Waite Park planning commission approves 2‑acre variance to allow family transfer near County Road 138

The Waite Park Planning Commission voted on Feb. 9, 2026 to recommend approval of a variance that would reduce the minimum lot area in the A1 agricultural/residential district from 10 acres to 2 acres for property in the vicinity of 9182 County Road 138.

Staff told the commission the request was submitted by the applicant’s representative for the Virginia A. Strife revocable trust to allow an approximately 2‑acre parcel to be split from the parent parcel and transferred to the applicant’s grandson for construction of a dwelling. “Given the nature of the surrounding properties in the vicinity,” the planner said, “staff would be supportive of the request. The 2‑acre allowance instead of the 10‑acre standard requirement would be reasonable in staff’s opinion.”

Commissioners and members of the public raised questions about precedent and the parcel sizes nearby. A resident and commissioners noted that several parcels in the immediate area are similar in size, and staff said the commission evaluates such requests on a case‑by‑case basis, weighing surrounding parcel patterns and hardship claims rather than economics. Staff also cautioned that smaller parcel approvals can create precedent concerns.

After a brief public discussion the commission closed the hearing, moved to approve the variance as requested and recorded the motion as passing with all present. The staff presenter said the item will be placed on the Waite Park City Council docket for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, for final action.

The action before the commission was advisory: final approval of zoning variances rests with the City Council. The transcript shows staff recommended approval and the commission recommended forwarding the variance; the City Council will consider the application at its next meeting.