Board of Adjustment - 12 Nov 2026

Stearns County, Minnesota Board of Adjustment meeting (titled November 12, 2026; metadata dated November 13) considered two land-use variance requests. The board unanimously granted a variance to build a residence 408 feet from a neighboring registered feedlot, where the required setback is 700 feet. Members discussed the effect on the feedlot’s future operation and expansion; staff said the neighboring operation could not expand north or east, and larger animal-unit increases would require additional approvals. Staff also reported that the proposed home and driveway would avoid wetlands, and the DNR had no concerns.

The board also unanimously granted a variance for replacement of a failed septic system at a property on Middle Spunk Lake, allowing the soil treatment area to be 15 feet from the dwelling and 89.9 feet from the lake. Staff said the existing tank and absorption area had failed inspection; a holding tank was identified as an alternative if the variance were denied. No contract awards, purchasing decisions, budget allocations, or other procurement activity were identified. The board took up approval of the prior meeting’s minutes, but the transcript does not capture the outcome.