The Sherburne County Board Tuesday overturned a recommendation by the planning commission and approved an interim use permit (IUP) for Sheldon Pool to hold a special haunted house event on his 54-acre property on 261st Ave. in Livonia Twp.
At the July 17 meeting, the planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend denial of the IUP because they concluded the event would negatively impact other properties in the immediate vicinity. They also felt, among other issues, that there were not enough measures taken to “prevent or control offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration so they would not constitute a nuisance.”
Commissioner Rachel Leonard said she wanted to overturn the planning commission’s recommendation for a number of reasons.
“Livonia Twp., the local government, approved this unanimously,” she said. “That should mean something.”
She said Pool has been a volunteer fireman for 20 years, is a member of the Legion and is one of the top taxpayers in Livonia Twp. and Zimmerman.
“He’s a vital part of Zimmerman and Livonia Twp.” she said.
Leonard believed there wouldn’t be the impact on other properties the planning commission described.
“About 95% of the land there is fields, forest, pasture and sod farm,” she said.
She said the event was held last year, and all the proceeds were donated to the school. She said the students also benefitted by participating as actors, designing the scenery and running food concessions at the event.
Commissioner Bruce Anderson agreed. He said he had discussions with the Livonia Twp. Board.
“They were a little surprised it was denied,” he said, “after it was approved last year.”
Anderson recommended setting additional conditions to address any issues involving neighboring properties.
“Conditions can be added to address concerns and still allow the operation to occur,” he said.
The board agreed and voted 5-0 to approve the IUP with a list of conditions. The IUP covers four weekends in October and the first weekend in November.
In other zoning action, the board:
• Approved an IUP for Saddog, Inc. for an auto mechanics business on 1.23 acres on 198th Ave. in Big Lake Twp.;
• Approved an IUP for Knife River to expand a sand and gravel mining operation from 38 acres to 59 acres on the Loren and Doris Prom property west of Co. Rd. 78 in Haven Twp.;
• Approved the preliminary and final plats for Highland Meadows First Addition and Second Addition, consisting of three total lots on 70 acres on 112th Street in Livonia Twp.
