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Planning commission recommends rezoning 74.7 acres in Linden Township from AG-40 to R-10
Summary
The Stearns County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request to allow residential 10-acre parcels on 74.73 acres in Linden Township; the County Board will consider the request May 6.
The Stearns County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request to change about 74.73 acres in Linden Township from Agricultural 40 (AG-40) to Residential 10 (R-10).
The proposal, submitted by Sam DeLeo of St. Cloud on behalf of the Marion T. Klopner Revocable Trust (property at 21044 County Road 75, Clearwater), would reclassify two parcels lying between County Road 75 and Franklin Road. Staff told commissioners the property currently carries one home entitlement under AG-40; approval of R-10 would allow seven base building entitlements or up to 11 if the owners pursue a cluster plat.
Commission staff noted Plum Creek, a classified tributary and shoreline overlay feature, runs through the property and that the Beaver Island Trail runs along County Road 75. The county's land-evaluation site assessment (LESA) score for the property was listed at 68.75, above the county threshold of 65, driven by favorable soils; Linden Township recommended approval.
Applicant Sam DeLeo told the commission the owners chose 10-acre zoning to reduce impacts on Plum Creek and neighboring shoreland and said, “I don't think going any smaller than that would be wise just because of Plum Creek and trying to minimize the impact to the neighboring shoreland area.” Commissioners discussed likely access points and asked staff whether plats or a future major plat would return to the commission; staff confirmed a plat review would come back if the owners pursue subdivision.
Commissioner Rich moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission record notes the panel asked that access be limited on County Road 75 in favor of Franklin Road where feasible and requested Parks Department review for any driveway crossings of the Beaver Island Trail. The item is scheduled for consideration by the Stearns County Board on May 6.
The commission's action was limited to a recommendation on the rezoning; any subdivision, platting, driveway permits, or park-trail crossing approvals would be handled in subsequent permitting steps.
