Commission approves front-yard variance so new home can tie into existing utilities

The Brookings County Planning & Zoning Commission on July 7 approved a front-yard variance for applicant Geff Goodfellow that will allow a prefabricated 32-foot by 56-foot house to be located 71 feet from the centerline of 462nd Avenue in Preston Township. The county's required setback along that road is 150 feet; the variance granted reduces the setback by 79 feet.

According to the staff report, the existing on-site house — a 24-foot by 52-foot structure built in 1970 — sits about 85 feet from the road centerline under older setback rules. Goodfellow told the board that placing the new house in the proposed location would allow the family to "hook up to the existing sewer system, electricity and water" and to reconnect the new structure to the property's attached garage. No members of the public spoke in opposition or support during the public hearing.

Commissioners reviewed and completed the required findings of fact, which were concurred with by County Commissioner Kelly VanderWal and placed on file. Alternates Dale Storhaug and Justin DeGroot and members Cody Clark, Darrel Kleinjan, Neil Trooien, Randy Jensen and Chair Chad Ford voted to approve the variance; the recorded vote was unanimous (8-0). The board recorded the motion and placed findings on file, but did not attach any special conditions beyond standard permitting requirements.

The applicant's request and the staff memorandum cited existing site constraints, including a mature tree grove to the rear of the garage and lower ground to the south, as reasons to retain the proposed building placement. The commission's approval permits the owner to proceed to building-permit steps subject to applicable county permitting processes.