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Stearns County board grants variance to expand Mittenorf feedlot to 477 feet from nearest residence
Summary
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing the Mittenorf family to add a new barn and open-lot feed area that will sit 477 feet from a neighboring residence, 133 feet closer than the county’s 700-foot standard. The board found all required findings in the affirmative and approved the request by roll call vote.
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment voted to approve a variance that lets Robert and Nancy Mittenorf and Reed Mittenorf Stock Center expand a registered animal feedlot to a location 477 feet from a residential structure, short of the county’s 700-foot setback requirement.
The application, presented by environmental services staff, said the proposal is for a 32-by-96 barn with an attached 32-by-96 open lot that would house about 69 slaughter steers on the west side of the existing feedlot. Staff reported the current permanent feedlot is already nonconforming and sits approximately 610 feet from the residence; the new construction would be 133 feet closer than that existing distance.
Environmental services staff reported a site inspection found the location could be managed to meet pollution standards if best practices are followed, including maintaining pasture rather than converting adjacent ground to open lot and implementing a runoff-filtration plan the applicants submitted. Staff also described alternatives the applicants could take without a variance, including using a one-time 24-foot encroachment allowance (which would allow construction at 586 feet) or locating structures to avoid further encroachment from the current 610-foot line.
During public testimony, applicants Robert and Nancy Mittenorf confirmed the address and explained the site placement was chosen to preserve tillable land and existing farmyard layout. Board members who visited the site described tree cover and a gully between properties and reported speaking with the closest neighbor, who said he was “okay with it.” Board members asked staff about post-construction inspections and were told county staff perform inspections after construction or if a complaint is received.
The board answered the seven required findings in the affirmative, noting the proposed use is allowed in the zoning district, the variance is in harmony with official controls, and other criteria were met. Commissioner Barry moved to grant the variance; George seconded. Roll-call votes recorded in the meeting transcript show all voting members — Barry, Rob, George, Dan and Dave — voted yes. The motion passed.
The board’s action allows the Mittenorfs to build the proposed barn and open lot at the requested 477-foot distance, subject to any standard post-construction inspection by county staff.
The applicants were advised of alternatives and the county’s monitoring process; staff said they would perform a post-construction inspection after the barn is built and stocked and inspect thereafter as needed or in response to complaints.
No additional mitigation conditions were recorded in the motion. The public hearing and findings are on the record.
Ending: County staff will follow up with a post-construction visit, and the applicants may proceed under the approved variance.
