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A couple of items that the Chisago County Board most likely would have had on their agenda last week, but which need additional information are going back on the planning commission agenda for more review June 6.  

The public hearing for a 58 acre parcel being subdivided into three lots, was continued to June 6, for more information. This plat is on Lofton or CSAH 34 and 320th Street,  in Chisago Lake Township.

Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider also informed the county board there has been an extension of the deadline for considering of a permit requested to operate a wedding venue at 260th Street in Franconia Township. Property owners are asking for a Conditional Use Permit/Rural Retail Tourism and the first hearing convened on the plan left the planning commission with more questions than answers.  The Franconia Town Board has expressed a preference this be processed as an interim use permit instead of a CUP.  The Board asks for a gravel surface parking area versus the proposed grassy field, to avoid mud and debris being pulled onto the roadway.

The planning commission will also have an application on the agenda June 6 for a commercial recreation area (resort) on an 85 acre parcel, featuring “mobile cabins.”  This is in the agriculture district on 460th in Sunrise Township.

And, planning commission work continues on township code updates for the rural areas.  Most if not all sections of the ordinances are going to be affected by proposed amendments, according to a memo from Schneider.  

Township officials have been invited to provide input at this planning commission level.

The County Board did act on allowing for an accessory structure on a parcel lacking a principal (dwelling) structure.  Two of these accessory building permits, in Fish Lake Township were approved. 

Schneider spoke of the “busy season” underway in the department, along with a seasonal burst in construction permit oversight, Environmental Services deals with the hiring of over 20 seasonal staff  for parks and invasive species inspections.  The Director complimented administration and department heads for making the gearing up process smooth. 

The new non-motorized biking loop in Ki Chi Saga Park, Lindstrom, opened for the public informally last week.  The app “trailbot.com” carries information on the course layout and park location. 

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