Planning commission forwards Klumb variance and plat to county decision-makers

Acting Administrator Karen Wegleitner outlined a variance request from Shannon and Michelle Klumb at the commission’s Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. The proposal would divide the parcel in the north 1,300 feet of the E1/2 of Section 4 (T101N, R61W) into three tracts to create two small residential lots and remaining farmland. The applicants were not present to answer questions.

Wegleitner described the proposed lot sizes and setback variances: Tract 1 would be approximately 3.001 acres and Tract 2 approximately 3.005 acres, both well below the 25-acre minimum lot size for residences in the Agricultural District. Setback variances described in the minutes include about 24 feet from the west property line to the house on Tract 2 (the Agricultural District minimum rear yard setback is 50 feet) and about 17 feet from the east property line to a garage on Tract 3 (the side yard minimum is 50 feet). Wegleitner said she worked with the surveyor to minimize variances where possible and noted the plat was created to enable the daughter to obtain financing; the applicants indicated they do not intend to sell the family farm.

After discussion, the commission moved to recommend approval of the variance permit to the Board of Adjustment (motion by Chris Nebelsick, seconded by Ray Gosmire). The roll call recorded Haines as absent; the remaining members voted aye and the motion carried. The commission separately recommended approval of the plat for Shannon's Addition to the County Commissioners (motion by Dave Anderson, seconded by Mike Blaalid) with the same roll-call outcome. No public comment was recorded on these items.

Both recommendations are advisory; final approvals rest with the Board of Adjustment for the variance and the County Commissioners for the plat. The commission did not record a formal condition or amendment to either recommendation in the minutes.