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Commission approves permit allowing former accessory use as principal—shop for classic cars
Summary
The Planning Commission granted a conditional-use permit to convert a proposed accessory garage into a principal use on a residential lot in Harlow Estates so the owner can build a 2,400-square-foot shop to restore and store classic cars, provided four conditions are met.
The Clay County Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit to convert an accessory-type use into the principal use on a property in the Harlow Estates subdivision, north of Moorhead. The permit allows the applicant, Stephane Zaki, to build a 40-by-60-foot (2,400-square-foot) shop to work on and store a classic-car collection on a residential-lot property that currently has a shipping container.
Planning staff explained the county’s updated code provides a mechanism to convert an accessory use to a principal use on a parcel that otherwise lacks a principal residential structure; previously this was not allowed. Staff said the proposal is consistent with the county comprehensive plan objective to protect agricultural land while allowing compatible rural commercial and residential development.
The applicant confirmed the proposed shop is solely for personal use and not for commercial auto repair; staff noted the conditional use will include conditions to ensure the use remains personal and compatible with adjacent properties. The applicant and staff agreed the existing, unpermitted shipping container on site may be permitted as an accessory feature once the conversion is approved.
No members of the public objected at the hearing. The commission read the findings that the use would not injure public health, safety or the character of the area and approved the conditional-use permit with four conditions; the applicant confirmed understanding and acceptance of the conditions.
