McLeod County commissioners approved Preliminary Plat 25-01, a request by Paul Ratzin to create a 4.76-acre lot for a single-family home on property owned by Dominic Lawrence.

Planning staff said the proposed lot lies in the southwest quarter of Section 16 in Hutchinson Township and has two possible sewage sites for a standard septic system. Soil borings were performed and an alternate septic site identified. Hutchinson Township recommended approval at its Aug. 14 meeting; the McLeod County Planning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 27 and the county Feedlot Committee recommended approval following review of the variance. Staff noted the proposed lot would be within 1,320 feet of a permitted feedlot to the south and that the lot would be about 470 feet from the feedlot, while the nearest existing house is about 220 feet from the feedlot. The feedlot and three nearby nonfarm dwellings predate a 1998 ordinance, staff said.

Commissioners discussed that township voting records are not routinely included in the packet unless the township submits additional comment; a commissioner noted the three adjacent homeowners were present at the township meeting and had no objections. The board approved the preliminary plat by voice vote; staff said additional approvals and a variance hearing remain part of the process before final platting.