Board approves most Leenstra variances but denies unpermitted feedlot structure

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Stearns County Board of Adjustment on Feb. 13 voted to allow several previously permitted structures at 24011 County Road 23 to remain as constructed but denied an after‑the‑fact variance for a separate feedlot building that was built without permits and sits inside the road right‑of‑way.

Staff told the board the application by Andy and Margo Leenstra asked to "leave as constructed" a single‑family dwelling originally permitted in 2002, an accessory agricultural structure permitted in 2015 and a permitted feedlot structure, all of which fall short of the county road centerline setback requirements. The staff report also described a separate, unpermitted 14‑by‑37 partial‑confinement feedlot structure (labeled number 6 on staff maps) built without a permit that is the focus of the after‑the‑fact variance request.

The hearing drew remote testimony from applicant Andy Leenstra, who told the board the new structure was built to shelter animals and to replace unsafe existing buildings. "I had a hay shelter that was close to the river, and I needed a better…