St. Cloud to Vote on Solar Array and New School

The St. Cloud Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on October 20, 2026, to decide on two major local development proposals.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Special Education

St. Cloud to Vote on Solar Array and New School

Live Poll

Should local zoning boards prioritize community development projects over established residential zoning rules?

On October 20, 2026, the St. Cloud Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings regarding a proposed ground-mounted solar array and a new special education facility. The board is expected to vote on zoning variances required for both projects to move forward.

Why it matters

The proposed projects address specific infrastructure needs for a local nonprofit and the education district. Approvals would allow 180 Degrees Inc. to expand energy capacity and the Benton-Stearns Education District to relocate students to a more suitable facility.

The proposed school facility at 1520 Northway Drive would accommodate 100 students and 40 staff members, while the 2.83-acre solar site currently has structures covering less than 3% of its total property area.

The players

180 Degrees Inc.

This organization operates programs and has proposed a ground-mounted solar installation on its St. Cloud property.

Benton-Stearns Education District

This educational body serves students with intensive special education needs and is seeking to relocate to a new facility.

St. Cloud Zoning Board of Appeals

This local municipal board is responsible for reviewing and voting on zoning variance requests for development projects.

The details

180 Degrees Inc. seeks to install a solar array at 1101 and 1111 Washington Memorial Drive, which requires a variance because the property already contains two detached garages that count against code limits. Meanwhile, the Benton-Stearns Education District plans to repurpose a 1978 medical clinic into a school, with city staff recommending a student capacity cap of 110.

October 20, 2026: Public hearings take place at St. Cloud City Hall starting at 6:00 p.m.
1978: The building at 1520 Northway Drive originally opened as a medical clinic.

Culture Shift

The developments must align with the St. Cloud municipal zoning code, which dictates density and land usage for local properties. These requests represent a test of the city's ability to balance legacy infrastructure constraints with modern educational and energy needs.

Residents in the area should be aware that the proposed school would operate from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. The school project also involves the future use of 6 to 8 buses for student transportation, which may affect local traffic patterns near Northway Drive.

The takeaway

Public hearings serve as a critical venue for community members to learn about upcoming infrastructure changes. Citizens interested in city planning should monitor the board's decision regarding density limits and project capacity.