LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — Branched Oak Observatory is working with Lancaster County to amend local zoning regulations that currently do not allow the facility to operate as an observatory.
The five-and-a-half acre property, which has been in use as the Branched Oak Observatory in Raymond since 2015, is zoned agricultural.
The county’s current definition of recreational facilities is geared toward sports and other active uses, meaning an observatory is not permitted under existing rules.
Co-founder and executive director Matthew Anderson said the observatory has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors since opening.
“Given that there are several steps remaining in the county’s public review process, I believe it is best to allow that process to run its course before commenting on the proposed ordinance,” Anderson told 10/11 in a statement on Monday.
The path to compliance involves two steps.
First, a text amendment to zoning regulations would be adopted to allow for passive recreational uses, such as stargazing. Then, the observatory would apply for a special use permit under those updated regulations.
County planner George Wesselhoft said the county was notified of the zoning issue by Branched Oak Observatory last summer as the facility was working on potential expansion plans.
Wesselhoft said the amendment would have broader implications for Lancaster County.
“It will benefit other passive recreational uses throughout Lancaster County, such as bird watching, nature trails, other uses which are not active recreation like sports facilities,” Wesselhoft said.
County documents show approximately three dozen letters of support were submitted, including one from Omaha-born NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson and one from Visit Lincoln.
“The Branched Oak Observatory is an asset to our area and represents the kind of educational and community-focused organization that deserves support,” wrote Jeff Maul, executive director of Visit Lincoln.
Several landowners neighboring the Observatory wrote in opposition, citing concerns about increased vehicle traffic, noise, and inadequate parking.
“We bear the daily burdens of increased vehicular traffic on rural roads (posing safety risks to farm equipment and residents), light pollution that interferes with peace for residents and livestock management, noise and dust from events, and potential effects on property values and agricultural viability,” wrote Donald, Patricia and Wiliam White.
The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners plans to set a date for a public hearing at its meeting Tuesday. That public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 9 a.m.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.