A significant item was the minor subdivision request from Clyde Hendricks, represented by his attorney. The proposal aims to carve out 4.59 acres from Hendricks’ current property to create two tax lots. This subdivision is intended to promote development within Zumbrota, thereby boosting economic activity and expanding the tax base. Previously, the property had been listed for sale, prompting speculation about the intention to separate the building site from the larger tract for potential sale or development. The board deemed it necessary to hold a public hearing, scheduled for October 8, 2024, at 5:35 p.m., to further discuss the subdivision.

Concerns were raised about access to the newly created parcel, which is currently landlocked. Any new development would necessitate establishing an access point to either Fifth Street or Jefferson Drive. Board members discussed the implications of landlocking the parcel and regulations regarding the number of accessory buildings allowed on site. Questions were raised about whether existing buildings would be grandfathered in after the subdivision, and these aspects will need clarification during the upcoming public hearing.

Another major topic was the public hearing for a variance request for new home construction on Golf VI Avenue. The builder sought a variance due to an encroachment into the rear yard setback, which is typically set at 35 feet in the Highlands area. The proposed home would encroach by roughly 8 feet, resulting in a rear yard setback of about 26 feet 10 inches. The board had previously granted a similar variance in the same neighborhood.

During the hearing, a board member pointed out the boundaries involved, noting the need for precise measurements. The home is planned to face east, complicating matters as corner lots often present unique challenges regarding front and rear yard designations. It was noted that only a portion of the house would encroach, not the entire structure. Discussions included the possibility of repositioning the house to comply with setback regulations.

The lot’s slope posed additional constraints on the development potential, with the lot sloping from north to south. This created challenges in meeting the builder’s desire for a walk-out basement. Concerns were raised about how the house’s positioning might impact neighboring properties, particularly the Taylor or Adams residence next door. One board member suggested that orienting the house to face south might align better with existing setbacks.

The board then discussed a proposed variance related to a residential construction project, focusing on the implications of a 35-foot rear setback. Concerns were raised about whether the proposed construction would diminish green space or interfere with neighboring properties’ use of their backyards. Neighbors had been notified of the plans, and one citizen expressed confusion about setbacks, equating them with easements and worrying about losing yard space. The board clarified that the layout allowed for sufficient distance from neighboring houses and appeared to favor moving forward. The motion to recommend approval of the variance was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Attention then shifted to the Berg Homestead development involving seven lots on East 9th Street. The developer’s engineer presented details about a new road connecting Jefferson Drive to 460th Street. The preliminary plat for the development showed lots with a front setback of 20 feet, reduced from the typical 20 to 30 feet due to the land’s significant slope. The plan included no sidewalk, with driveways designed to be 30 to 35 feet long. A grading plan illustrated how drainage would be managed, with water flowing toward 9th Street and drainage intakes positioned to handle runoff.

Board members discussed potential traffic concerns, particularly the risk of residents backing out onto a busy 9th Street. It was noted that the road’s current condition as a gravel road would change with development, potentially improving visibility and traffic flow. However, concerns about existing high-speed traffic on 9th Street were raised. The discussion included considerations for future development of remaining parcels, with thoughts on how current decisions would affect later developments. A motion to set a public hearing for further discussion on the Berg Homestead development was made, seconded, and passed without opposition.

Lastly, the board discussed a proposal concerning the local golf course. A representative outlined a plan to sell portions of land to adjacent homeowners, effectively extending their property boundaries. However, complications arose regarding property titles and the legal sale of these strips. A member noted the need for a surveyor to delineate the land accurately, and concerns were raised about the variability in property lines depending on existing subdivisions. The board agreed that further exploration was necessary to ensure all property owners were aligned in their interests regarding the land parcels.