Minnehaha County delays second reading of rezoning request to Nov. 4 at applicant's request

County planners and the applicant’s representative asked the Minnehaha County Commission on Sept. 23 to continue the second reading of rezoning petition 25-02 to Nov. 4.

Scott Anderson, Minnehaha County planning director, said the parcel at issue is roughly 1.5 miles east of the Midway Corner along Highway 115 and consists of about 14.87 acres. He told commissioners the Planning Commission recommended denial at its August hearing and that legal counsel for the applicant asked for more time to address outstanding concerns, including that a residence is encircled by the parcel.

Paul Cheddar, identified in the hearing packet as the applicant’s representative, said his client has addressed some Planning Commission concerns and is exploring possible solutions with county staff. “We’re working through some possible solutions to address some other concerns and would appreciate some additional time to see if we can find a path forward with planning staff,” Cheddar told the commission.

Commissioners asked staff whether a nonconforming use on the property would be prosecuted while the rezoning is pending; Anderson said enforcement has typically been paused while zoning matters are resolved and that abatement actions may be delayed to allow for remediation. Staff also noted the Planning Commission had already held a first reading and the auditor had published the second-reading notice.

Commissioner motioned and the commission approved continuing the second reading to Nov. 4; the motion passed on a roll call. No formal rezoning decision was made at the Sept. 23 meeting. The continuation gives staff and the applicant additional time to pursue conditional-use options, on-site inspections and possible conditions to address neighbors’ concerns.