational uses while preserving the special-permit process to address safety, parking and event-frequency issues. With one commissioner recused for a conflict of interest, the commission approved the amendment 6-0.
