Planning commission recommends approval to rezone Plymouth parcel for small-scale agricultural use

The Marshall County Planning Commission on July 24 voted to send a favorable recommendation to the county commissioners for a rezoning request by Derek Hernandez to change a parcel near 4A Road in Plymouth from T1 (Town Residential) to A3 (Agricultural Residential).

Staff recommendation and scope

Staff member Nicholas presented the request (parcel 5042‑10‑000‑020‑00009) and said TRC and planning staff recommended approval. The proposed A3 designation would allow limited agricultural production—defined in county materials as hobby or small‑scale livestock such as chickens and goats—and a single‑family dwelling. Staff noted an existing county ditch and a 75‑foot setback easement in the parcel’s corner that would preclude building within that easement.

Applicant and local response

Derek Hernandez, the applicant, said he is seeking the A3 zoning primarily to allow backyard livestock—“mainly chickens,” and possibly goats or “a cow or two” in the future—and to preserve the option to build a home and a barn on the lot. A power-of-attorney letter from Marsha Redinger on behalf of owner Virginia Brown was in the record and stated the owner had no objection to the rezoning. Neighbor Steve Richard spoke in opposition and urged that the parcel remain T1 town residential.

Action and next steps

The planning commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the county commissioners; the item will next appear on the commissioners’ docket, where final action and advertising will occur. Staff noted that building permits and any future site plans must respect the county ditch easement and septic/utility requirements.