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Commission recommends conditional-use permit for baler manufacturer, shifts staffrecommendation from interim to conditional
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a recycling-baler manufacturing and repair business (PC04-16-2602), changing staff's interim-use recommendation to a conditional permit and adopting five conditions addressing stormwater, traffic and use limits.
The Winona County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional-use permit that would allow a recycling-baler manufacturing and repair business to operate in the Ag Resource Conservation zoning district, subject to five conditions and revised findings.
Planning staff (Olivia) described the petition for a large building on a parcel that straddles Saratoga and Fremont townships. Staff said the use did not neatly fit the ordinance—s home-occupation category because the land is divided by a township/section line; staff initially suggested treating the project as an interim use because it is more industrial in nature. Staff identified concerns from the highway department (traffic crossing County Road 33) and the soil and water conservation district (stormwater runoff and footprint proximity to a neighboring field).
Petitioner Randy Targesen told the commission his business repairs, refurbishes and manufactures recycling balers, currently employs five people and plans to expand to about ten employees. He said he raised the driveway for better visibility and that testing of equipment would be occasional, not continuous. Neighbors who spoke at the hearing supported the project and stressed local economic benefits.
Commissioners discussed whether to treat the petition as an interim use or a conditional use permit; several members said a conditional use would better protect the owner—s investment and future resale value. The commission voted to change the classification from interim to conditional use and then worked with the assistant county attorney to revise findings previously listed as "not met" (stormwater, traffic-safety measures and compatibility with the ARC district). With the revised findings and five draft conditions, the commission recommended approval and will forward the matter to the County Board for final action.
The commission noted an explicit termination event for an interim permit (if the business ceases for one year or ownership changes), and discussed that a conditional-use permit would remain with the property unless conditions or ownership changes dictate otherwise.
The County Board will consider the recommendation at its next business meeting.
