Board approves Cole variances after requiring engineered stormwater solution

Crow Wing County approved a package of variances for Jeffrey and Sonia Cole to reconstruct their dwelling and boathouse near Bay Lake and to install a Type‑3 septic system, but only after the board required an engineered evaluation and solution for a long‑standing drainage problem that neighbors said has recently worsened. Staff noted the DNR advised against granting accessory‑structure height increases and expanding boathouse uses; the applicant clarified the proposed boathouse is a "story and 0.5" design rather than a full habitable second floor and described plans to raise the lower level and provide screened outdoor space.