The summary provides a list of the top issues that citizens should be aware of. The issues presented are those that are focused on development, growth and/or which may affect property owners. If you are aware of other issues that should be included, please send us a note through the contact page.
The Priorities for Progress initiative is studying potential transportation projects in an effort to prioritize, select and apply for grants to help with funding. Open houses were held in November and there is also an option to provide online input through November 23. The potential projects are scattered throughout the county with some being major roadways and others being improvements to existing roads. Consideration will be given to pedestrian, bicycle and other modes of transportation. Citizens are encouraged to provide input. Watch for survey and focus group opportunities.
The BOCC approved changes to eliminate time limits on special use permits on 3/30/2022. Special use permits are required when someone wants to operate a business that does not comply with the Table of Uses in the Zoning Regulations. SUPs go through a Planning Commission review including conditions recommended by the Planning Department. Once the P/Z makes a recommendation to approve or deny, the SUP goes to the BOCC for a vote. There is now a category for temporary permits for short term needs as well as an annual review process. The changes save time for staff, Planning & Zoning and the citizens. Changes to provide a tiered SUP system is anticipated to be approved in Sep. 2024.
Proposed Tiered SUPs & Home Occupations
Kaw Valley Companies proposed the Lenape Sand Quarry in the southern part of the county by De Soto. On 2/5/2020, the BOCC un-tabled the Special Use Permit. A public hearing was held on 7/8/2020 and the BOCC approved the SUP on 7/15/2020. Kaw Valley subsequently sued the County for the condition related to rebuilding the haul route. The KS Supreme Court referred the case back to the county. The BOCC is scheduled to discuss the SUP on 11/30/2022. Citizens are concerned about safety on the roads, quality of the air, and the negative impact on the rural character of the county. For more information see the It's the PITS! Linwood Sherman Sand Quarry
Property taxes in Leavenworth County have continued to rise as a result of rising valuations. The BOCC made a call for action to our state legislators in July 2021 regarding ad valorem transfers from the state to the county. RLI hosted the County Appraiser and County Clerk for a discussion about valuations (replay). Citizens are encouraged to check the details of your property on the lookup tool and submit an appeal if you feel anything is incorrect.
A consulting firm was hired to update the county's comprehensive plan. A survey was conducted as well as numerous community input sessions. The Planning Commission recommended adoption of the Plan and the BOCC approved the plan on 10/28/2020. The Plan is reviewed annually. The 2024 review is anticipated to be approved in Sept. 2024. Each city also has a Comprehensive Plan.
CR-1 (aka 222nd) south of Tonganoxie is in the process of being rezoned. The commission passed a proposal on land use after studying the issue and having public input sessions. The Table of Uses in the County Zoning regulations was updated in 2020 . The were numerous line items that changed from Special Use Permit to Approved which means there is no longer a public notice and hearing requirement. The changes also included new zoning categories that align with the CR-1 corridor proposal. The BOCC approved CR-1 rezoning on 12/16/2020.
In 2019, a task force made a recommendation to increase funding to address gaps our community has in serving those with mental health issues. In December 2019, the County Commission voted to place a question on the ballot in August, 2020 but later decided to remove it from the ballot due to COVID-19 pandemic and its potential negative financial impact to citizens. In 2022, the Guidance Center received a $1M grant and over the past decade a total of $2.4M. The grants help serve the needs of the community and reduce the need to secure funding through a tax increase.
The landfill near Easton had its Special Use Permit revoked because it was not complying with the conditions outlined in the SUP; however, a new SUP has been submitted but the Planning Commission has not yet heard it. Citizens near the landfill report trash, smells and there was previously a fire at the location.