Planning board recommends denial of rezoning for 8-lot proposal amid water and road concerns

Butler County Planning & Zoning recommended denial of RC 24-21, a rezoning request to change roughly 39 acres at 6246 Southwest Diamond Road from AG 40 to RR that would allow an eight-lot preliminary plat. Staff described the property as in the urban growth area and said lots would generally be about 5 acres; staff also warned that water-line extensions and county engineer review for drainage and road access would be required.

"Staff is willing to make a positive recommendation at this time," said Lisonbee (speaker 3), summarizing the staff position. After the staff presentation and extended public comment, a board member moved to recommend denial based on the evidence heard; the motion passed 6–1. The chair said the recommendation and case will go to the county commissioners on September 24 at 09:00 for a final decision.

Residents who spoke at the hearing urged caution, focusing on where the developer would route a rural water line, who would bear the cost for service to existing homes and the condition of nearby roads and bridges. Terry Reebel (speaker 9) told the board the existing water line stops at 70th and asked whether residents would be forced to pay for extensions. "They told me it would cost me $60,000 to get from 70th just to my house and then another 25,000 hook from in front of my house to my house," Reebel said.

Applicant representative Sean Reed (speaker 8) said the owner is willing to extend the water main and construct an interior road if required, and that the applicant had discussed line relocation with Rural Water District No. 5. Reed told the board the work likely would involve moving a 4–6 inch main and that the owner was willing to make that extension. Board members stressed that rezoning is only one step; preliminary and final platting with county-engineer review will determine the technical feasibility and any required improvements.