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Board allows three dwellings on combined Justin farmstead with replacement‑location condition
Summary
The board granted Gary and Sharon Justin a variance to have three dwellings on a combined farmstead parcel, adding a condition that replacement dwellings remain in the same general footprint to prevent future fragmentation of farmland.
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved a variance on July 7 permitting Gary and Sharon Justin to combine parcels and have three dwellings on a single farmstead. Staff explained that combining a 145‑acre parcel and a 15‑acre parcel to place a barn across property lines would otherwise result in three dwellings on one parcel, exceeding the standard limit; ordinance section 604.13 allows up to two dwellings on a farmstead under certain criteria but not three without a variance.
Applicants and board members described the property’s long family history and the operational need for housing for family or hired help. Board members favored a condition that any replacement dwelling must be rebuilt in the same general footprint or location so the variance does not enable future scattered residential development that would undermine agricultural protection goals.
Greg moved to approve the variance with the discussed condition and Clint seconded; the board approved the motion by roll call. Staff advised the applicants to work with Land Services to document the condition and next steps.
