Board approves after-the-fact variance for Hudek feedlot; applicant must register feedlot

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on April 29 approved an after-the-fact variance that allows an existing tier 1 beef feedlot owned by Jeffrey Hodek to remain within required county setbacks.

Land Services staff told the board the operation now registers as a tier 1 feedlot with 229 animal units and that several existing animal-holding areas and proposed structures do not meet the 660-foot setback required by Morrison County ordinance (12 o 8.1) from non-feedlot residences. Staff said the applicant has combined adjacent parcels and agreed to pull a fence line back so parts of the site will meet a 200-foot road-right-of-way setback, but the holding area closest to a non-feedlot residence will remain approximately 340 feet from that home.

The variance was requested as an "after-the-fact" application because, staff said, the operation grew to tier 1 numbers after some buildings were repurposed from accessory uses to animal holding and therefore were not registered under the county’s feedlot rules at the time. Amy (Land Services staff) explained that the feedlot must register under Minnesota rule 70 20 and that county staff will work with the feedlot officer on next steps.

Public commenters who identified themselves as family members and neighbors urged approval. Neighbor Dave Becker said, "If you voted down. That might put Jeff out of business and, be another small farmer going under." Susan Hodeck, who identified her address and said she lives in the non-feedlot residence on an adjacent parcel, urged the board to approve the variance so the farm can remain in the family, saying they intend to sell to Jeff’s son.

Board members answered all required finding-of-fact questions in the affirmative, chose not to complete the separate after-the-fact questionnaire, and then voted to approve the variance. The motion to approve was made by George, seconded by Clint; the recorded vote was Brent — aye; George — aye; Marv — aye; Clint — aye; John — aye. The board chair declared the variance approved. After the vote staff advised the applicant to register the feedlot and to contact the county feedlot officer for required registration and compliance steps.

The board’s approval applies to the specific encroachments described in the application and the factual record presented; staff said further structural work that would change the feedlot tier or add new encroachments could require additional permitting, a variance, or a conditional-use review.