Morrison County planning commission recommends rezoning 12045 Edgar Drive from commercial to agriculture

The Morrison County Planning Commission voted 4–1 to recommend that the County Board of Commissioners rezone a 35‑acre parcel at 12045 Edgar Drive in Little Falls Township from commercial to agriculture so the owners can build a single‑family residence.

The applicant, Dustin Wilner, told the commission the family plans to build a house near a west‑end pond and that the automotive repair business previously run from the site has ceased. Amy, Land Services staff, summarized the application as a request to “rezone the entire 35 acre property from commercial to agriculture” and noted that changing the official zoning map requires a public hearing under county ordinance and Minnesota statute.

The commission’s recommendation matters because a rezone changes allowable uses on the parcel; unlike conditional permits, a rezone cannot be conditioned by the planning commission. The township representative, Chuck Perrons of Little Falls Township, told the commission the township had initially supported the owners’ presentation but raised concerns about site cleanup and a long‑running state Highway 10 corridor study that could affect the parcel’s future use.

Commission discussion focused on land‑use fit and enforcement. Commissioners discussed whether the request would be spot zoning given adjacent commercial, agricultural and residential zoning and noted the parcel contains ponds and appears to be in an area of high‑quality ag land. Amy said the parcel’s surroundings include commercial zoning along the road, platted residential lots nearby, and adjacent agricultural land. Commissioners and the applicant repeatedly discussed removal of vehicles and campers currently on the site; Amy said enforcement could proceed if an unpermitted junkyard exists after rezoning because junkyards are not allowed in the Agriculture Zoning District.

Dustin Wilner said family members are arranging removal: “We’re in the process now … to clean all that out of there so we can build our house up there,” and he told commissioners he has contacted a local towing service to remove vehicles. Little Falls Township representative Chuck Perrons told the commission the township had seen little visible progress yet and emphasized the township’s interest in timely cleanup. Amy also advised the owner to coordinate with the Soil and Water Conservation District for work in the ponds and wetlands if excavation or dredging occurs.

After discussion, the planning commission took two procedural votes. First commissioners recorded their positions in a brief roll‑call discussion; the commission then moved to a formal recommendation vote. John made the motion to recommend approval, Brent seconded. The commission recorded four votes in favor (John, Brent, Clint, Marvin) and one opposed (George). The planning commission’s recommendation will go to the County Board of Commissioners for decision at its April meeting; if approved, Land Services staff advised the owners they should proceed with cleanup and any required permits.

The commission and township repeatedly noted that a rezone cannot carry specific clean‑up conditions; enforcement of existing ordinance provisions is separate from the rezone decision. Amy reminded the applicant that rezoning changes what uses are permitted on the property and that the county will enforce ordinance provisions if an unpermitted use or unpermitted junkyard persists after rezoning. The applicant said he would start removal immediately.

The planning commission’s vote to recommend approval will be transmitted to the County Board and considered at its next regular meeting.