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Planning Commission backs Shetler conditional use permit, adds after-the-fact fee condition
Summary
The Winona County Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for an after‑the‑fact dwelling on property owned by Jake and Edna Shetler, adding a condition that doubles the permit fee for After‑the‑Fact construction; the County Board will consider final approval May 12, 2026.
The Winona County Planning Commission on April 16 recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow a single‑family dwelling on less than the 40 acres required under the county zoning code, ruling the structure met the commission’s Findings of Fact with conditions including variances and code compliance. Chair Eugene Hansen introduced the petition and Planner Olivia Stroinski presented maps, photos and a township acknowledgement from St. Charles Township indicating "no comments." The commission noted the building is occupied by a family member employed on the parcel.
Petitioner Jake Shetler told the commission his son currently lives in the building and that "the petitioner was unaware that a permit was needed to move a building onto the property." The commission discussed soils, proximity to a nearby feedlot (a variance was granted), septic and electrical compliance, and the appropriateness of charging higher fees for After‑the‑Fact permits. Assistant County Attorney Steve Kranz advised that established fees should be applied equally: "established fees should be applied equally so that individuals are not singled out." After debate the commission voted to add a fifth condition requiring payment of twice the permit fee for the After‑the‑Fact dwelling (motion passed 7–2) and then voted 8–1 to adopt the Findings of Fact and forward the CUP to the County Board for final action on May 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
The permit recommendation includes conditions that the petitioners secure required variances, obtain all applicable federal, state and local permits (including meeting the State Electrical Code if applicable), and comply with St. Charles Township permitting processes. The record notes existing wetlands are over 100 feet from the structure and staff concluded the residence did not create an excessive burden on county services or change the rural residential character of the area. The commission’s action was limited to a recommendation; the County Board makes the final decision.
