Board grants variance for home on combined Apple Blossom Drive parcels; site described as less steep and not previously farmed

The Winona County Board of Adjustment approved a variance on Oct. 12, 2025, allowing petitioners to combine two parcels on Apple Blossom Drive and place a dwelling on the combined parcel even though the combination increases the portion of the ownership on prime soils above the county’s 40% exemption.

County planner Olivia summarized the request, saying the two parcels would combine to about 11.69 acres and that the combined ownership would have about 49% of its acreage mapped as class 1–3 prime soils. Olivia said the new proposed dwelling location is on a less steep slope than the 2017 conditional‑use‑permit location and that the applicants submitted an erosion‑control plan. She also noted the county’s highway department had issued the access permit and that the proposed driveway would meet the county’s driveway grade standard (less than 12%).

Petitioner Marcy Skemp told the board the land has not been used for agricultural production historically and that the proposed location would, in her words, "reduce any more soil disruption" compared with the earlier 2017 site plan. "The land has never been used, for agricultural purposes," Skemp said. She added the new driveway is shorter and would avoid additional bluff disturbance.

Olivia also noted that an archaeological survey had been completed and found no resources on the site. Rolling‑Stone Township and the township board offered no comments opposing the request. Staff recommended approval with two conditions in the packet; the board voted to grant the variance consistent with the staff findings and conditions.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve variance for combined Apple Blossom Drive parcels and the proposed dwelling location (mover: Ed; second: Kelsey) — approved (no recorded opposition).