Todd County approves Zimmerman conditional use permit for exotic animals; board adds requirement before public tours

The Todd County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 approved a conditional use permit for the Zimmerman property in Condona Township to keep exotic animals and add enclosures, but commissioners added a specific condition requiring a site and permit review before any public tours are held.

The Planning and Zoning Department submitted the application, which the Planning Commission reviewed at its Jan. 2 public hearing and recommended approval with conditions. Planning staff presented five conditions: obtain and maintain a feedlot registration in compliance with applicable county and Minnesota rules; install and maintain secondary fencing; provide a copy of any U.S. Department of Agriculture animal-care license/registration; comply with applicable Minnesota statutes and rules on keeping wild animals; and meet federal, state and local standards. During the board’s discussion, commissioners and staff agreed to add a sixth condition that no public tours may start until a site and permit review is completed, so county staff can verify sanitary requirements such as hand-washing and bathroom facilities.

Planning Director Adam Ossifort said the Zimmerman site previously housed exotic animals before the current ordinance existed; the family now seeks to add more enclosures, which triggered the CUP requirement. Commissioners requested that Planning staff connect the Zimmermans with county public-health contacts to ensure compliance when public tours are planned.

The motion to adopt the Planning Commission findings and the conditions (including the added sixth condition requiring review before public tours) was made by Commissioner Newman and seconded by Commissioner Nasca; both agreed to the added language. The motion passed by voice vote.