Rushford Village planning commission denies incomplete subdivision application, directs enforcement on unpermitted structure

The Rushford Village Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 19, 2024, voted to deny a subdivision permit application from Les Ladewig because the application was not complete, and directed staff to notify a landowner about a second unpermitted structure on Aspen Road.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit opened the meeting at 5:32 p.m. and reported members present: Gordon Johnson, Glen Kopperud and Hamilton Petersen. The commission approved the meeting agenda and the Oct. 15, 2024 minutes (motions by Gordon Johnson, second by Hamilton Petersen). Pettit read a list of new permits (#1691–#1697) for small residential projects including decks, sheds, a garage/shed replacement and a patio-door and window replacement.

The commission moved to deny Les Ladewig’s subdivision permit application because the packet was incomplete — Pettit told the board the application lacked a draft plan and required financial security. Pettit emphasized that the finding was procedural (incompleteness), not a final substantive denial, and said Ladewig was advised by email to contact Derek Olinger of Bolton & Menk to learn what is needed to make the application complete. The motion to deny was made by Hamilton Petersen, seconded by Glen Kopperud, and carried.

On a separate enforcement matter, Pettit reported a new structure had been placed on parcel 05.0199.030 on Aspen Road without a permit; he estimated the structure at about 20 feet by 8 feet and said it appeared to be used as seasonal living quarters during hunting season. The commission noted village rules allow cabins up to 20 by 10 feet (one cabin per 40 acres), prohibit on-site septic for such cabins, and regulate how many consecutive days a cabin may be used. This is the second instance of an unpermitted structure on that parcel; the owner previously paid a late fee and a double permit fee for the earlier structure. The commission voted to have staff send a letter informing the landowner that a permit application is required and that a late fee will apply. The motion was made by Hamilton Petersen, seconded by Glen Kopperud, and carried.

Mary Miner, village clerk, reported on behalf of Rebecca Charles of CEDA that the final Safe Routes to School design report will be before the Rushford Village Council that night; Charles plans to seek an MN DOT infrastructure grant for construction funding, with Fillmore County serving as the sponsor/fiscal agent if the grant proceeds. Miner said CRV received a separate design grant, that the infrastructure grant application would allow Charles to pursue construction funds, and that Charles indicated CRV would not be required to provide local construction funding if the infrastructure grant covered the costs; Miner also said CRV may decline the infrastructure grant if it does not cover total project costs. Miner reported an additional $1,200 from the SMIF-Taylor grant is earmarked for an ADA merry‑go‑round (likely to buy mulch to replace pea rock) and that Charles has been working on the comprehensive plan while handling grant work (Charles is paid 16 hours per month for CRV).

The commission heard a report from Miner that Fillmore County currently does not regulate short‑term rentals (VRBOs); Miner said county staff (Blake Lea, Fillmore County Land Use) confirmed there is no county VRBO regulation at present. Board members noted that only one dwelling is allowed per parcel under current rules, so an additional dwelling used as a VRBO would not be permitted on most parcels. The commission agreed not to pursue Rushford Village regulation of VRBOs until the county establishes rules.

Glen Kopperud asked for an update on a Village Road property (parcel 05.0195.030); Pettit reported the owner has applied for permits, paid fees and paid a fine for a lean‑to on a shed. The commission set the next zoning board meeting for Dec. 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. and noted upcoming council meeting dates. A motion to adjourn by Gordon Johnson, seconded by Hamilton Petersen, carried and the meeting ended at 6:03 p.m.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the agenda (motion: Gordon Johnson; second: Hamilton Petersen; carried), approved the Oct. 15 minutes (motion: Gordon Johnson; second: Hamilton Petersen; carried), denied the Ladewig subdivision application as incomplete (motion: Hamilton Petersen; second: Glen Kopperud; carried), directed staff to notify the Aspen Road property owner about the unpermitted structure and late fee (motion: Hamilton Petersen; second: Glen Kopperud; carried), and adjourned (motion: Gordon Johnson; second: Hamilton Petersen; carried).