Rice County board approves multiple conditional‑use permits, plats and solar permit renewal

The Rice County Board of Commissioners on April 14 approved several land‑use actions recommended by the Planning Commission, including three conditional‑use permits for contractor offices and yards, a preliminary plat for two building lots in Richland Township and a renewal of an interim use permit for a solar energy production facility.

Planning and zoning staff described the CUPs — for a trucking business, a landscaping operation and a hydrovac business — and said each came with conditions intended to address neighbors’ concerns. Commissioners moved and seconded the motions and approved each permit by voice vote.

The board also approved a preliminary plat submitted by Cassel Properties LLC that uses transfer of development rights to create two building lots in Richland Township; a planning staff member noted the township’s small population and that the commission recommended approval with seven conditions.

On a separate item, staff presented a renewal request from US Solar on behalf of the Joseph and Constant de Groot Revocable Trust for an existing interim use permit in Warsaw Township. Planning staff said the project’s boundary was modestly expanded within the originally approved area; the board approved the renewal following staff remarks that the change did not materially alter the operation.

All land‑use approvals were routine votes following public hearing processes and Planning Commission recommendations. No formal oppositions or recorded roll‑call dissent were entered in the meeting minutes.