HomeMy WebLinkAbout03_14_22_PC packetCITY OF ST. JOSEPH
www.cityofstjoseph.com
75 Callaway Street East | Saint Joseph, Minnesota 56374
Email: cityoffices@cityofstjoseph.com | Phone: 320.363.7201 | Fax 320.363-0342
St. Joseph Planning Commission
Monday, March 14th, 2022 6:00 PM St. Joseph Council Chambers 75 Callaway St E **The meeting will also be available through Zoom**
1.Call to Order
2.Pledge of Allegiance
3.Agenda Review and Adoption
4.Approve Minutes – February 14th, 2022
5.New Business
a.New member introductionb.Transportation Plan update
6.Old Businessa.Wedding/Event venues within Rural Residential areas
7.Other Business
8. Adjourn
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11
February 14th, 2022
Page 1 of 1
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met On Monday, February 14th, 2022 at 6:18 PM. in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioners Mike Osterman, Carmie Mick, Keith Louwagie, Anne Jarrell
Absent: Bob Loso, Gina Dullinger, Adam Scepaniak
Staff Present: Nate Keller Community Development Director
Approval of the Agenda: Jarrell made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by
Osterman and passed unanimously by those present.
Approval of the Minutes: Louwagie made a motion to approve the minutes of January 10th, 2022. The
motion was seconded by Osterman and passed unanimously by those present.
New Business: a.Wedding Venues within Rural Residential areasCommission members discussed a variety of items pertaining to wedding/event venues including: the
need to connect to utilities specifically for venues below 300 capacity and above 300 capacity, how
assessments are handled, traffic, safety concerns, compatibility of the use in rural areas, minimum
acreage requirements, how conditions would be handled for a use like this, enforcement, and other
related items. Keller also highlighted some comments from Commission member Dullinger.
Commission members agreed to continue this discussion next month when a full Commission is present.
Commission also asked Keller to research other community ordinances.
b.Model Resolution Supporting Local Decision-Making AuthorityKeller provided background on the model resolution.
Osterman motioned to support the resolution. The motion was seconded by Jarrell and passed unanimously by those present.
Old Business: None
Other Business: Keller updated the Commission on: Joint Planning Board scheduled for March 9th @ 7PM, Transportation Plan and potential update to the plan pertaining to sidewalks/trails, and Community Center open house.
Adjourn: Jarrell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 PM. The motion was seconded by Louwagie
and the motion carried.
Minutes by:
Nate Keller Community Development Director
22
Planning Commission Agenda Item 05b
MEETING DATE: March 14th, 2022
AGENDA ITEM: 05b – Transportation Map – Sidewalks/trails
SUBMITTED BY: Community Development
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed updates to the Transportation map.
PREVIOUS PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: None
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Staff has reviewed and is providing recommendations as it pertains to updating the sidewalks/trails within
the city’s Master Transportation plan. The Master Transportation Plan was adopted in 2012 and provides a framework for future roads/trails/sidewalks.
The attached map highlights the areas staff have identified and areas that would be updated in the plan. The proposed updates were also reviewed by the City Council at their workshop on March 3rd. The Council had the following comments to add:
•Prioritizing sidewalks and trails on both sides of the street within the downtown area
•Connecting 2nd Ave NW to Minnesota StCouncil recommendations will be added to the map (current drafted map does not show the recommendations). The map is being updated to identify gaps and provide consensus on priorities. The priorities will help staff strategically target grants to fill in the gaps.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Sidewalk/trail map
REQUESTED PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Discussion and input
33
44
Planning Commission Agenda Item 06a
MEETING DATE: March 14th, 2022
AGENDA ITEM: 05a – Wedding Venues within Rural Residential areas
SUBMITTED BY: Community Development
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is open to consideration of a zoning amendment
PREVIOUS PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: The Commission had discussion at Feb. 14th 2022 meeting. Commission agreed to continue the discussion at March meeting when full Commission is present.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Staff would like to continue the discussion on the possibility of allowing Wedding/Event Venues within Rural Residential areas.
The current city code for Rural Residential does not this use. Questions for the Planning Commission include:
•Does the Commission think a use like this can be compatible in Rural Residential district?
•What concerns may exist?If an ordinance amendment was presented to the city at minimum staff would recommend the following concerns are addressed:
•Venues within Rural Residential district shall only be allowed through a Conditional Use permit.A conditional use allows the city to place specific (reasonable) conditions unique to the individual
project (on top of other minimum requirements). Conditions would help address any specificconcerns tied to a project and many of the conditions outlined below
•Noise
•Safety/security/lighting restrictions
•Often venues are busiest during weekend and night hours – the city needs to be sure effective andconsistent enforcement can occur during these “off” hours
•Connection to utilities regardless of capacity should be required (Fire suppression reasons)Building code stipulates any venue over 300 in capacity needs to be sprinkled.
•Minimum acreage requirements (40-50 acres) Reason for the acreage requirement is so a use likethis is not allowed in a clustered Rural Residential district where size of lots may be 1-5 acres andhomes are clustered together in a more suburban pattern. A use like this should have plenty ofspace and room away from residential homes and minimum lot size will provide adequateseparation.
•Use should only be allowed along a collector street to ensure traffic does not become a nuisance(all parking should be contained within the site)
•Minimum screening/landscaping requirements and farther setbacks for structures and parking lots(more stringent screening can also be placed as part of a Conditional use)
Staff did some very brief research on the topic and some sample language is attached.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Rural Residential Ordinance
2. Zoning map3. Sample languageREQUESTED PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Discussion and input 55
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-1
Section 502.27: RR - RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Subd. 1: Intent. To establish and preserve areas within the City for the continuation of
agricultural operations; to provide for very low density residential development for those persons
desiring a rural life-style, to preserve and protect areas where soil conditions, bedrock conditions, steep slopes, significant vegetation, wetlands or other unique natural features which are best suited for open space and limited development, and are necessary to maintain the character of the area or the community, and which would be irreparably harmed by denser
development, and to allow for use of areas not suitable for urban development, to prevent rapid
urbanization and provide economy in public expenditures, and to govern and implement the long range urban service plan of the City as identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Subd. 2: Purpose. The Rural Residential district is included in the zoning provisions to
achieve the following purposes: a) Minimize land use conflict between agricultural and other land uses. 1. Maintain suitable boundaries for urban, rural residential and agricultural areas.
2. Prevent premature urban development in rural areas which eventually may be
appropriate for urban uses, until the installation of streets, utilities, and until the demand exists for such development. b) Manage the impacts of growth and development on the City’s rural character.
1. Discourage incompatible land uses through effective land use controls.
2. Identify appropriate areas for commercial, industrial and non-farm rural residential developments. 3. Coordinate infrastructure expansion with development; and encourage development where the infrastructure is adequate to serve that growth.
Subd. 3: Definitions. The following words and terms, in addition to the words and terms identified in Section 502.04 in this Ordinance, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
a) Agricultural Building: A structure used for the storage and maintenance of
agricultural equipment, or the storage of livestock, feed, crops, or other agricultural products. b) Agricultural Operation: Real or personal property used for production of crops
including, but not limited to, fruit and vegetative production, tree farming, livestock,
poultry, dairy products or poultry products, but not a facility primarily engaged in processing agricultural products. An agricultural operation shall also include certain farm activities and uses as follows:
6
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-2
a. Chemical and fertilizer spraying b. Farm machinery noise
c. Extended hours of operation
d. Storage and spreading of manure and biosolids under state permit e. Open storage of machinery f. Odors produced from normal farm activities g. On farm marketing of farm products
h. Yard waste and leaf composting site
i. Contaminated soils disposal c) Animal Feedlot: a lot or building or combination of lots and buildings intended for the confined feeding, breeding, raising or holding of animals and specifically
designed as a confinement area in which manure may accumulate or where the
concentration of animals is such that a vegetative cover cannot be maintained within the enclosure. For purposes of this Section, petting zoos, horse stalls, riding arenas, open lots and mink farms shall be considered to be animal feedlots. Pastures shall not be considered animal feedlots. Animal feedlots shall include any manure storage
structure.
d) Home Extended Business: An occupation or profession engaged in by the occupant of a dwelling unit within said unit or accessory structure which involves the storage of a limited number of vehicles and equipment; repair; service or assembly requiring
equipment other than customarily found in a home; or the storage of stock in trade
incidental to the performance of a service. A home extended business shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the premises, and shall only include the sale of merchandise incidental to the home extended business.
e) Hobby Farm: An area on which crops are grown and or livestock (excluding fur-
bearing livestock) are raised. f) Residential Subdivision: A described tract of land which has been divided into single family residential lots establishing a residential neighborhood. Areas include 1st
Avenue NE at First Street East to CO RD 2, CO RD 2 at First Street East to Jasmine
Lane, Forest Manor Addition, and Sunset Ridge. Subd. 4: Permitted Uses.
a) Agricultural Operation
b) Single family detached dwelling unit c) Hobby Farms
d) Roadside stand for the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises (providing that such stands conform to the requirements of this Title relative to construction, setback and use).
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ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-3
e) Public parks, recreational areas, environmental study areas and game refuges.
f) Forestry, nurseries, green houses and tree farms excluding retail sales. g) Residential care facilities serving 6 or fewer residents
h) Residences for principal farm operators
Subd. 5: Conditional Uses. The following uses require a Conditional Use Permit as regulated in this Ordinance.
a) Essential Services, Transmission Services and Utility Substations
b) Animal Feedlot expansions c) Bed and Breakfast Inns
d) Government administrative and service buildings e) Home extended businesses
f) Commercial outdoor recreation facilities, including golf courses, club houses,
swimming pools and similar uses. g) Kennels with over four dogs.
h) Cemeteries
i) Facilities for retail or wholesale trade connected with nursery or tree farms j) Places of Worship
k) Public and private schools l) Residential care facilities serving 7-16 residents.
Subd. 6: Interim Uses. The following uses require an Interim Use Permit as regulated in
this ordinance as: a) Mining, and extraction of minerals, sand, gravel and other granular materials and the like subject to other applicable sections of this Ordinance.
b) Portable asphalt and concrete mixing plants within extractive uses. The interim use permit issues shall include, but is not limited to, the following conditions: provisions for adherence to pollution control standards, hours of operation,
8
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-4
setbacks, haul roads, areas where the plant is to be located and slopes. The interim use permit required for portable asphalt and concrete mixing plants is in
addition to the interim use permit required for the operation of the
mining/extractive use. Subd. 7: Permitted Accessory Uses.
a) Detached Accessory Buildings on residential properties shall be exempt from
Section 502.12 Subd. 1 of this Ordinance and shall meet the following: i.. The size of the detached accessory building shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total lot area in a residential subdivision. Properties that are
less than 27,000 square feet in size shall comply with R-1 district
accessory building size requirements. ii. The same or similar exterior building material, such as siding, and shingles shall be used on the accessory building as the principal building
in residential subdivisions.
iii. No detached accessory building nor structure shall be constructed on any lot prior to the time of construction of the principal building to which it is accessory.
v. Detached accessory buildings, excluding Agriculture Buildings shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height in residential subdivisions. b) Agricultural Buildings
c) Operation and storage of vehicles, machinery and equipment which is incidental to permitted or special uses allowed in this district. c) Home occupations per Section 502.16.
d) Private swimming pools in compliance with Section 502.12 Subd. 4. For an in-ground pool, an automatic pool cover can be used in lieu of fencing requirements provided it is certified and complies with ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) F1346-91 standard, or successor standard.
e) Private sports courts i.e. tennis, basketball, etc. f) Personal amateur radio and television antennas and satellite dish antennas.
g) Dog kennels with four or fewer dogs, must be in the side or rear yard.
Subd. 8: Lot Area Requirements.
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ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-5
a) Minimum area 10 acres - 435,600 square feet.
b) Minimum lot width 300 feet at the building setback line.
Subd. 9: Setback Requirements. a) Front Yard Setback: The front yard setback shall not be less than 30 feet, unless:
i) 30 percent or more of the frontage on the same side of the street between
two intersecting streets is improved with buildings that have observed a greater or less depth of front yard in which instance no buildings shall project beyond a straight line drawn between the point closest to the street of the residence upon either side of the proposed structure or,
ii) If there are residences upon only one side, then it shall be on the straight line projected from the front of the two nearest residences. iii) This regulation shall not be interpreted to require a front yard of more than
100 feet.
b) Side Yard Setback: The side yard setback shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet, except corner lots on which the side yard on the intersecting street shall be not less than thirty (30) feet.
c) Rear Yard Setback: The rear yard setback shall not be not less than thirty (30) feet. d) Detached accessory structures shall not be less than ten (10) feet from the side and
rear lot lines, except corner lots on which the side yard on the intersecting street
shall not be less than twenty (20) feet. Subd. 10: Height Requirements.
a) Buildings, other than agriculture buildings, shall not exceed forty (40) feet in
height, except as hereinafter provided. b) Public or semi-public or public service buildings, hospitals, institutions or schools may be erected to a height not exceeding 60 feet, and churches may be erected to
a height not exceeding 75 feet if the building is set back from each yard
requirement at least one foot for each foot of additional building height above the height limit otherwise provided in the district in which the building is located. Subd. 11. Site Coverage. No structure or combination of structures shall occupy more
than 30% of the lot area.
Subd. 12: Rural Quality of Life Provisions. The Rural Residential zone applies to properties annexed to the City of St. Joseph that were governed by the 1997 Orderly Annexation
10
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-6
Agreement. Properties in this area are rural in nature and have not been impacted by urban development and shall be exempted from certain requirements applicable in other zones that
have been developed to an urban density. The exemptions for the properties annexed to the City
of St. Joseph that were governed by the 1997 Orderly Annexation Agreement expire when the annexed properties are taxed at the full City tax rates. The exemptions are as follows: a) Allowed Animals. Property owners whose property is zoned Rural Residential
shall have the following flexibility in relation to the regulations of Ordinance
1004, Licensing and Regulations of Animals: i. Up to four (4) domestic dogs over three months old shall be allowed per household.
ii. Farms animals including but not limited cattle, horses, hogs, chickens, geese, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and turkeys shall be allowed. Animal density allowance shall follow the Urban Expansion zoning district in the Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance.
iii. Licenses shall not be required for domestic dogs. iv. Animals shall be allowed to run at large unless this issue becomes a nuisance generating complaints from neighbors.
b) Hunting/Firearms. Recreational firearm and bow arrow usage will be permitted without a city permit with the following conditions: i. Property owners must adhere to all State and Federal laws regarding
hunting and the use and discharge of firearms, and bows and arrows.
c) Burning. Properties zoned Rural Residential shall be exempt from Ordinance 1003, Fire and Burning regulations provided: i. Any open burning must be approved and permitted by the MN DNR.
d) Wood Burning Stoves: Properties located in the Rural Residential zoning district may utilize wood burning stoves as a form of alternative heat provided: a. The wood burning stove meets the minimum setback requirements based
on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
b. Building Permits are secured for the installation c. All stoves must meet the MPCA Guidelines e) Noise. Rural Residential areas shall be exempt from the Noise Ordinance (1002)
provided that noise as defined in the Noise Ordinance does not become a public
nuisance or an endangerment to others.
11
ORDINANCE 502 – ZONING ORDINANCE
502.27-7
f) Fences. Properties shall be exempt from the City Fence Ordinance, except for those in a residential subdivision.
g) Driveway and Parking Areas. Properties shall be exempt from the City Off Street Parking Ordinance. Driveway and parking areas shall follow Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance.
Subd. 13: Additional Requirements. Uses may be subject to additional requirements
contained in this Ordinance including, but not limited to the sections governing parking, home occupation, floodplain, signs, etc.
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ZONING DISTRICTS
St. Joseph, Minnesota
FIGURE 1Print Date: 7/12/2021
This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey map and is not intended to be used asone. This map is a compilation of records, information, and data gathered from various sourceslisted on this map and is to be used for reference purposes only. SEH does not warrant that theGeographic Information System (GIS) Data used to prepare this map are error free, and SEHdoes not represent that the GIS Data can be used for navigational, tracking, or any otherpurpose requiring exacting measurement of distance or direction or precision in the depiction ofgeographic features. The user of this map acknowledges that SEH shall not be liable for anydamages which arise out of the user's access or use of data provided.
Agricultural
Supportive Care District
Central Business District
Educational and Ecclesiastical
General Business
Highway Business
Light Industrial
Public
Future Public
Single Family Residential
Two Family Residential
Multiple Family Residential
Rural Residential
Townhouse - Patio Home Residential
(PUD) Planned Unit Development
13
“Rural Tourism” – Stearns County
MEEKER COUNTY Sec. 22.21.2. - Rural tourism business.
Rural tourism businesses are businesses which attract travelers or visitors to areas historically or
traditionally used for agricultural purposes, which are generally small-scale, low-impact, and
entertainment, recreation, and/or education-focused
CROW WING COUNTY
“Agri-Businesses”
Any agricultural, horticultural, or agricultural-related business activity that allows organizations or
members of the general public for the purpose of recreational entertainment, education, or active
involvement to view, enjoy, or participate in rural activities of a farm or farm-related operation. An
activity is an agri-business activity whether or not the individual pays to participate in the activity.
614
WRIGHT COUNTY
Commercial Agricultural Tourism - Commercial Agricultural Tourism (CAT) is a:
Rural commercial operation that is connected to a primary agricultural use and may include
orchards, wineries, the promotion of agriculture or the natural environment, or the use of
the rural outdoor environment for events such as weddings and gatherings. CAT may allow
for the construction of accessory structures to be used for events and special gatherings of
people to be held within such structures. Food catering and limited food preparation, along
with limited retail that is directly associated with the CAT use may be allowed.
Section 743. COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL TOURISM
A. Purpose (1) Preserve Wright County’s agricultural and rural heritage and landscapes.
(2) Enhance Wright County’s appeal to visitors who are drawn to its rural and
agricultural environment.
(3) Provide opportunities for new economic growth through Commercial
Agricultural Tourism.
(4) Allow for Commercial Agricultural Tourism that does not conflict with permitted
agricultural operations and developed residential areas.
B. Standards
(1) Commercial Agricultural Tourism shall be located on a parcel of at least ten
(10) acres in size which has a residence or entitlement.
(2) Commercial Agricultural Tourism shall be shown to have a unique or
demonstrable relationship with Wright County and be correlated to agricultural
and rural features in accordance with the above stated purposes.
(3) Large scale events and gatherings held inside a building must be associated
with an outdoor agricultural or rural outdoor activity, be seasonal or part-time
in nature. Any associated food be catered in or be limited food preparation and
alcohol must be catered in.
(4) Commercial Agricultural Tourism shall require a Conditional use Permit in
715
accord with Section 505 of the Wright County Zoning Ordinance and must
comply with the Wright County Land Use Plan.
C. Conditional Use Permits shall refer to land uses which:
(1) Must not create an excessive demand upon existing services or amenities.
(2) Must be screened or able to be screened adequately, or are sufficiently
separated from adjacent residences to prevent negative impacts to nearby
properties.
(3) Must have an appearance that is consistent and compatible with the
surrounding area and land uses.
(4) Must not cause traffic hazards or undue congestion.
(5) Must not negatively impact surrounding residences and neighbors by the
intrusion
MEEKER COUNTY
https://library.municode.com/mn/meeker_county/codes/land_development_ordinance?nodeId=LAD
EOR_PTIVZOOR_ART22PEST_S22.21.2RUTOBU
A.Purpose. In accordance with the stated goals of the Meeker County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, it is
the purpose of this subdivision to:
1.Preserve and celebrate Meeker County's archaeological properties, rural and agricultural heritage, and
historical landscapes;
2.To recognize Meeker County's scenic features, exceptional rural ambience, historic sites as desirable
local amenities which will draw outside revenue from visitors, that is vital to the local economy.
3.Enhance Meeker County's appeal to visitors who are drawn to its rural atmosphere;
4.Provide opportunities for new economic growth through rural tourism businesses;
a.Assist the county's citizens in the transition from primarily agricultural land uses, to an expanded
variety of rural business opportunities as active family farming continues to diminish in Meeker County.
B.Standards. Rural tourism businesses shall meet the following standards:
1.Rural tourism businesses shall be located within the A-1 Agricultural Preservation District;
2.Rural tourism businesses shall require an interim use permit in accordance with article 6B of this
ordinance;
816
3.Rural tourism businesses shall be shown to have a unique and demonstrable relationship with Meeker
County or its region, and its history, culture, traditions, arts, crafts, lore, natural resources, or other
features and amenities, in accordance with the above stated purposes.
C.Rural tourism businesses. Rural tourism businesses shall include but not be limited to such things as
farm or other historical heritage attractions, single family residential rental properties for day visits,
picnics, weddings, receptions, small-scale, low impact special events or music festivals, hay rides, corn
mazes, holiday celebrations and harvest festivals, country-craft/antique shops, unique local venues
providing for the sale and serving of locally produced raw and/or value-added agricultural products,
goods and services, and other reasonably related merchandise, leased multi-user individual garden
plots, and other uses determined by the Meeker County Planning and Zoning to be similar in nature and
scope.
D.Code compliance. An existing structure or SSTS which is subjected to a change in occupancy or GPD
loading as a result of an approved IUP for a rural tourism business shall be retrofitted and/or upgraded
to conform to current code requirements. All existing buildings proposed for use in association with the
business shall be certified by an architect or licensed engineer to be in compliance with current
structural standards for the new occupancy prior to any use of the structure.
VILLAGE OF BRISTOL WISCONSIN (TOWN OF 2,500 PEOPLE AND OUTSIDE KENOSHA, WI POPULATION OF 99,000+)
https://villageofbristol.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Ordinance-2016-11-Special-Event-
Wedding-Barns-and-Venues-as-Conditional-Uses-in-Agricultural-Zoning-Districts.pdf
• Min parcel size of 5 acres
• 200 foot open buffer. Venue items not allowed within this buffer area. Plantings and vegetation
should occur within the buffer
• All parking shall be met on-site not on-street
• Located on collector street
• Amplified music/dancing only allowed within the structure not outside structure
• Limited to months (seasons) of operation and hours/days
917
G:\Environmental Services\Zoning\Event Venues.docx 5/14/2021
Event Venues
Stearns County
Zoning Options for Event Venue
1. Provisional Use. Limited to 15 days per calendar year. “Temporary use/special event”
2. CUP in Commercial District
3. CUP in Agricultural District. “Rural Tourism”
Requirements for Event Venue
State Building Code. Department of Labor and Industry
State of Minnesota and a licensed building official to ensure the structure is code-compliant.
The State will review architectural and engineering plans, issue permits and inspect the construction if
the assembly space meets the State definition of a space designed for over 200 people.
Assembly spaces under 200 people requires design and certification by an architect. The State Building
Code, 326B was amended in 2008 making the state code the standard for construction through the
state. Fire Code is the same. There is no oversight from the state on these spaces.
Contact person:
Greg Metz, Architect with Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division.
651-284-5884 or greg.metz@state.mn.us.
Scott McKown, Assistant Director of Department of Labor and Industry/Construction Codes and
Licensing Division. 651-284-5893 or scott.mckown@state.mn.us.
Minnesota Accessibility Code. Stearns County
• Building plan review by County’s contracted Building Official. Fees paid by applicant.
• Elevator access to second floor
Fire Code. State Fire Marshall’s Office
• Tom Jenson, State Fire Marshal’s office - 651-201-7221 or thomas.jenson@state.mn.us
• https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-code/Documents/Fire-Inspection-Checklists-2016/Self-
inspection-checklist-assembly-2.pdf
Sub Surface Treatment System. Stearns County
• Holding Tank allowed for Provisional Use
• Full system with drainfield required for CUP
Food Beverage Lodging License. Stearns County
• May be required
Construction Site Permit. Stearns County or Township
Liquor License. Stearns County Auditor
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G:\Environmental Services\Zoning\Event Venues.docx 5/14/2021
Process for Event Venue <200 occupancy
1. Property owner requests a Jurisdictional Determination Letter from the Department of Labor
and Industry. This will prompt DOLI to work with the property owner to determine the level of
jurisdiction. See link to Places of Public Accommodation flowchart: link to our Places of Public
Accommodation flowchart: https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/accomm-chart.pdf.
2. Submit zoning (CUP or Provisional Use) application to the Township or County along with the
Jurisdictional Letter from DOLI. Submittal requirements include a detailed site plan showing existing and proposed buildings, outdoor areas to be used for events, parking spaces, signage,
etc.
3. Township or County reviews application and letter from DOLI. The permit/approval can be
issued placing appropriate conditions including the requirement that the building plans are
reviewed and approved by the County’s contracted Building Official.
Process for Event Venue ≥ 200 occupancy
1. Property owner requests a Jurisdictional Determination Letter from the Department of Labor
and Industry. This will prompt DOLI to work with the property owner to determine the level of
jurisdiction.
2. Submit zoning (CUP or Provisional Use) application to the Township or County along with the
Jurisdictional Letter from DOLI. Submittal requirements include a detailed site plan showing
existing and proposed buildings, outdoor areas to be used for events, parking spaces, signage,
etc.
3. Township or County reviews application and letter from DOLI. The permit/approval can be
issued placing appropriate conditions including the requirement of a Certificate of Occupancy
4. Property owner provides the Township or County the Certificate of Occupancy from DOLI and
State Fire Marshall’s Office prior to holding non-family events.
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