Commissioners approve three conditional use permits, including two quarries and a short-term rental

The Wabaunsee County Commission on June 8 approved four conditional use permit resolutions authorizing quarry operations and a short-term rental, voting 3-0 on each motion.

Zoning Administrator Josh Falk presented the applications and recommended approval. The board adopted Resolution 2026-21 (CUP #728) for a ledge rock quarry filed by Higgins Stone agent for Ink Age Farms, LLC; Resolution 2026-22 (CUP #725) for a short-term rental at 14132 Allen Rd; Resolution 2026-23 (CUP #754) for a rock quarry filed by agent Brandon Crowell for landowner Phil Ginter; and Resolution 2026-24 (CUP #755) renewing a dimensional limestone quarry operated by Sunset Stone Co. Each motion passed after a mover and second: “Motion carried 3-0.”

Brandon Crowell described finding a ledge while excavating for a pond and confirmed the landowner's interest in excavation. Sunset Stone Co.'s operator Nic Carmello said the quarry operations create local jobs and commerce, and that the company tracks truck movements and enforces driver accountability; Falk noted he was able to verify quarry truck records when a complaint arose. Carmello also explained revenue benefits to landowners and the county, including higher commercial property tax rates on open quarry acres and royalties to landowners. "This operator does a good job holding their truck drivers accountable," Falk said when summarizing his review of records.

Commissioners placed a conditions emphasis on haul routes, operating hours and reclamation. For the Sunset Stone renewal, the operator asked that haul-route restrictions be limited to 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. while allowing longer seasonal onsite hours; the board adopted the renewal as presented. The board did not request additional mitigation beyond the reclamation commitments presented by applicants.

The approvals were recorded on the meeting minutes and will be reflected in the county’s permit records.