Proponents of the Beverly Hillbillies Mansion and Casino threaded the needle and got the approval for their project after a seven-hour hearing before Douglas County commissioners. The hearing adjourned at 1 a.m.
Commissioners split 3-2 with Kelly Kite, James Baushke and Nancy McDermid backing the casino project on several votes and Doug Johnson and David Brady opposing it.
Casino backers successfully separated their request for a 200-foot oil derrick and a three-sided reader board from the rest of the issue.
County commissioners approved a variance that will permit two casino towers to rise to a height of 143 feet, more than three times that allowed by code.
Commissioners also denied an appeal from neighboring Big George Ventures of the casino's special use permit. Big George Ventures opposed the casino, saying the Beverly Hillbillies project would reduce their home values in their proposed Georgetown project.
Commissioners also approved a zone change from general to tourism commercial with a gaming district overlay and an amemdment of the north Douglas County specific plan to reflect the changes.
Second readings for ordinances approving both the casino and Georgetown were delayed until Oct. 11 to give both parties an opportunity to work out their differences.
