Harvey County denies Pete’s Puddle events permit amid unpermitted construction and floodplain concerns

Harvey County commissioners voted unanimously May 27 to deny Conditional Use Permit CUP24-06 for Pete’s Puddle, citing persistent noncompliance with county and floodplain rules and evidence of unpermitted construction on the property.

Planning, Zoning & Environmental Director Karen Rothe told the commission staff had repeatedly identified unresolved items — including a newly delivered structure without permits, potential unpermitted septic work, bank stabilization performed without floodplain authorization, and a fence placed in county right-of-way. Rothe said staff had issued a stop-work order but events on the site were nonetheless being advertised and scheduled.

Applicants Shad and Ronald Anderson told commissioners they were working on required items and said "events at their location will bring dollars into the county so the commission should work with them toward success of their operation." Rothe responded by listing outstanding items staff found on repeated inspections and recommended denial. Commissioner Terry Scott moved to deny the CUP; Becky Reimer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

County staff also recommended consulting legal counsel; the board agreed to schedule an executive session to review options. The denial does not itself impose criminal penalties but allows staff and counsel to pursue enforcement, reporting and remediation steps consistent with county code and state floodplain regulations.

What’s next: county staff said they would pursue follow-up enforcement and a separate meeting with legal counsel to determine next steps and timelines for compliance or further enforcement action.