Commission recommends rezoning Rush Lake parcels from MU40 to A5 to resolve nonconforming‑lot issues

The Twile County Planning Commission voted April 1 to make a favorable recommendation to the county council on rezoning application 2026‑016, which would change about 23 parcels along SR‑36 in the Rush Lake area from MU40 (multiple use, 40‑acre minimum) to A5 (agricultural, 5‑acre minimum).

Planning staff summarized the application and shared a geologic reconnaissance report that identified springs, natural drainage features, and portions of the area as Zone D (indicating potential flood hazards). Staff said the reconnaissance study was submitted in lieu of a full geotechnical report and that the county engineer agreed to accept the reconnaissance for rezoning provided a geotechnical report is submitted at subdivision. Staff also noted that applicants provided a state water‑rights website extract rather than confirmed water‑rights documents and estimated an approximate need of four acre‑feet of water per platted lot.

Applicant Chris Thompson (a local property owner) and multiple neighbors said the request is intended to correct nonconforming lot status and align zoning with long‑standing parcel configurations, not to increase density or subdivide. ‘‘This is not an attempt to subdivide in increased density or intensified development,’’ Thompson said in a written statement read into the record.

Residents raised questions about insurance, septic impacts and historical flood conditions. Jared Ryal, a lifelong Stockton resident, asked whether rezoning would affect taxes and raised concerns about insuranceability due to historical flooding; staff said geotechnical and water‑rights details would be required at the subdivision stage to address those issues.

Commissioner St. moved and Commissioner Warner seconded a favorable recommendation to the county council. Roll‑call voting recorded yes votes from a majority of commissioners and one abstention by Commissioner Mitchell, who disclosed a prior conversation and recused from the final vote; the motion carried.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Twile County Council; applicants must provide geotechnical reports and verified water‑rights documentation if and when they seek subdivision approval.