NEW ULM — The New Ulm Planning Commission recommended a conditional use permit (CUP) to place fill in a special flood hazard area for the construction of a house on South Front Street.

Todd Zangel plans to construct a single family dwelling at 1305 S. Front St. This is a flood area subject to a one-percent chance of a flood each year. Prior to construction, 4,500 cubic yards of fill are needed to raise the elevation of the land to a necessary height.

City staff recommended approval, with conditions it complies with New Ulm’s flood management regulations. The elevation of the first floor must be above 814.5 mean sea level. Residential basement construction is prohibited below the flood protection elevation of 814.5 mean sea level. The placement of fill shall not adversely impact surrounding properties. Zangel must consult and advise the property owner to the north of proposed placement of fill on the property, including the location and elevation adjoining their common property line and he must make improvements necessary to allow the existing storm sewer manhole on the property to properly function and operate.

In the event of a flood affecting the property, the city will not undertake any activity to protect said property.

During the public hearing, Zangel said he agreed to the conditions presented. He had already entered a verbal agreement with his neighbor concerning the placement of fill.

The commission unanimously recommended the permit. Final approval will come before the City Council on Tuesday, June 4.

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The commission also approved the replacement and expansion of an existing garage at 807 2nd N. St.

The garage will be located zero feet from the side property line and zero feet from the rear property line. The garage is currently owned by Roger Stoll and is physically connected to the neighboring garage at 127 N. Washington St. Stoll is proposing the connection be maintained and his new garage expand west. The expansion would bring the garage no closer to the side or rear property line than what exists today.

City Planner John Knisley said the situation was created through a subdivision of the lot made in 1945. The property was subdivided with the existing garage on site. The property line was placed through this garage. The property owners entered into an agreement on Feb. 20, 1945, to allow a “common garage.”

In 1982, a similar variance was granted to the connected garage on 127 N. Washington owned by Florence Scharlemann.

The commission recommended the variance with the condition a one-hour fire separation wall be installed on the common wall adjoining the neighboring garage.

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A preliminary plat was recommended to allow a property on 6th North Street owned by the Diocese of New Ulm to be divided into two lots. The lots are located at 1406-1446 6th N. St. and 1407-1421 6th N. St. The first lot will be sold and the second will be retained by the Diocese. The lot is zoned to allow multiple family dwellings.

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Another plat was recommended for a property at 2000-2250 Palmer Ave. This property is located south of Highway 14 and west of the airport. The property is to be used by the Minnesota Army Nation Guard to construct a Field Maintenance Shop and Readiness Center.