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Planning commission advances 12‑lot ‘Oaks on Rye Lake’ subdivision after wetlands delineation and township variances
Summary
County staff and the applicant presented a 12‑lot rural residential preliminary plat on a 67‑acre parcel near Moriah Lake; commissioners recommended authorization of the final plat and noted coordination with the township, SWCD and BWSR on wetlands and road agreements.
The Clay County Planning Commission recommended forwarding a preliminary 12‑lot residential subdivision called “The Oaks on Rye Lake” to the county board after a public hearing in which staff described wetland delineation work and township variances for shoreline setbacks.
Staff said the proposed preliminary plat would divide a 67‑acre agricultural parcel in Ollie Township into 11 residential lots (average 4.16 acres), one 15.5‑acre outlot, and a public 70‑foot right-of-way with a 24‑foot internal road. The site includes three major wetland complexes and shoreland protections for Moriah Lake. The applicant completed a wetland delineation in coordination with the Clay Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR); BWSR’s technical review panel concurred with delineation locations, staff said.
Staff noted that recent county ordinance updates reduced the ordinary high water level structure setback from 200 to 150 feet to match state standards and that Holly Township granted variances on two riparian lots to accommodate the 150‑foot setback. Stormwater and shoreland standards apply; staff said the proposal includes a stormwater plan and that lots provide space for private wells and two drainfields per lot where required by state rules.
Applicant Scott Manthey said he intends the project primarily to create building opportunities for family members and to sell remaining lots to fund development costs. Manthey said he worked with township and engineering staff on a road plan and that a formal road‑taking agreement with the township remains to be finalized. Commissioners asked about road agreements, wetland fencing during construction and ensuring road and lot layouts avoid mapped wetlands and floodplain.
Commissioner Steichen moved to recommend authorization of the final plat and to waive further planning commission review; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the county board could consider the final plat after execution of required road agreements and completion of minor plat corrections and signatures.
