Board approves variance for single‑family dwelling on prime soils with conditions in St. Charles Township

The Winona County Board of Adjustment approved a variance on Sept. 18 allowing Kelly Anderson to place a new single‑family dwelling on a proposed 31‑acre parcel that includes land county maps show as class 2 and 3 soils, subject to four staff‑recommended conditions.

Planning staff presented the application noting the 71‑acre parcel would be split into a 31‑acre building parcel and a 40‑acre parcel to be sold; the proposed dwelling site would be located in wooded ground to minimize taking cultivated tillable acreage out of production. Staff’s analysis showed much of the proposed 31‑acre boundary contains prime soils and that a variance is required even if no split occurred. The petitioner told the board the alfalfa fields had been recently planted and would preferably remain in production, though at some point the owner might transition some areas to native grassland.

Board members discussed conditions and enforcement mechanisms. Staff recommended draft findings supporting approval and proposed four conditions, including: permit compliance, a requirement to place the house outside active tillable acreage (in the wooded area as presented), and a provision allowing inspections annually or as needed to confirm representations made during the hearing.

Several board members said the petitioner’s choice to site the home in the woods demonstrated an effort to preserve productive cropland. The board approved the variance with the staff‑drafted findings and conditions. The chair read appeal instructions; any aggrieved party has 30 days to appeal to district court.