Rice County Planning Commission & Board of Adjustment

The Planning Commission has the authority to review and recommend to the Board of Commissioners matters concerning zoning, rezoning, conditional use permits, preliminary and final plats, ordinance changes/modifications and Comprehensive Planning, including land use recommendations.

The Board of Adjustment has the exclusive authority to review variance requests of the Zoning Ordinance adopted by Rice County, hold public hearings, and make final decisions granting or denying the requested variances from the Zoning Ordinance.

Membership & terms

The Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment consists of five members serving three-year terms. They are appointed by the Board of Commissioners and represent an even distribution of geographic areas in the county. Members may be eligible for reappointment but may not serve more than three consecutive three-year terms. Meetings are held once a month or at the call of the chair. Members are compensated in an amount set by the Board of Commissioners.

• Rice County is seeking one (1) Rice County residents to serve a 3-year term on the Board of Adjustment/Planning Commission. To get an even distribution of geographic areas of the county, preference is for residents from eastern Rice County. Members of the Board of Adjustment/Planning Commission currently receive mileage reimbursement for miles driven to and from meetings, and $100 per meeting attended. Questions should be directed to Environmental Services at (507) 332-6113 or [email protected]. Applications may be picked up from the Rice County Administration Office, 320 N.W. Third Street, Faribault, MN; or by downloading the application below.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by the Rice County Administration Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

• Citizen BOA/PC Member Application (pdf)

Regular meetings

• 6:30 p.m.
• First Thursday of the month, except as noted here: 2023 Board of Adjustment/Planning Commission meetings
• Rice County Government Services Building
  Commissioners Room
  320 Third St. NW
  Faribault, MN 55021

Agendas & minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View the most recent agendas and minutes.