Planning & Zoning Commission approves front-yard variance for Thielen Farms grain leg

The Brookings County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a variance for Thielen Farms Inc. on Feb. 3, 2026, allowing a 10-foot by 10-foot by 100-foot grain leg to be sited 40 feet from the right-of-way of South Dakota Highway 13, a deviation of 10 feet from the ordinance-required 50-foot setback. The commission also approved placement of a 20-foot by 60-foot cement unloading pad that will sit as close as 15 feet from the right-of-way on the east side, a requested variance of 35 feet. The motion to approve 2026VAR001 was moved by Neil Trooien and seconded by Randy Jensen and passed 8–0.

Staff reported that the right-of-way for SD Hwy 13 is 100 feet from road centerline and that the South Dakota Department of Transportation had no objections provided structures remain outside the DOT right-of-way. The staff report noted a prior variance (2008var016) had been granted for existing bins; the current request also anticipates a future overhead loadout bin that would not require an additional variance if this request were approved. Applicant Nathan Thielen made no additional remarks during the public hearing. The commission completed findings of fact and placed them on file; the formal vote recorded Kelly VanderWal, Paulson, Clark, DeGroot, Kyle VanderWal, Trooien, Jensen, and Kleinjan voting aye.