Planning Commission tables Soderman rezoning to collect survey and legal description

The Crow Wing County Planning Commission voted to table a proposed land‑use map amendment for property owner Keith Soderman so staff can obtain a survey and a precise legal description of the five‑acre portion the applicant said he wants rezoned.

Staff told the commission the application concerns Parcel 76190533 in Section 19, Maple Grove Township, a 20‑acre parcel currently zoned Agricultural Forest District. The applicant seeks rezoning to Rural Residential 5 (R R 5) to isolate a roughly five‑acre portion around an existing house and retain the remainder in agricultural use.

Board members questioned whether rezoning all 20 acres to R R 5 — the form the application was filed in — would achieve the applicant’s stated intention to protect a single five‑acre corner. Staff said the county’s process for a map amendment treats the parcel as a whole unless a legal description and survey identify a specific subparcel.

Commissioners also asked about access and future lot splits; staff confirmed any future parcel splits would need independent access and meet subdivision requirements. A commissioner reported contacting the county assessor, who said property value is driven by actual use rather than zoning classification, a point staff reiterated when discussing tax considerations.

After discussion the commission agreed it needed clearer survey information and a legal description showing the northwest five‑acre corner the applicant described. A motion to table the item to the February meeting to allow the applicant and staff to prepare the survey and legal description passed on a voice vote.

The applicant, Keith Soderman, said his intent was to protect a small livable parcel around the existing home while keeping most acreage in one agricultural tract. Staff said the applicant will be notified when the packet is available online before the February meeting.