Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The former Dollar General store at 320 20th South St. in New Ulm could become the new home of the New Beginnings Church, which is seeking a permit to locate there.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Planning Commission recommended approval Thursday of a permit to locate a church in the former Dollar General store at 320 20th South St.

The permit request came from Pastor Lonny Carpenter with New Beginnings Church. During the public hearing Carpenter spoke with the commission about the project. There were no objections during the hearing.

The city’s comprehensive plan designates the location at 320 20th South St. as a Service Business District (B-2). The property east, south and west are zoned for business and industrial use. Land to the north consist of a wooded area and single family dwelling.

Churches are permitted in any zoning district with a Conditional Use Permit. The city has approved a previous request to place a church in a location zoned for business. Staff recommended approval as it is compatible with surrounding land uses.

In other business, Dennis Bianchi was granted a conditional use permit to locate storage facilities at 1601-1619 S. State Street. This property is zoned as B-2. Land to the north of this location already consists of product storage. Since 2000, the city has approved ten similar requests to place storage facilities in B-2 zoning districts.

A lot width and lot area variance request was approved for Josh Sabatino on behalf of Itinger, LLC. The variance allows twin home construction on property to be re-platted as the Itinger Addition.

A similar variance was granted to Al Poehler in 2017 for construction of row and twin homes in Milford Heights 2nd Addition. The property is located on south Minnesota Street opposite River Bend Education District. This property is currently vacant. Property to the east is already occupied by duplexes and townhouse.

The commission agreed with all three requests and the recommendations will be forwarded to the New Ulm City Council.