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Planning Commission recommends variance for Hofer parcel to Board of Adjustment
Summary
The Davison County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a variance allowing a new lot of about 7.173 acres where the Agricultural District minimum is 25 acres; the commission noted the family intends to sell a small portion while continuing to rent the remaining farmland.
The Davison County Planning Commission on Nov. 4 recommended that the Board of Adjustment grant a variance so applicant Verna Hofer can create a roughly 7.173-acre lot out of a larger parcel in the Agricultural District.
Acting Director of Planning & Zoning Karen Wegleitner explained that the variance request would split approximately 17.827 acres to produce the smaller lot; county rules require a minimum lot size of 25 acres in the Agricultural District. Verna Hofer’s son, Richard Hofer, and buyer Reed Bender attended to answer commissioners’ questions. They told the commission the original house is gone but several outbuildings remain, Verna Hofer pays to maintain the old farmstead, and the family prefers to plat only about 5 acres for immediate sale because the remainder is rented for agricultural production.
Commissioner Lewis Bainbridge moved to recommend approval of the variance to the Board of Adjustment; Ray Gosmire seconded. In a roll call vote, Bruce Haines, Steve Thiesse, Ray Gosmire, Lewis Bainbridge and Mike Blaalid voted aye; Dave Anderson and Chris Nebelsick were recorded as absent. The motion carried.
The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the Board of Adjustment will make the final determination on whether the variance can be granted under county zoning standards. The applicants and their buyer were present and available to respond to follow-up questions from county decision-makers.
Next steps: the matter will go to the Board of Adjustment for a final decision; no final action was taken by the planning commission beyond its recommendation.
