Wabasha County commissioners approve two conditional-use permits and Cornerstone Ridge final plat amid resident concerns

Wabasha County commissioners voted to approve two conditional-use permits (CUPs) and to accept the final plat for the Cornerstone Ridge subdivision following planning commission recommendations and public comments.

Planning staff told the board the Planning Commission recommended approval of an after-the-fact CUP from Troy Baker to operate a lodging establishment from a single-family residence (application received July 2, 2025) and unanimously recommended approval (4-0) with three conditions: the use must follow submitted plans, any expansion requires a CUP amendment, and all applicable federal, state and county statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations must be observed. The board approved the Baker CUP on a motion by Commissioner Wabbe, seconded by Commissioner Powers; the motion carried on voice vote.

The board also approved a CUP from Daniel Wagner to transfer one dwelling-unit density from Wabasha County Parcel R-12-00081-00 to Parcel R-12-00163-00. Planning staff said the parcels are zoned Agricultural Protection District A-1 and that dwelling-density transfers are permitted under the county zoning code (chapters 4.03 and 4.04). The Planning Commission recommended approval 4-0 with conditions that include recording a deed restriction on the parcel that surrendered density. The board approved the Wagner CUP on a motion by Commissioner Springer, seconded by Commissioner Wakas; the motion carried on voice vote.

The most contested item was the Cornerstone Ridge final plat, proposed…