Changes to conditional use permits put on hold

    The Chase County Commissioners held two public hearings at their regular meeting Feb. 25.
    The hearing concerning extensions for conditional use permits (CUP) took the most time. The county zoning board sent an update to the commissioners that lays out the guidelines for CUP extensions.
    Current guidelines say if there has been no action on a CUP a year after it was approved, the permit will become invalid. The commissioners have approved two extensions in the last year.
    The proposed change lists what would need to be done to receive an extension, specifically 51% of the total monetary projection for the project being spent and at least 51% of the actual physical construction completed. Only one extension will be permitted.
    Bart Stromberger was on hand to discuss the issue with the board.
    Stromberger expressed concern that 51% of a project was too vague a way to determine progress.
    The commissioners said plans could be listed in phases with dates attached to each phase. Only 51% of phase one would need to be completed to be considered for an extension.
    For projects involving livestock facilities, Stromberger suggested 25% of the animal units for the entire project be on-site within the first year.
    The commissioners decided to send the matter back to the zoning and planning committee and invited Stromberger to share his concerns with them.
    A public hearing was also held for permissive exemptions. Several members of the public were on hand, but there were no comments as all exemptions were approved.
    Assessor Dotty Bartels said she could see two exemptions being questioned by the State of Nebraska at some point down the road. The first she pointed out was Wauneta’s Chateau Theater being run by what used to be known as the Wauneta Commercial Club, and is now the Wauneta Chamber. The second one was the Chase County Community Hospital’s Wauneta Medical Clinic building, which is rented.
    Bartels also said her office has been installing the state required soil conversions. Although ag values have been declining in the county, she said some people will see their land go up due to the changes.
    Tuesday next week is the next commissioner meeting, starting at 8 a.m. in the Chase County Courthouse.