Goodhue County Issues (St. Paul, Lakeville: how much, homes, subdivision)

[Railroadg8gt]

Hello,

I have recently been employed by the railroad in St. Paul and am currently on a land hunt. I am looking for secluded land that is not a part of a development/ subdivision of any kind. I currently live with my parents in Lakeville and would really like to stay in Minnesota. I am set on Goodhue County as I really like bluff country. Here lies the problem. In Goodhue County the restrictions on building pretty much force me to build in a development, which I will not do. I could move to Pierce County, Wisconsin but then I would have to pay taxes in both states. Has anyone here faced this dilemma in the past? Any way to get around these restrictions?

[marmac]

Many places in Minnesota have zoning codes and the ones that don't are getting them.

Where I live ( in the middle of nowhere) there can only be one dwelling per 40 acres.

I don't like it, but that's the way it is.

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by Railroadg8gt

Hello,

I have recently been employed by the railroad in St. Paul and am currently on a land hunt. I am looking for secluded land that is not a part of a development/ subdivision of any kind. I currently live with my parents in Lakeville and would really like to stay in Minnesota. I am set on Goodhue County as I really like bluff country. Here lies the problem. In Goodhue County the restrictions on building pretty much force me to build in a development, which I will not do. I could move to Pierce County, Wisconsin but then I would have to pay taxes in both states. Has anyone here faced this dilemma in the past? Any way to get around these restrictions?

What type of restrictions are the issue?

[Railroadg8gt]

What type of restrictions are the issue?

Must have at least 175ft of road frontage or if off the road at least 40 acres like marmac said. So, pretty much either you have to be rich or you're forced to a development. Or in my case forced to move to Wisconsin and pay double taxes. I do understand that they are probably doing this to deter developers from building small track developments and land preservation. I just am wondering if there is someway I can convince the county that I just want to homestead in a quiet and secluded area. I guess I am asking if anyone here has had any experience with persuading counties to make exceptions?

[marmac]

Originally Posted by Railroadg8gt

Must have at least 175ft of road frontage or if off the road at least 40 acres like marmac said. So, pretty much either you have to be rich or you're forced to a development. Or in my case forced to move to Wisconsin and pay double taxes. I do understand that they are probably doing this to deter developers from building small track developments and land preservation. I just am wondering if there is someway I can convince the county that I just want to homestead in a quiet and secluded area. I guess I am asking if anyone here has had any experience with persuading counties to make exceptions?

The restrictions you mentioned are much more lax than where I live.

Here, the 40 acre rule stands and no exceptions are made regardless of how much road frontage you have.

I doubt expressing your desire to " homestead" is going to sway anyone.
( mentioning that desire might actually be a further hinderance)

[akronbball]

Originally Posted by Railroadg8gt

I just am wondering if there is someway I can convince the county that I just want to homestead in a quiet and secluded area. I guess I am asking if anyone here has had any experience with persuading counties to make exceptions?

You could always try for a variance to the County Board, but it doesn't sound like you would get it, just from my experience. I guess if you spoke with the zoning administrator they could give you a heads up about how the County board generally feels about these issues.

Do you own land already? I'm not familiar with Goodhue county, but I would assume that there are some areas outside of incorporated cities that have rural residential zoning that would allow larger lot homes. You may still have neighbors close, but probably not right next to you.