Planning board backs rezoning of Piping Technology site to M‑1 for industrial expansion

The McPherson County Planning Board recommended approval of a zoning amendment to reclassify property owned by Piping Technology from A‑2 agricultural to M‑1 light industrial, covering the acreage discussed in ZA‑26‑6‑0103. Board member Glenda Taylor moved to recommend rezoning the parcel to M‑1 for the whole 100 acres; the motion was seconded and passed, and the case will be sent to the governing body for consideration on June 1, 2026.

Public commenters, including nearby farmers, told the board they were concerned about stormwater runoff, loss of productive farmland and the potential for industrial encroachment outside designated growth areas. One resident summarized those concerns as: “the proposed expansion into the adjacent agricultural zone is inconsistent with the purpose of agricultural zoning and would create an incompatible industrial encroachment.” Staff and the applicant said any future industrial operations would require separate building and sanitation permits and that stormwater and drainage plans would be required before construction.

Applicant representatives said the near‑term intent was limited — acquiring ground and retaining flexibility to develop 20–30 acres, not an immediate full build‑out. The planning board’s recommendation includes staff findings; the chair reminded the public that protest petitions properly signed may affect the governing‑body vote threshold.