1731 Kestrel Circle variance
ApprovedZoneWire called it
freeApproved
Buffalo Meetings
City Council, August 17, 2026
Approves Ordinance 2026-10 Recovery Residence Licensing Amendment (first reading), unanimous
1h 10m10,695 words
23 mentionssetbackvarianceapprovedmotion to approvezoningdensitypublic hearingland useshort term rentalBuffalo, MN
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What happened
The Buffalo City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-9 (Recovery Residence Ordinance Amendment) establishing zoning and standards for sober homes, and gave first reading to Ordinance 2026-10 (recovery residence licensing).
Meeting key facts
- Jurisdiction
- Buffalo, MN
- Governing body
- Final authority
- Date
- August 17, 2026
- Decisions
- 8 zoning decisions
- Outcome
- Approved, unanimous
Projects in this meeting (1)
A project bundles every related decision, across hearingsRetreat Facility
ApprovedOpen this projectFollow free
Free sample: decision 1 of 8
Ordinance 2026-9 Recovery Residence Ordinance Amendment
Adopted ordinance establishing zoning districts and standards for recovery residences/sober homes, including MASH certification requirement, 1,000-foot minimum distance from other recovery residences and from liquor stores and cannabis retailers, semi-annual meetings with Buffalo PD, and a six-or-fewer resident limit in single-family districts (more residents require higher-density zoning). Reviewed by the Planning Commission. City currently has one active recovery residence.
The other decisions are listed below by title. The full write-up, verbatim conditions, and the audio at each vote are in Pro.
Meeting Summary
The Buffalo City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-9 (Recovery Residence Ordinance Amendment) establishing zoning and standards for sober homes, and gave first reading to Ordinance 2026-10 (recovery residence licensing).
Key Decisions (8)
Approved
Ordinance 2026-9 Recovery Residence Ordinance Amendment
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Resolution 2026-28 summary publication of Ordinance 2026-9
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Ordinance 2026-10 Recovery Residence Licensing Amendment (first reading)
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Ordinance 2026-11 Retreat Facility Ordinance Amendment
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Resolution 2029 summary publication of Ordinance 2026-11
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Consent Agenda
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Buffalo Fire Relief Association lump sum benefit increase
Vote: unanimous
Approved
Resolution 2026-27 join statewide PERA volunteer defined benefit plan
Vote: unanimous
Development Activity (3)
Future Community Center Park natural playground and site grading
Infrastructure
1731 Kestrel Circle single-family home variance
Residential
Snow removal equipment building at airport
Infrastructure
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Shoreline lots on Little Pulaski are being developed despite buildability…
Commercial Demand
The former King's House retreat property in R-1 is for…
Infrastructure
City is developing a rental (RBO/VRBO/Airbnb and apartment) fire-safety licensing…
Sentiment
Council is receptive to establishing regulatory frameworks (recovery residences, retreat…
Who Spoke (13)
Councilmember · 2Staff · 4ClerkWitness
On the record: 2 councilmembers, 4 staff members, the clerk, and a witness.
Agenda scorecard
Our pre-meeting forecast, graded against the recorded voteZoneWire called 4 of 4 land-use forecasts on this agenda.
This season: 8 of 8 (100%) forecasts called in this county.
1731 Kestrel Circle variance
ApprovedZoneWire called it
freeApproved
1731 Kestrel Circle variance
ApprovedZoneWire called it
freeApproved
1731 Kestrel Circle variance
ApprovedZoneWire called it
freeApproved
4th Avenue plan amendment
No vote recorded
##### **BACKGROUND SUMMARY:** Sec variance
No vote recorded
212 Central Ave variance
No vote recorded
##### <u>Variance.</u> Variances are reviewed as to whether there is a unique condition…
No vote recorded
More land-use items (7)
7 items with no recorded vote on this agenda
- 3 varianceNo vote recorded
- 4 varianceNo vote recorded
- Kestrel Circle varianceNo vote recorded
- 4 varianceNo vote recorded
- 6 varianceNo vote recorded
- 1 site planNo vote recorded
- 3 site planNo vote recorded
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