McLeod County approved preliminary plat 25‑01, requested by Paul Ratzin for property owned by Dominic Lawrence, to create a 4.76‑acre building lot for a single‑family dwelling with a shared driveway in the Southwest quarter of Section 16 in Hutchinson Township.

Staff reported soil borings by Mid Minnesota Septic identified a primary and alternate site suitable for a standard septic system. The proposed lot would be within 1,320 feet of a permitted feedlot to the south; the request is farther from the feedlot than three existing non‑farm dwellings between the site and the feedlot. The feedlot committee reviewed a variance and recommended approval; the Hutchinson Township board recommended approval on Aug. 14, 2025, and the McLeod County Planning Commission recommended approval on Aug. 27, 2025.

Commissioners discussed township involvement and whether township votes are recorded in the packet; county staff said township signoff is included but individual township vote records are not routinely provided unless the township submits additional documentation. Commissioner Krueger moved to approve the preliminary plat; a second was made and the board approved the motion by voice vote. Staff noted there is at least one more stage (final plat) and related variance matters remain subject to Board of Adjustment procedures.

The board’s approval was for the preliminary plat only and did not finalize septic permits, driveway approvals or any remaining Board of Adjustment actions.