Harvey County panel recommends approval of Pete's Puddle event permit with strict conditions

The Harvey County Planning & Zoning Advisory Board/Board of Zoning Appeals voted to recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP24-06 for Pete’s Puddle, a private event venue at 4801 N. Willow Lake Road, subject to a package of conditions addressing traffic, sanitation, emergency planning and permitting.

The motion to approve was made by Daryl Regier and seconded by Steven Drzymalla; the commission approved the recommendation 8–1, with Planning Commissioner Tessa Wendling the lone dissent. Planning & Zoning Director Karen Rothe told the commission she had received citizen calls about building without permits and had contacted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) about potable water and sewage compliance; she also said, “There have been no formal citizen complaints about the festival after the event and no issues reported from 911 Communications or the Sheriff’s department.”

Under the recommended conditions, the applicant must provide an emergency plan suitable for severe weather, wildfire and other emergencies; portable restrooms and handwashing stations at events; notification to emergency responders, the sheriff and neighboring properties at least two weeks before public events; and proof of KDHE compliance for water and wastewater systems before the permit is finalized. The permit also includes rules to keep driveways and shared easements passable for residents and emergency vehicles and a prohibition on parking in right-of-way or on neighboring properties without written agreement.

Commissioners also required that the applicant obtain an occupancy limit from the Fire Marshall and make that the maximum allowed for any buildings or public events. Applicant Shad Anderson told the commission he estimated regular crowds of roughly 300 people and said the site could handle up to 900 with parking; he also noted discussions about hosting a Dam Jam event that could add “500 to 600 or more” attendees. The commission placed responsibility on the applicant to arrange adequate parking, provide traffic control if needed, clean up event-related trash within 24 hours, and assist with roadway repair costs if events damage township roads.

In her dissent, Commissioner Tessa Wendling said the application lacked a complete site plan, measurable conditions and adequate evidence that unlimited-sized events could be held without endangering public safety. She argued that evacuation and access planning should be provided before granting a conditional use. “It was clear from the comments the access road is limited to a single road and is not in a state of good repair,” Wendling said, adding that the applicant’s poor relationship with the township and informal parking arrangements weakened confidence in the conditions’ enforceability.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation makes clear that the CUP will not be finalized until all required permits, KDHE approvals and documentation requested by staff are provided. The Zoning Director noted the commission retains authority to review the CUP if conditions are violated.