Planning Advisory Commission

Regular Meeting

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM CDT · Board Chambers, Government Center, 151 4th St SE, Rochester

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Notice of this meeting was posted at the Government Center and published on the County website in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Minn. Stat. ch. 13D. Members of the public may address the Board during the public comment period. Reasonable accommodations are available on request.

Attendance

Alice Rasmussen present · Desmond Achebe present · Ingrid Halvorsen present · Marla Tvedt present · Peter Nyugen-Oakes present

• Public Hearings
• 1. Public Hearing File 2026-0413 Planning & Zoning Approved

  Conditional Use Permit — Hillcrest Solar Garden, Section 14, Cascade Township

  A 4.9 MW community solar garden on 32 acres of agricultural land.

  Recommendation: Approve the conditional use permit subject to the eleven conditions recommended by the Planning Advisory Commission.

  Fiscal impact: No County cost. Applicant pays all review fees.

  • 📎 Hillcrest Solar - Site Plan Narrative.pdf 1.8 KB
  • 📎 Conditions of Approval (11).pdf 2.2 KB
  • 📎 Public Comments Received.pdf 1.6 KB
  Action taken ▶ Watch at 40:40

  Recommended to the County Board with eleven conditions.

• 2. Public Hearing File 2026-0422 Planning & Zoning Approved

  Variance — Setback Reduction, 4419 Marion Road SE

  Request for a 12-foot reduction of the required side yard setback.

  Recommendation: Approve the variance subject to the two conditions in the staff report.

  Fiscal impact: None.

  Action taken ▶ Watch at 1:05:08
• Regular Agenda
• 1. Ordinance File 2026-0418 Planning & Zoning Approved

  Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Accessory Dwelling Units (First Reading)

  First reading of an amendment permitting accessory dwelling units in the AG and R-1 districts.

  Recommendation: Approve the first reading and set the second reading for the first meeting in September.

  Fiscal impact: Minimal. Permit revenue is expected to offset review cost.

  • 📎 Draft Ordinance - Accessory Dwelling Units.pdf 1.8 KB
  Action taken ▶ Watch at 18:25

  Recommended to the County Board 5-2.

  Motion: Motion to recommend approval of the accessory dwelling unit amendment to the County Board.
  Moved by Desmond Achebe, seconded by Marla Tvedt
  Carried 3 aye · 2 nay
  Alice Rasmussen: nay · Desmond Achebe: aye · Ingrid Halvorsen: aye · Marla Tvedt: aye · Peter Nyugen-Oakes: nay