July 21st 2026 Planning Commission Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Meeting · 2026-07-21 · agenda_packet

[01.029.2201, 17.015.1000, 23.011.4800, 23.011.4801, 23.011.4600, 06.019.4000, 16.025.4000; case CUP_006_2026] The Clay County Planning Commission is meeting on July 21, 2026, to consider several requests. These include a conditional use permit for a telecommunications hut by Red River Communications on Parcel ID 01.029.2201, an interim use permit for a 39.5-acre gravel mine by Westlund Excavating on Parcel ID 17.015.1000, an interim use permit for agricultural worker housing by Gerald Zimmerman on Parcel IDs 23.011.4800, 23.011.4801, and 23.011.4600, and a conditional use permit for a 5-megawatt community solar garden by White Oak Garden LLC on Parcel ID 06.019.4000. The commission previously granted a conditional use permit to Ryan and Michael Hough Farms for a 999-animal unit cattle feedlot on Parcel ID 16.025.4000 on June 23, 2026, with specific conditions regarding manure management, construction, and environmental protection. Public comments during the Hough Farms hearing included concerns about manure handling, mortality management, runoff, and the future of an existing feedlot. Neighboring property owners expressed concerns about proximity of manure and property line fences. [16012 70th Street South, Sabin, MN 56580; case CUP_006_2026] Red River Communications is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunications hut. The proposed structure is approximately 12 feet by 20 feet on a 50-foot by 50-foot gravel pad. The purpose is to support a federal ReConnect Grant to extend fiber service. The property is located at 16012 70th Street South, Sabin, MN 56580, on Parcel ID 01.029.2201, in part of the NW1/4 of the NW1/4, Section 29, Township 137N, Range 47W, Alliance Township. The parcel size is 1.77 acres. The surrounding land use is Agricultural/Residential. Key review issues include setbacks, agricultural compatibility, security, access, drainage, exterior appearance, screening, lighting, and long-term maintenance. The staff analysis indicates the proposal can meet essential service standards with conditions, including final setbacks of 50 feet from lot lines and 125 feet from road centerlines, and preservation of agricultural access. The recommended action is to approve the permit with conditions. [17.015.1000] Westlund Excavating is requesting an interim use permit for a 39.5-acre gravel mine. The location is Parcel ID 17.015.1000, in part of the NW1/4 of the SE1/4 and SW1/4 of the NE1/4, Section 15, Township 141N, Range 45W, Keene Township. [23.011.4800, 23.011.4801, 23.011.4600] Gerald Zimmerman is requesting an interim use permit for agricultural worker housing. The locations are Parcel IDs 23.011.4800, 23.011.4801 and 23.011.4600, in the SE1/4 of Section 11, Township 140N, Range 48W, Oakport Township. [06.019.4000] White Oak Garden LLC is requesting a conditional use permit for a 5-megawatt community solar garden. The location is Parcel ID 06.019.4000, in part of the SE1/4, Section 19, Township 138N, Range 47W, Elmwood Township. [16.025.4000] On June 23, 2026, the Clay County Planning Commission GRANTED a Conditional Use Permit to Ryan and Michael Hough Farms for a 999-animal unit cattle feedlot. The property is Parcel ID 16.025.4000, the SE/14 Section 25, Township 137N, Range 45W, Humboldt Township, approximately 4.5 miles east of Barnesville and .5 miles south of Trunk Highway 34. The 160-acre parcel currently has an existing 299-AU feedlot. The request involves constructing two feedlot barns with manure management, including covered bedded-pack storage and concrete stacking areas. Construction was to begin in 2026. Public comments included concerns about manure handling, long-term management, mortality management, runoff into Whisky Creek, and environmental impacts of expansion. Neighboring property owners, Stuart Shulstad and Bob Gilbertson, raised concerns about manure proximity, fencing, and property line issues. The permit was granted with 12 conditions, including limits on animal units, obtaining all required permits, construction consistent with submitted plans, manure management, land application at agronomic rates, no discharge to waterways, mortality management, discontinuation of the existing open lot, and maintenance of haul roads.