Board approves interim use permit for Northland Reliability contractor yard after removing topsoil depth restriction

Morrison County commissioners voted unanimously to approve an interim use permit allowing a temporary contractor storage/laydown yard for the Northland Reliability project on property owned by Neil Hman.

Planning staff told the board the permit as recommended by the planning commission included five conditions: a termination date of June 9, 2029; a limit that topsoil stockpiles not exceed 4 feet and be seeded; submission of a site-reclamation plan to the land services department; county-engineer-approved road-entrance and signage plans; and a stormwater plan to the land services department for review and approval before work begins.

During discussion, several commissioners debated the topsoil-depth condition. One commissioner, citing experience working with dirt contractors and local farmers, said seeding stockpiled topsoil could create problems when material is returned to farmland. After that exchange Commissioner Lamir moved to approve the permit with the removal of Condition 2 (the 4-foot topsoil-depth requirement); Commissioner Winter seconded the motion. The board then took a roll-call vote and approved the permit with that condition removed.

The remaining conditions require the applicant to file a site-reclamation plan, coordinate road-entrance and signage plans with the county engineer and submit a stormwater plan before work commences. The planning commission had recommended approval contingent on those measures.

Next steps: the county will proceed under the approved interim use permit; the record shows the board expects the applicant to comply with the remaining site and stormwater requirements before beginning work.