Zumbrota Planning Board Reviews Variance Requests for New Developments Near Golf Course and Main Street

The Zumbrota Planning & Zoning Board recently held a meeting where they discussed two significant variance applications. The first application was from Seth Frese Construction for a property on Golf View Avenue, proposing a screened-in porch that would encroach into the setback by three feet. The second application was from a resident on Main Street seeking to build a larger garage on the existing site of an old shed. Both applications were approved to proceed to public hearings scheduled for April 8, 2025.

The meeting’s most noteworthy item was the variance application for a property on Golf View Avenue by Seth Frese Construction. The applicant seeks permission to build a new house with a screened-in porch that would extend three feet into the 30-foot rear yard setback. The setback was recently amended from 35 feet to 30 feet for properties abutting the golf course. The board clarified that the porch’s roof is the aspect requiring the variance, as uncovered porches would not breach setback limits. The variance will be formally addressed in a public hearing, where nearby residents will also be notified to provide their input.

Another issue was the variance request on Main Street, where the homeowner wishes to replace an existing small shed with a new, larger garage. The existing garage does not meet current setback requirements, and the proposed structure’s dimensions will exceed these limits. The new garage will cover the same footprint along the side and rear as the existing structure but will extend further into the yard without moving closer to the street or alley. The board agreed to set a public hearing for this variance as well, with consideration given to existing utility easements and the need for a larger garage fitting within the yard’s overall space.

Additionally, the meeting included the introduction of a new deputy city administrator, Miles Rob, who will take over planning duties. The city attorney also made an appearance via remote connection, familiarizing himself with the board’s procedures and expressing a preference for remote participation in future meetings unless issues require his physical presence.

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.

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