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Planning commission approves interim use permit for rural bed‑and‑breakfast at Evenson farmstead
Summary
The commission granted an interim use permit for Trenton and Jennifer Evenson to operate a rural bed‑and‑breakfast/home occupation (converted farm buildings and grain‑bin suites) with conditions; staff noted licensing, building plan review, septic and water testing requirements and a maximum simultaneous occupancy described by the applicants.
The Clay County Planning Commission voted to grant an interim use permit to Trenton and Jennifer Evenson to operate a rural bed‑and‑breakfast from renovated agricultural buildings on their property, subject to conditions the commission listed.
Staff said the property is zoned Agricultural General and that the proposal would convert existing farm buildings into guest accommodations: a four‑bedroom, two‑bath guest suite and converted steel grain bins that could host additional guests, for a combined potential occupancy the applicant described as up to 22 guests at one time. Staff advised that public lodging establishments must be licensed and that any remodeling requires plan review to ensure egress and safety; additional septic capacity and water testing (including arsenic and E. coli) could be required.
Trenton Evenson told the commission the applicants live on the property and described a local need for nearby lodging following family events — "we found this farmstead and... we grew up in the country and wanted to live out there." Commissioners and staff discussed differences between a bed‑and‑breakfast and a retreat center, noting a retreat center would require a separate permitting process. Neighbor Tim Dalsett raised concerns around potential 24/7 noise and lighting during seasonal farm operations and proximity to trees on adjacent property; staff said right‑to‑farm protections exist for agricultural operations but emphasized permit conditions and licensing requirements will apply to the applicant's operation.
After questions and discussion, the commission approved the interim use permit with conditions 1–8 as presented; the transcript records that the motion carried and the interim use permit was granted. The record does not include detailed individual vote tallies.
