Conditional Use and Interim Use Permits

The Conditional Use and interim Use permit process allows property owners to apply for certain land uses, while not automatically allowed in a particular zoning district, may under some circumstances be allowed if conditions are attached to the approval.

The Stearns County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing (with notification to local newspapers and neighbors within 1/4 mile).  The Planning Commission will consider the following questions and recommend to the County Board of Commissioners approval or denial of the permit.

  • Does the use fit in with the existing neighborhood?
  • Does the use meet all ordinances, rules or statutes?
  • Is the use consistent with the Comprehensive Plan?
  • What is the effect on water?
  • What is the effect on parks, streets and schools?

Common Conditional Uses:

  • agricultural businesses
  • tall structures such as wind turbines and cell phone towers 
  • truck terminals
  • commercial and industrial businesses

Common Interim Uses:

  • mining
  • asphalt plants
  • second home on a farm
  • vacation home rental

Requirements of this process may include a review of the following:

  • parking
  • stormwater management
  • proposed hours of operation
  • financial guaranty

Want to find out more?

  1. View or download your Township Zoning map to find out what your property is zoned or by visiting the Stearns County Interactive Mapping / Land Permits and Restrictions map.  (Enter your name, address or parcel number, select zoning districts from the map layers drop down box)
  2. Choose the appropriate zoning district from the Zoning District list to see all the allowed uses and what kind of permit is required.
  3. View the Land Use Table where you can find a summary of what is allowed in each zoning district and what kind of permit is required. 
  4. Select the appropriate Township from the Building and Moving Structures page to see who will hold the public hearing to consider granting Conditional Use or Interim Use Permit.

 Download Applications for obtaining a Conditional Use or Interim Use Permit

View steps for obtaining Conditional Use or Interim Use Permits

 

For further information about Conditional Use and Interim Use Permits, contact the Environmental Services Department by phone or email.  (When contacting our office it is helpful to have your parcel ID number available for fast and easy look up of your property information)