Crow Wing County planning staff briefed the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 21, 2025, about recent activity handled by the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment (PCBOA), including application volumes, the pre‑application development review team (DRT) process, enforcement of after‑the‑fact variances and changes to staffing and inspection practices scheduled for 2025.

Chris (planning staff) told commissioners that the county averages about 226 DRT (pre‑application) applications across 2023–24 and that in 2024 the county received 94 variance applications, 21 conditional use permit applications and eight land‑use map amendment requests. He described the DRT as a regular pre‑application meeting that brings county staff, invited state agencies (DNR, MnDOT when applicable) and townships together to vet projects before formal submittal. “The idea is for them to come to an opportunity to come to a meeting where county staff are there, the DNR is invited if it's in the Shoreland District,” Chris said.

Staff described a decline in after‑the‑fact variance approvals and said the PCBOA and planning staff now set clearer conditions when approvals are granted. Examples included stronger stormwater requirements and as‑built surveys where development approaches the county’s impervious limits. Chris said improved procedures and tracking will let staff verify that conditions on variances, conditional‑use and floodplain permits are implemented.

Boundary line adjustments were explained as a process used when property deeds and on‑the‑ground improvements disagree; applicants must hire a registered surveyor, pay a $100 county review fee, and record new deeds within a 12‑month window after county approval. Chris said the county’s recorder sits near environmental services staff, which helps follow‑up on recording and condition compliance.

Staff also described administrative changes for 2025: the board previously approved hiring two senior environmental service specialists who will lead public‑hearing programs, DRT coordination and improved follow‑up on permit conditions. Chris said the county will also ramp up inspections during construction in 2025 to verify erosion controls, BMPs and other conditions are in place.

Commissioners praised the DRT process as a useful filter that reduces unnecessary formal applications and helps applicants make their submissions more compliant. No formal planning changes were adopted at the Jan. 21 session; the briefing summarized past decisions and staff workplans for 2025.