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Commission adds low-impact lighting condition to Kaw Valley Electric expansion approval
Summary
The planning commission approved a major amendment to Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative’s conditional use permit to expand a yard and build warehouse/office space near SW Auburn Road, adding a requirement for low-impact lighting; the vote was 5–1 and will go to the county commission on Aug. 13.
The Shawnee County Planning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend approval of a major amendment (CU969Gs) that would expand the boundaries of Kaw Valley Electric Cooperative’s existing conditional use permit to allow a warehouse, office and expanded storage yard at 1100 Southwest Auburn Road.
Staff described the site as roughly 59.01 acres in Mission Township and said proposed development on Lot 1 could include up to 30,000 square feet of warehouse space and up to 10,000 square feet of office space. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including a requirement that the applicant coordinate with AT&T to confirm the exact locations of buried copper and fiber lines on the property prior to construction.
Applicant representative John Ladson of United Engineering Group said the expanded lot is intended for cooperative-related materials and storage used by Kaw Valley and its contractors rather than general retail tenants. Adjacent homeowner Todd Olsaker spoke in opposition, citing existing bright lighting at the facility and potential light pollution for nearby residences; he also expressed concern about visible towers.
Commissioners debated whether to rely on the applicant’s stated intent or to add an enforceable lighting standard. A commissioner moved to add a condition requiring "low-impact lighting"; the motion was seconded. After brief discussion about whether to define the term more precisely, the commission approved the project by a 5–1 vote and will forward the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 13.
The commission and staff also discussed the scope of permitted uses under a special-use approval, stating that the existing CUP authorizes a "public use facility" for an electrical cooperative and is not identical to unrestricted C2 commercial zoning. Staff and the applicant said the proposed use on Lot 1 is intended to serve the cooperative’s operations and contractor needs, and the applicant said it would explore lower-impact lighting options for security.
The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of County Commissioners will take final action at its Aug. 13 meeting.
