At the December 17 Planning Commission, recommendations from the DNR to change classifications in the county’s shoreland ordinance were discussed.
The DNR is proposing the shoreland ordinance be changed. The shoreland classification of trout streams are to be changed from “Natural Environment” to “Forested” to be consistent with the DNR classification system. The DNR has recommended changes to Section 6 Zoning Districts and Provisions (including 602.02 Shoreland Classification, 612.05 Performance Standards, and 612.17 Planned Unit Development).
The DNR suggests designated trout streams have not previously been classified by the county to be consistent with current designations. This includes multiple sections of multiple creeks throughout the county. The recommended change will make the county classifications consistent with the public facing shoreland mapping application. The proposed amendments also include what the DNR sees as legal description errors. The DNR first contacted the county about this in late 2022.
Land use director, Blake Lea said huge stretches of the south branch of the Root River could be changed from agricultural to forested. This will affect required setbacks for septic systems and structures. There will be larger setbacks on a large portion of creeks. This would likely result in more variance requests from landowners.
Tom Thompson said he was not informed enough to make a decision. Duane Bakke agreed that someone needs to explain the proposed changes more. What is the definition of Forested? Lea said he has requested that someone from the DNR attend the Planning Commission without success.
This was a public hearing. No one from the public was in attendance to comment.
It was decided to send the DNR requested amendments to the county board without a recommendation from the Planning Commission.
CUP Application
Peter Swartzentruber, Swartzentruber Construction, applied for a conditional use permit for a small engine repair shop in section 5 of Preston Township.
Lea explained the business will be a sales and repair shop. The area in the front of the building owned by Swartzentruber will be rented for the purpose of repairing small engines and selling e-bikes.
The concern for the commission was outside storage. The property is along TH 52 and has a private residence nearby. It was rezoned from Ag to General Commercial (B-1) last June.
County attorney, Brett Corson had suggested that the rear of the building be screened because of the residential home to the south.
There was no comment from the public.
The CUP passed unanimously with four conditions. Property should be kept clean and unused equipment should be limited. Screening may be required at the discretion of the land use director. Any inoperable equipment needs to be stored south of the building. Applicant should adhere to proper disposal of hazardous material.