Planning Commission declines to recommend approval of Hoheisel conditional use permit to exceed dwelling density

The Morrison County Planning Commission on Aug. 4 heard an application from Christopher Hoheisel for a Conditional Use Permit to exceed the county’s one-dwelling-per-parcel rule on property in part of NE 1/4 of NW 1/4, Section 14, Township 40, Range 31 in Agram Township. Amy Kowalzek, appointed secretary and planning staff, entered Sections 6‑4, 9 and 6‑4, 14 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance, aerial photos, a site plan and staff report into the record and said 48 notices were mailed to neighboring property owners and no written comments were received before the hearing.

Commissioners questioned the site configuration and existing structures. Commissioner Brent Lindgren asked where the new mobile home would be placed; applicant Christopher Hoheisel said "the new mobile home will go south of the existing dwelling," and Kowalzek added that an existing mobile on the site would be moved to the proposed location. Lindgren also recommended naming the access as a named easement to assist addressing; Kowalzek said staff will work with the Sheriff's Department on addressing. Commissioner Clint Kathrein asked about zoning on the aerial map and whether a nearby chicken barn met setbacks; Kowalzek said the barn complies with setbacks and that the cluster of dwellings appears to pre-date current zoning enforcement.

Concerns about property condition surfaced in public remarks and commissioner comments. Commissioner Marvin Trettel described the area as looking "messy," while attendee Alissa Avila said a prior owner had operated a junk yard and the county had removed a building; Hoheisel said he has since cleaned up much of the property. Commissioner Brent Lindgren suggested conditions tied to cleanup and property organization.

After discussion, Lindgren moved to recommend approval of the application including conditions; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Clint Kathrein, failed on a 1–4 vote with Commissioner Greg Colombe casting the sole vote in favor. No formal rezoning was proposed; planning staff noted rezoning was not appropriate given surrounding uses. The application will be considered by the Morrison County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11, 2026.