Zumbrota Planning Board Reviews Subdivision, Variance Requests, and Golf Course Land Issues

The Zumbrota Planning and Zoning Board convened to discuss a minor subdivision request, a variance for home construction, and complex land issues related to a local golf course, among other items. Key discussions included a proposal to subdivide Clyde Hendricks’ property, a variance request for a home on Golf VI Avenue, and the sale of land strips adjacent to the golf course.

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.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Todd Hammel
Planning Board Officials:
Matt Rockne, Joan Bucher (Council Liaison), Beverly Weness, Beverly Holzheu, Tom Steger, Connie Boyd, Kim Jensen

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording