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Commission recommends interim permit for accessory dwelling inside pole-barn so elderly owners can age in place
Summary
The Winona County Planning Commission recommended approval of an interim use permit for a pole-barn accessory building that will contain a single-floor living unit to allow property owners to receive family-provided health care on-site. The commission forwarded findings and conditions to the County Board.
The Winona County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of an interim use permit allowing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) built inside an agricultural-style accessory building to provide in-home care for elderly residents at 28159 County Road 19.
Nels Robert Evison, the applicant and property owner, told the commission, “My wife and I have enjoyed the residence on this particular property for about 33 years, and now we're planning for the future and foresee an eventual need for help as you get older with from our family for day to day tasks and for possible health care.” He described the proposal as a single-floor living space incorporated within a larger accessory structure and said it would be removed as a dwelling when the health-care need ends.
Planning staff explained the petition was processed under the zoning code’s “similar uses” provision for the Agricultural/Natural Resources district (the packet cited subsection 10.4.6 and related interim/conditional-use language). Staff noted the Board of Adjustment had already granted a rear-setback variance that makes the proposed building possible; the county attorney drafted findings and recommended conditions that are included in the meeting packet.
Commissioners asked about utilities and long-term oversight. Evison said the proposed dwelling would use the existing electrical service and share the existing well and driveway; staff confirmed the applicants intend to connect to the existing septic/utility infrastructure. Commissioners recommended the applicants notify local emergency services if approved so responders are aware of an additional livable unit on the driveway.
A motion to recommend approval of the findings and conditions (packet pages 26–28) passed; Jordan seconded. The commission’s recommendation will go to the County Board on Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.
