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Planning Commission unanimously recommends conditional use permit for home-based counseling practice
Summary
The Davison County Planning Commission voted 8-0 on Dec. 2 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit allowing Colleen Stegenga to operate Embracing Change Counseling Services, LLC, a home-based counseling office offering animal-assisted, gardening and nature therapy; final approval is pending the Board of Adjustment.
The Davison County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 2, 2025, to recommend that the Board of Adjustment approve a conditional use permit for Colleen Stegenga to operate a home-based counseling practice, Embracing Change Counseling Services, LLC, in the Agricultural District.
Acting Director of Planning & Zoning Karen Wegleitner presented the application and told commissioners the proposal would locate a counseling office in the applicant’s garage and include animal-assisted therapy, multiple gardens, a walking path through an existing shelterbelt and an existing structure to house therapy animals. Wegleitner said the applicant was not present at the meeting to answer questions.
Wegleitner explained that the proposal moves beyond a typical “home occupation” exemption because the applicant intends to use the garage as an office and clients would drive to the property; that use pattern, she said, triggers the need for a conditional use permit and review by the Board of Adjustment. Commissioners also asked whether an on-site sign would be allowed; Wegleitner said signs are permitted subject to size and setback requirements but specific dimensions were not provided at the meeting.
Commissioners discussed site operations and access, including plans for perimeter fencing and the proposed gardens and walking path. After discussion, Commissioner Chris Nebelsick moved and Commissioner Dave Anderson seconded a motion to recommend approval of the conditional use permit to the Board of Adjustment. Chairperson Bruce Haines called the roll; the commission voted eight ayes and the motion carried.
The commission also handled routine business: it approved the meeting agenda (motion by Lewis Bainbridge, seconded by Steve Thiesse) and the Nov. 4, 2025 minutes (motion by Ray Gosmire, seconded by Mike Blaalid). The panel set its next meeting for Jan. 6, 2026, at 1:15 PM and adjourned at 1:55 PM after a motion by Steve Thiesse and second by Lewis Bainbridge.
The Board of Adjustment will consider the conditional use permit application at a future meeting; no date was specified in the Planning Commission minutes.
