Planning commission approves detached accessory dwelling for Sartell property

The Stearns County Planning Commission on Aug. 28 recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow a detached accessory dwelling unit at 2283 Fortieth Street North in Sartell. The commission approved the permit with a condition that the property owner continue to live in one of the residential dwellings; the matter will be considered by the Stearns County Board on Sept. 9, 2025. Planning staff told the commission the proposal is for a single-level, detached unit to be sited east of the existing house and that the unit will be 984 square feet — within the ordinance maximum of 1,000 square feet. The applicants, Joshua and Angie Heckman, told the commission the unit is intended to house elderly parents and therefore needs to be a separate, single-level dwelling. "The whole purpose of it is for a, like, elderly parents, and they need it to be on 1 level," Angie Heckman said. Staff said the applicants will install a new driveway off 40th Street North and that the township has already issued a permit for the approach. Staff also said the septic design has not been finalized: "The design hasn't been finalized yet. The septic inspector or designer has been out there and done the preliminary soils work, but we don't have the full design yet," staff said. The commission and staff clarified that a septic design must be submitted and approved before a construction permit will be issued. A neighbor, Sheena Black, asked whether the application included a lot split; staff answered that no split is proposed and that under the site's R-5 zoning the parcel — described in the record as just under 5 acres — could not be split without rezoning. The commission received one written letter of support from Joe and Tracy Schulte, who described the large lots in Brockway Hollow as appropriate for multigenerational living. Commissioners found the proposal consistent with the county zoning ordinance and the comprehensive plan housing goals that support housing options for residents at different life stages. After discussion the commission voted to close the public hearing, then voted to approve the conditional use permit as amended. The commission’s motion included the condition that the property owner shall continue to live in one of the residential dwellings. The formal action will appear on the county board agenda on Sept. 9, 2025. Details from the record: the proposed detached ADU will be 984 square feet; the ordinance maximum is 1,000 square feet; a new driveway permit from the township is in hand; the septic system design is pending and must be approved prior to issuing a construction permit; no lot split is proposed or approved. No evidence in the record indicates expansion of the ADU beyond the standards described in the application. The commission’s approval was a recommendation to the county board; any change in conditions, further technical requirements or denial could occur at the county board review.