McPherson planning board recommends special use for 'Katie Bridal' event center with modified conditions

The McPherson County Planning Board on Monday recommended approval of a special‑use permit for an event center proposed as “Katie Bridal,” forwarding the case to the governing body with modified conditions. Glenda Taylor moved to “modify the conditions by striking number 4 and changing number 5 the time from 12 midnight to 1AM,” and the board approved the motion and recommendation.

The application covers an approximately 10‑acre portion of a larger parcel with plans for an event center, on‑site lagoon wastewater systems and a private well; the applicant also intends to plant pine trees on the remaining acreage for a Christmas‑tree operation (roughly a 60‑day seasonal sale). Neighbors and board members questioned traffic, lighting and whether the special use should precede subdivision approval; the board discussed tailoring conditions rather than micromanaging event operations.

Neighbors asked that exterior lighting be shielded downward and raised concerns about traffic on county roads; staff said the proposed wastewater plan would need to comply with county sanitation codes before building permits are issued. The planning board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the governing body for consideration at its June 1, 2026 meeting; the chair noted that properly signed protest petitions may be filed with the county clerk within 14 days and, if petitions representing 20% or more of the notified area are submitted, a supermajority vote would be required to pass the change.