The Winona County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the county board approve a conditional use permit allowing James and Charlene Allen to build a single-family home on a parcel of less than 40 acres in Saratoga Township.

Staff planner Aaron told the commission the application is for "a single family dwelling in the Ag District on less than 40 acres," noting the parcel is a narrow, panhandle-shaped lot of just under three acres with the proposed building envelope accessed from Sinclair Road. Aaron said mapped wetlands lie north of the parcel, public water and an associated floodplain are located to the west, and soils on the parcel are predominately class 2 and 3. He also noted the applicants previously received a variance from the county's soil standards at the Board of Adjustments earlier the same month.

The petitioners, represented at the hearing by property owner Jim Allen, said the staff packet was complete and offered to answer questions. Neighbor Tom Bujan said he was surprised by the placement and urged the commission to consider loss of privacy, saying the proposal "pretty much takes away my backyard privacy totally." Commissioners discussed potential buffering, driveway access and visibility on Sinclair Road, and whether township driveway permits or easements would be required. Staff said driveway connections on township roads are governed by township permitting; the county's zoning ordinance sets a 33-foot standard for easement access but does not set a separate minimum for privately owned access.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the draft findings of fact and the staff-proposed conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. The commission noted the item will go to the Winona County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

Action and next step: The commission recommended approval of docket PC11-20-2501 with draft findings and conditions; the county board will consider the application at its Dec. 11 meeting.