The Winona County Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the county board approve a conditional use permit allowing the conversion of part of an existing agricultural building into a family residence on a 2.5-acre parcel in Richmond Township.

Planning staff Olivia explained the request would split about 2.5 acres from a roughly 101-acre parent parcel and convert part of an existing 50-by-80 agricultural building to residential use. Olivia said the project does not propose new structures or a new driveway; the petitioners plan to record an access easement and indicated there is room for primary and secondary septic systems. Staff noted the parcel is in an Agricultural Resource Conservation district with predominantly prime class 2 soils, and that the Board of Adjustments had earlier granted variances for prime soils and subdivision standards. Staff recommended approval with two conditions included in the draft findings.

Petitioners Todd and Lisa Huff told the commission the conversion would allow their daughter and son-in-law to return to the area and reduce housing costs; they said the building already has a concrete floor and water and that no new disturbance beyond installing septic was proposed. Commissioners opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke. After discussion, a motion to recommend approval with staff findings and conditions passed by voice vote. The commission will forward the item to the county board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Action and next step: The commission recommended approval of docket PC11-20-2502; staff will prepare the county board packet and required permitting documentation for septic and recorded easement.