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Morrison County adopts ordinance amendments to require contractor licensing for shoreland and other work
Summary
County commissioners approved amendments to the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance to require licensing and education for contractors (initially reviewed on a two‑year cycle), saying the change aims to improve contractor accountability and reduce staff time spent enforcing violations.
The Morrison County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 12 to adopt amendments to the county’s Land Use Control Ordinance that add a contractor licensing requirement and periodic education for contractors working in shoreland and other regulated areas.
Amy, a Land Services staff member, presented the ordinance changes and told the board the planning commission recommended adoption. She said the amendments are intended to give the county a tool to hold contractors accountable when work violates ordinances; currently enforcement focuses largely on property owners and after‑the‑fact remediation, which consumes staff time.
Board discussion focused on tradeoffs. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Blaine, argued licensing mirrors long‑standing construction‑industry practice and would protect public safety and county resources by ensuring contractors are licensed, bonded and informed of county rules. Commissioner Casper asked staff whether other counties had implemented similar programs; Amy said Stearns County has a shoreland‑contractor requirement and Douglas County requires county licensing for contractors working anywhere in the county. Some commissioners worried licensing could raise costs for property owners and contractors and suggested longer license terms; Commissioner Winter proposed three‑ or four‑year terms to reduce burden, while staff recommended a two‑year education interval to maintain currency with changing laws.
Commissioner Blaine moved to adopt the ordinance amendments with the licensing and education provisions and the board carried the motion by roll call after a recorded nay from Commissioner Moran; Commissioner Casper requested a two‑year progress review to determine whether terms or requirements should be adjusted.
The ordinance change does not relieve property owners of responsibility for obtaining permits; it creates a parallel obligation for contractors and a county mechanism to pursue enforcement against contractors who violate rules.
