Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) plays a vital role in upholding the integrity and fairness of Olmsted County’s land use regulations. Established under Minnesota Statutes Section 394.27, the ZBA is authorized to grant variances to zoning ordinances and to hear appeals related to zoning decisions made by administrative officials. Composed of seven appointed members—including representatives from local township boards and the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners—the ZBA ensures that unique property circumstances are considered with transparency, consistency, and in accordance with the law. Regular meetings are scheduled monthly and are open to the public, providing a forum for community input and equitable decision-making. In the event a variance or appeal is not submitted in any given month, the regularly scheduled meeting may be cancelled. Please check the county's meeting portal for the most up to date meeting schedule.

Meeting Agenda and Packets

About the Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have the authority to order the issuance of variances, hear and decide appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by any administrative official charged with enforcing any ordinance adopted pursuant to the provision of Minnesota Statutes Sections 394.21 to 394.37, order the issuance of permits for buildings in areas designated for future public use on an official map, and perform such other duties as required by the official controls.

Contact the Olmsted County Planning Department at 507-328-7100 with questions.

Meeting Dates and Deadlines

Regularly scheduled meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Conference Room A. 

Board Members

In 2025, Olmsted County made the decision to utilize one group of seven volunteers to serve as both Planning Advisory Commission members and Zoning Board of Adjustment members. The intent is to address recruitment challenges and enhance volunteer experience, consolidating all land use functions into one set of volunteers operating two volunteer boards, with a shared annual calendar and updated bylaws for each board.

The commission shall consist of seven members, appointed by the County Board of Commissioners, who are eligible voters residing within the limits of Olmsted County. At least two members of the board shall be township residents of Olmsted County. 

• Vitaly Herasevich
• Paige Collins
• Wade Dugstad
• Tony Joseph
• Brady Strickland
• Dean Hilsman
• VACANCY
• Brian Mueller (County Board Representative)

If you are interested in serving on this Board, please contact County Administration at 507-328-6001 to apply. Further information on board vacancies is located on the volunteer opportunities page.

What is a Variance?

A variance is a legal exception granted by the Olmsted County Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) that allows a property owner to deviate from specific requirements of the county’s zoning ordinance. Variances are typically requested when strict enforcement of zoning regulations would cause practical difficulties due to the unique circumstances of a property.

The ZBA does not have the authority to change zoning classifications or permit uses not otherwise allowed in a zoning district. Instead, variances are limited to dimensional standards such as setbacks, height, or lot size.

See additional information on the Minnesota League of Cities website: Land Use Variances

Olmsted County Variance Criteria

To be approved, a variance request must meet the following criteria as outlined in the Olmsted County Zoning Ordinance

1. Practical Difficulties - The property owner must demonstrate that the strict application of the zoning ordinance would cause practical difficulties. This means the property cannot be used in a reasonable manner under the existing rules.
2. Uniqueness of the Property - The circumstances justifying the variance must be unique to the property and not shared by neighboring parcels. These may include irregular lot shapes, topography, or other physical conditions.
3. Not Self-Created - The difficulty or hardship must not be created by the property owner. For example, purchasing a property with known limitations does not justify a variance.
4. Preservation of the Essential Character of the Area - Granting the variance must not alter the essential character of the surrounding neighborhood or zoning district.
5. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan - The variance must align with the goals and policies of the Olmsted County General Land Use Plan.
6. No Conflict with Public Interest - The variance must not be detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare. 

Olmsted County Variance Process

Consult planner about the request. A pre-application meeting is required.

Submit preliminary application-Eyota Township only, see Eyota Township handout

Submit application packet as follows (see meeting dates and deadlines above)

• Letter of Township Board Action
  • form provided to you by the planner during pre-application meeting
  • Applicant fills out top of form, contact township clerk prior to attending township meeting, and attend township meeting to get it signed
  • Township Board will fill in comments and sign
  • The completed form is submitted with the Land Development Application
• Land development application
• Application fee

Application materials are sent out for comments by referral agencies.

Planner reviews application and writes staff report.

Public Hearing notices sent to neighboring properties and published in the local newspaper.

Staff report posted to website (about a week before the meeting).

Public Hearing with Olmsted County Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).

• Staff presents staff report and findings
• Public Hearing is opened by commission
• Applicant and/or consultant should speak during this time
• Chair will ask for comments from the public prior to closing public hearing

OCZBA is decision making board for the request

Staff will receive copy of signed resolution; staff will record resolution. Applications that may succeed a variance:

• Building permit
• Erosion Control/Runoff Plan

To schedule a pre-development meeting to discuss your property or potential project, please email your property and project information to planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7100