Planning commission recommends approval for Kern's interim use permit for auto body shop

The Morrison County Planning Commission voted Aug. 18 to recommend approval to the County Board of an interim use permit for an automotive repair and auto body collision operation proposed by property owner Jody Kern.

Amy, Land Services staff, told commissioners the request falls under county ordinance section 647 and would allow an 80-by-40-foot addition to an existing shed on a 15.68-acre parcel in Section 29 of Belle Prairie Township, served by County Road 263 (185th Avenue). Staff recommended three conditions if approved: "no more than five vehicles may be parked outside the shop at any time," that all material storage and waste disposal follow applicable laws and regulations, and that the interim use permit terminate if Kern no longer owns the property. "That that's pretty broad," Amy said when describing the permit conditions and enforcement approach, adding that records of hazardous-waste handling would be reviewable by county staff.

Commissioner Clint moved that the commission recommend approval with the three conditions; Brent seconded the motion. The commission answered all five required findings in the affirmative and approved the recommendation by unanimous voice vote. The commission will forward its recommendation to the Morrison County Board of Commissioners for action at the board's Aug. 25, 2026 meeting in the same room.

The applicant, Jody Kern, told the commission he does not plan towing, salvage, or vehicle sales, and expects initially to be the sole worker with the possibility of hiring one additional employee in the future. Kern said he intends to install screening (a fence) to keep customer vehicles out of public view.