Board grants variance for new dwelling on century farm in St. Joe Township

The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance permitting Michael and Caitlin Murdes to construct a 40-by-100-foot dwelling closer than the A-40 district’s 50-foot side-yard setback on a large farm parcel in Saint Joe Township.

Staff said the applicants recently acquired the property, a large tract with a historic farmstead and that an earlier split created a 0.9-acre parcel that predates county controls. The board heard from the applicants that utilities, driveway access, natural-gas service and existing farmyard layout made the proposed location preferable; applicants said buildings and driveways are already concentrated in the same area and that moving the house would consume additional tillable land.

Board members asked about the north property line and a plan for a line correction with a neighbor; staff cautioned that if the property line were adjusted the resulting configuration would still need to meet minimum setbacks for structures and for any feedlot elements. The St. Joseph Township letter supporting the request was noted in the record.

Board members answered the seven required findings in the affirmative and voted to grant the variance by roll call. The decision included no additional mitigation conditions. Staff advised the Murdes family to coordinate with the neighbor and county staff where deed or survey corrections are needed to resolve the boundary and setback lines.

Ending: With variance approved, applicants can proceed with site work and building permits subject to standard county permitting and any required septic or construction approvals.