Posted: 1/3/06
Houston parcel rezoned from ag to residential
County commissioners approved the rezoning of the David Snow property in Sheldon Township from ag to residential on December 27.
Their motion followed approved of the Houston County Planning Commission on December 15.
Two houses already exist on the same 40 where Snow wants to build. The county land use ordinance has a one-house-per-40 acre rule.
The planning commission approved it because it is a hardship case and because it is within a half mile of the city of Houston, zoning administrator Bob Scanlan said.
The property would have to meet the 100-year floodplain requirements before a building permit could be issued, Scanlan added.
Commissioner Dave Corcoran spoke in favor of the motion. He said that the site was an original farm site that had a house on it. Snow, who tore down the house several years ago, said he had the assurance of then-assistant zoning administrator Sally Kinneberg that he could rebuild there. He did not rebuild at the time, and since then two houses were built on that 40.
A permit for Scott Sanness, Wilmington Township for an animal feedlot with more than 300 animal units and manure storage basin was continued until the January planning commission meeting, Scanlan told the board.
13 zoning permits approved
The county board and planning commission approved 13 zoning permits. They are listed here.
ï Joseph Welch, Mayville Township, build pole shed (50' x 100');
ï Terry, Francis, and Michael Gallagher, Winnebago Township, build freestanding free stall barn (64' x 184');
ï Brian Erickson, Spring Grove Township, build pole shed (36' x 36');
ï Thomas Johnson, Houston Township, build open pole shed (24' x 28') rebuild porch (6' 8" x 24');
ï David Kinstler, Union Township, build pole shed (57' x 90');
ï David Hagen, Spring Grove Township, build garage (28' x 26');
ï Jerry Steele, Winnebago Township, build wood shed, open sided (12' x 38');
ï Mary Lou Walther, Money Creek Township, build deck (10' x 88') porch (12' x 25') replace porch (6' x 29');
ï Minnayr Assoc LLP, Union Township, move earth;
ï John and Holly Ingvalson, Spring Grove Township, build garage (24' x 24') porch (12' x 20');
ï Kevin Leehan, Yucatan Township, after-the-fact, build pole shed (24' x 27');
ï Dale Verse, Money Creek Township, change in use of structure from garage to dwelling (28'x 32');
ï James and Paulette Lynn, Money Creek Township, install trailer house (14' x 70').
Two variances approved
Scanlan also informed the board about two variances that the county board of adjustment approved. One was after-the-fact for Gary Fitting, Money Creek Township, of 20 feet to meet the required 50-foot setback to build a pole shed.
The other was for Pat White, Crooked Creek Township, variance of 11 feet to meet the required 150-foot lot depth of a residential lot and a variance of 30 feet to meet the 50-foot setback on rear property line.
White also had a preliminary plat called ìReno Riverview Subdivisionî approved by the planning commission for three lots. Solid waste director Rick Frank said he would like to see deed restrictions placed on lot two, so that future property owners would know about building restrictions that exist on the lot. Board member Dave Corcoran agreed with that idea.
Frank also told the board that work is proceeding on a contract with Bill Burke to develop a new land use plan for Houston County. The county attorney and Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust are both looking at issues with the contract, Frank said.
Caledonia Argus
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