Planning Commission recommends interim permit for standalone storage building in Nessel Township

The Chisago County Planning Commission on June 4 recommended approval of an Interim Use Permit allowing a single 40-by-60-foot (2,400-sf) accessory structure for personal storage on a 38.98± acre parcel in the Agricultural district in Nessel Township. The Commission voted 6-0 to adopt Resolution No. PC2026-0601 after a staff presentation and brief remarks by the property owner, Bonnie Peach-Jennings.

Land Services Coordinator Beth Gervais told the Commission the proposed building would meet required AG-district setbacks and is intended for storage of personal vehicles, equipment and recreational items. Gervais said the Nessel Town Board reviewed the request and recommended approval with no conditions. Peach-Jennings told the panel her contractor may move the structure slightly farther east on the parcel and described ownership of adjacent narrow lots that provide the existing driveway access.

The Commission approved the permit with site-specific conditions. Conditions include that no sanitary facilities or overnight accommodations are allowed in the accessory structure until a principal use structure such as a dwelling is constructed and the building complies with applicable codes; any commercial use would require separate authorization under the zoning ordinance; annual certification of the Interim Use Permit is required; the county may inspect the property during reasonable hours; and the permit will expire when a principal use structure is built on the parcel. The motion to recommend approval passed 6-0 (Sutcliffe moved; DuBose second).

Commissioners emphasized setbacks and conformance with the application materials. The approval directs the permit holder to contact the Chisago County Highway Department before applying for a building permit to verify whether the existing access is sufficient or requires a new access permit. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.