Leavenworth commissioners approve two-lot subdivision at 25060 159th Street after exception granted

At a public meeting, the Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners approved case DEV26-004/005 to split property at 25060 159th Street into two lots after granting an exception to the county’s lot depth-to-width ratio and allowing continued use of private septic systems.

Planning staff introduced the preliminary and final plat and said the proposal creates one smaller parcel of about 8–8.5 acres and a larger parcel of roughly 35 acres. Staff told the board the property is outside 660 feet of a sanitary sewer main, so the county would grant a waiver to permit private septic for the new lot. The staff report noted that, while the City of Lansing has identified the area as a priority for future annexation and sewer extension, the existing interceptor is north of the site and cannot be tapped for residential service at this time.

Joe Herring of Herring Surveying, the applicant’s representative, said the homeowner built the house farther back on the lot and the proposed split preserves a buildable lot around that house while keeping the larger tract available for farm operations or future development. Herring confirmed an access easement for Lot 1 had been prepared and believed it was recorded.

Commissioners questioned whether approving septic for the larger lot might preempt future annexation or sewer service; planning staff replied that annexation or city-provided sewer would require the city to provide sanitary sewer at that time and that a two-lot split does not, in staff’s view, prevent future annexation or the eventual provision of utilities if Lansing annexes the property.

A motion to approve an exception from Article 50, Section 40.3.I (lot depth-to-width ratio) for case DEV26-004/005 was moved and seconded. The board approved the exception by roll call. A subsequent motion to approve the preliminary and final plat was moved, seconded and passed on a roll call vote with all members voting in favor.

The board was advised that the Board of County Commissioners will consider the item no earlier than Feb. 25, 2026, at the Leavenworth County Courthouse for recordation and any final administrative steps.

Votes at a glance:
• Exception motion (Article 50, Section 40.3.I): moved by a commissioner recorded on the minutes; board vote — recorded as unanimous approval.
• Plat approval (DEV26-004/005): moved by the applicant’s supporter and seconded; board vote — recorded as unanimous approval.

Procedural note: The minutes record earlier in the meeting show an abstention (Daniel Clemens) on the prior-minutes approval; that was a separate procedural vote and does not affect the plat approvals in this item.