Planning commission recommends interim permit for secondary dwelling at Mitchell farm

The Winona County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval of a conditional/interim use permit to allow a secondary dwelling at 10315 County Road 35 in Saint Charles Township.

The permit would allow property owner Barbara Mitchell to have an additional home on the roughly 9.11‑acre parcel so that a family member — her son, daughter‑in‑law and grandson — can live on site and provide caregiving and part‑time farm help. Staff recommended approval with five conditions and said the county attorney reviewed the findings of fact. The commission's recommendation advances the petition to the Winona County Board, which is scheduled to consider the item at a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m.

Staff said the request was made under Winona County Zoning Ordinance, chapter 10.4 0.6, subchapter 26, which provides for conditional/interim uses to allow an additional dwelling for family members needing or receiving health care and for part‑time farm help. The parcel contains a primary farmhouse, multiple accessory buildings and some livestock; the proposed secondary dwelling would be sited in the yard area where a barn previously stood. Staff noted available hydrant and waterline access and said septic options would need to be explored before final permitting. The petitioner and staff described the request as a hybrid of caregiving and farm support.

Barbara Mitchell told the commission she had lived on the property for 52 years and that her husband died in October; she described knee and back problems and said her son and daughter‑in‑law help with maintenance and farm work. Commissioners asked technical questions about siting and building type. One commissioner raised a concern about a standard condition requiring an electrical inspection for a manufactured home and cautioned the petitioner about post‑purchase surprises if a unit needed modifications; staff said the condition is standard for interim secondary dwellings and intended to ensure safety and code compliance. Commissioners also discussed the temporary/interim nature of the permit and noted that petitioners may reapply or request another conditional use permit if circumstances change.

The commission opened and closed a public hearing; no members of the public spoke for or against the petition during the hearing. The commission voted (voice) to recommend approval and directed staff to forward the record to the county board. The transcript records a voice vote in which commissioners said “aye”; a numerical roll call tally was not specified in the hearing record.

If the county board approves the recommendation on Oct. 14, any conditions attached to the permit would apply as written; staff noted the interim permit could be renewed or reapplied for if occupancy circumstances later change.

Votes at a glance: Planning Commission — Recommendation to approve conditional/interim use permit (PC09182501); outcome: recommended to county board; numerical tally by roll call not specified in transcript.