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Planning panel adds penalty, recommends after-the-fact dwelling permit for Shetler property to county board
Summary
Winona County Planning Commission recommended the conditional-use permit for an after-the-fact dwelling on a 5.72-acre parcel, adding a condition to double the permit fee for after-the-fact approvals; the petition moves to the County Board on May 12.
The Winona County Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended the conditional-use permit for a dwelling built on less than 40 acres at the Shetler property and added a penalty for after-the-fact permits.
Olivia (planning staff) told the commission that the 5.72-acre parcel in Section 34, St. Charles Township, contains a structure that was built and occupied before the owner obtained required permits. Staff said two variances (prime soils and feedlot setback) were granted earlier in the day and presented draft findings and four conditions supporting a conditional-use permit; Saint Charles Township will handle subsequent building and septic permitting if the County Board approves the recommendation.
Petitioner Jake Shetler said the structure was moved onto a slab and adapted temporarily for his son’s living quarters while he works on-site at an adjacent cabinetry business. He described the living use as temporary but acknowledged it could be enlarged or made permanent in the future.
Commissioners debated whether the structure should be treated as temporary or permanent and whether the commission should add a penalty for after-the-fact permitting. Commissioner Everett moved to add a fifth condition that doubles the permit fee for after-the-fact applications; the motion carried on a voice/show-of-hands vote after discussion about fairness and consistent application. Commissioners and staff noted that the county’s fee schedule allows for discretionary after-the-fact penalties and that typical administrative ranges run roughly $300–$1,000.
After adding the fifth condition, the commission voted to recommend approval of the conditional-use permit with the amended findings and conditions. Staff said the petition will be heard by the County Board on Tuesday, May 12, at 9 a.m.
The commission’s action is a recommendation; the County Board will make the final decision and will consider the staff findings, the five conditions adopted by the planning commission and the added fee condition.
