Stearns County considers Bertram's plan for garage and deck expansions near Cedar Island Lake

Stearns County's Board of Adjustment convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss a significant request from Jeffrey and Michelle Bertram of Plymouth, Minnesota. The couple seeks to expand their property at 20586 County Road 71, located near Cedar Island Lake, by constructing a garage addition and replacing an existing deck, both of which currently violate local zoning ordinances.

The proposed garage addition would be situated just 71 feet from the lake and 22 feet from the right-of-way of County Road 71, while the new deck would be built 47 feet from the lake and 46 feet from the road. Both structures fall within designated shore and bluff impact zones, which typically require a minimum setback of 100 feet from the lake and 50 feet from the road.

The property, which consists of three lots, has a history of non-compliance with zoning regulations, with previous owners having made several unauthorized modifications since the original home was built in 1960. The Bertrams aim to fill a gap in their garage that was created around a mature tree and to replace a deteriorating deck for safety reasons.

During the meeting, the Board members expressed their concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of the proposed construction. A site visit was scheduled to assess the situation further before making a final decision. The outcome of this request could set a precedent for future developments in the area, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing property rights with environmental protections in Stearns County.

As the Board prepares for the site visit, community members are encouraged to stay informed about the implications of this decision, which could affect local land use and zoning practices moving forward.