Goodhue County schedules April 1 public hearing on access-permit variance request for property owners

Goodhue County commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing for the April 1 board meeting on a variance request for a second access at a privately owned parcel.

Public Works staff described an application from property owners identified in the agenda packet as David and Vanessa Chandro for a second driveway to facilitate maintenance and to construct a shed. The application seeks a variance from county spacing requirements in the county access policy; staff said the original permit had been denied due to spacing and stopping sight-distance criteria on County Road 14. The applicants requested a public hearing as part of the variance appeal process.

Staff told commissioners the parcel already has one access and that some nearby driveways do not meet modern spacing standards (some may have been installed before the policy existed). The applicants contend the second access is needed for maintenance and site access, and staff later noted a septic system layout may limit vehicle movement around the existing garage; staff said more site-specific material, including photos and the variance application, will be provided for the hearing.

Board members discussed the legal standard for variances, noting that variances typically require a hardship tied to the property (for example, a natural impediment) rather than convenience. Commissioners said scheduling a public hearing does not grant the variance; it provides an opportunity for the applicants to present evidence and for the board to decide.

A motion to hold the public hearing on April 1 passed by voice vote. Staff reserved the right to recommend denial but recommended following the due process set out in the county policy. The hearing will provide the board with the additional site information necessary to decide whether the county’s spacing requirements can be waived.