[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6788591,"mediaKeyId","5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3","parentId",5672940,"title","Board approves septic‑setback variance after after‑the‑fact deck complicates replacement","audioSeconds",1363,"startMs",1934590,"endMs",3297930,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3&start=1934&end=3297","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3/thumbnail_1934590.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6788591/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Board-approves-septicsetback-variance-after-afterthefact-deck-complicates-replacement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788591-a02a235206b042625b83958b11530249/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563281&Signature=VPUFbvehmgmxqQzygXPpkJaTvejznopxo1KUi9srfiYsQDOKi9tww~d6AfZcTawutjfoenG7WmiL3uvFaAoET-uLIHj9MOrr0v7ieW5noh-O7XN3QEObuLIsflUbihT3YPkwnLBh1YSHR12lpvouxT7p1-cMPnL~mIvyIfkZ0pc8m6bZ8K4zgeZRpBAget7k4BXYCsE5nyNcFHU2xML7KvMCTZilyLhg00g5XMZDv6oJJuV3ntGixb2Ls6jmPrVQ8VYCOC-vLk21TSy32cAsxUL-BDy6jH4No0rJIUT4bhfl2TQyWLCLacigpqf8nVouAi4FG15xdcov6xeqLMaejA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stearns County MN","date","2025-08-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment voted to grant a variance that allows a new septic tank and associated components to be placed closer to a structure than current setback rules normally permit, resolving a compliance issue discovered as the property’s septic failed.

Staff explained the septic tank failed while the existing soil treatment area passed inspection; a licensed designer proposed a replacement system that would place a tank 5 feet from a structure and a soil‑treatment area 3 feet from a deck, short of the county’s 10‑foot tank and 20‑foot soil‑treatment setbacks under Ordinance No. 422. Staff said the lot is in an R1 zoning district, the plat predates shoreland rules, and the deck was added in 2004 without a permit.

The property owner said she was unaware a permit had not been pulled and is preparing to sell the home; board members discussed options including removing the illegal deck or replacing it with a permitted four‑foot walkway that would not count toward the setbacks. Environmental staff said replacing a failed component still requires meeting setback standards and that, if the board grants the variance, the deck could be legalized with an after‑the‑fact construction‑site permit.

Neighbor Dan Rolfus asked whether the proposed system would encroach on his lot line; staff confirmed the system components meet property‑line setbacks. After completing the required findings and hearing that alternatives were limited by lot size and topography, the Board moved, seconded and approved the variance by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Adjustment - 14 Aug 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Stearns County approved a variance allowing a replacement septic tank and partially replaced drain field that would sit closer to a house/deck than current setbacks require, with staff noting the deck was built without a permit in 2004 and an after‑the‑fact construction permit will be required if the variance is approved.","taxTitle","Stearns County, Minnesota","taxId",3766,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788596,"Stearns County board grants variance to attach Quonset building back to farm tract",3037,510010,3547530,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3&start=510&end=3547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3/thumbnail_510010.jpg","/articles/6788596/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Stearns-County-board-grants-variance-to-attach-Quonset-building-back-to-farm-tract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788596-3c0da882425d128dd1b5af864a05ecbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563281&Signature=ZeH5eYwGKpRnoyD6UaHc6xwMOfhi9WRGx-44yV~A5d~wRTwYszwGsNYKSYc1PT7UhHJCXo5xy8pzO2j32oUOqOQ76PLmcDoDQEZzvPgLKGBIUmTsspKnryUB26zUn6~Bq2GbQOtsYW7iyvLaqCRLAvXVywpeINAD2~7Licug8pG8Kz9CTc4vc9SYmiEDaV5EKFqRwujpf2ZizaS6~mtnZP-Uf3hZL7ZBeflKGFseU12cAy757fi6PkE~vWemuPFPMHkzm5n8aESkJQJq7FA7EfudPiAPSON00r0kflgDcVs8KLmlifz7peG2AODJF-HYYKvsY-v6iqWuj-rp~nbQGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment voted to grant a variance that will allow an existing Quonset building to be attached to an adjacent farm tract, correcting a lot‑line issue near Pearl Lake.

Environmental staff told the board the request would transfer a 7,247‑square‑foot parcel from the lake lot (tract D) to the farm tract (tract B), reducing the lake lot to 29,117 square feet — below the 40,000‑square‑foot and 150‑foot‑width minimums required under Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance No. 439 for lake classified recreational development. Staff noted the Quonset was built before official shoreland controls and that the property lies in the Pearl Lake shoreland overlay, which is on state impaired‑waters lists.

Applicant Pamela Larkicki, trustee of the Kifmore Family Revocable Trust, and farm owner Larry Kunkel said the shed historically belonged with the farm and described confusion caused by inconsistent surveys and a township road vacation. Kunkel told the board, “We’re just trying to figure out how that happened,” and said the goal was to “straighten it out” so the farm retains the Quonset and related ramp areas.

Board members reviewed statutory findings required for a variance, asking staff for clarifications on the platting history (the plat dates to 1971) and whether the lake lot would retain a building entitlement after the transfer. Members noted that the lot width standard post‑dates the plat and that the proposed transfer would not create an additional building entitlement for the lake lot. After completing the findings, a motion to grant the variance was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Chair advised the applicants to follow up with county staff for any necessary surveys, after‑the‑fact permits or further procedural steps to finalize the lot‑line adjustment. The county staff packet shows affected parties notified included Main Prairie Township, the Sauk River Watershed District, the DNR and property owners within 500 feet of the request.","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing a Quonset building now titled to a lake lot to be reassigned to an adjacent 32.3‑acre farm tract, resolving a disputed lot line and restoring the building’s long‑standing association with the farm.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788577,"Stearns County Board of Adjustment approves several lakeshore variances, denies impervious pavers at Cedar Island Lake",1679,4759410,6439400,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3&start=4759&end=6439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3/thumbnail_4759410.jpg","/articles/6788577/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Stearns-County-Board-of-Adjustment-approves-several-lakeshore-variances-denies-impervious-pavers-at-Cedar-Island-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788577-9f48d95d721b2ad22bd017240a37d838/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563281&Signature=ZO-Rb7BvZlBqX5HiQ7rTwXe1LOkNgrbECZW0UwkCD~3A6szaiHyKBjyAL2fESjnjEYV0EUvtQmO2~Do02MICz5YByDQTK3kAtG2i~obRfYCobsPcIY6G2kBAz6N9-HlnHZt1WdXA~JRbiHaitWtV9jNE~bmikgWI7Sk7Sw6GFvyxul~a9eGsTcMY3twY6z61c0dqN7Dr2QDV~Oq2C2z0pmyla1IdW4Fr~x0RW1X5akVVeG9z8Ura0RrjTBO3JITPNMQ8CVIlknKrx3sZTcdq0I0HQ2RWHKEda52LZBZzc10aRSLiPYlIrH-UQsnktKJu90lPaW-A-VaBkOve1r4uTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment on Aug. 14 approved multiple variances affecting lakeshore properties and denied one request to increase impervious surface within a shore impact zone.

At the start of the meeting the board granted a variance to Trustee Pamela Larkicki that will attach an existing Quonset building to a 32.3-acre farm tract and reduce an adjoining lake lot to 29,117 square feet, a departure from Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance No. 439 minimums. Planning staff told the board the Quonset was constructed before shoreland rules and that the change is intended to correct a long-standing survey/title discrepancy. \"The intent of this request is to attach the existing Quonset building to the farm site tract,\" staff said. The board answered the required findings in the affirmative and voted to grant the variance.

The board also approved a variance for Marine Blank to replace a failed septic tank and associated soil treatment area that would infringe on standard setbacks because of site topography and an unpermitted deck. Staff explained the drain field passed inspection but the tank failed and the proposed design places the new tank 5 feet from the house and the soil treatment area 3 feet from a deck; ordinance 422 requires 10 feet and 20 feet respectively. Staff offered the alternative of removing the illegal deck or replacing it with an allowed 4-foot walkway. Planning staff said if the board approved the variance the deck could be legalized with an after-the-fact construction site permit. The board voted to grant the septic-related variances so the owner can replace the failed component.

At Cedar Island Lake the board considered two separate petitions by Jeffrey and Michelle Bertram. Members denied the Bertrams’ request to add 375 square feet of impervious patio pavers in the shore impact zone — 162 square feet more than the 250-square-foot allowance — after several members concluded the proposal conflicted with shoreland protection policies. \"We cannot approve based on the statute,\" the chair read after multiple finding-of-fact questions were answered negatively during the pavers review, and the board voted to deny the impervious-paver installation.

The board took a different approach to other Bertram requests. After reviewing permit history and technical alternatives, commissioners approved variances allowing a small garage fill-in adjacent to County Road 71 and a reduced-size replacement deck. Staff reported that the proposed work replaces or reduces existing nonconforming structures and that Wakefield Township provided correspondence indicating no road impact. The board granted those variances by majority vote.

The meeting also included a request from David Metz to replace and repair an existing deck that encroaches into a bluff-impact area on Cedar Island Lake. Staff noted portions of the deck trace to a 1988 permit predating bluff standards enacted in 1989; the owner said the deck is deteriorating and needs repair for safety. After discussion the board approved the variance to allow replacement within the existing footprint (staff: \"The bluff impact zone extends 30 ft beyond the top of the bluff and encroaches into the northeast corner of the deck\"), noting the replacement would be no larger than the existing structure.

In other business, staff reported on a prior enforcement matter involving excess impervious area at Lake Koronis (the Johnson case) where the county obtained summary judgment and the owner agreed to reduce excess impervious area to comply by Nov. 1. The board approved a correction to the June minutes to accurately record a letter submitted in that case.

All approvals include the conditions noted by planning staff (permitting, after-the-fact construction permits where required, and engineered solutions where specified). Several board members emphasized that many of these issues stem from earlier construction or incomplete final inspections: \"[Previous owners] were just trying to clean it up,\" one member said, and staff noted shoreland permit checking increased in the 2000s.

The board set its next meeting for Sept. 11 and adjourned.

What happens next: property owners granted variances must follow county conditions — obtain required after-the-fact permits where applicable and comply with any engineering or mitigation measures required by staff before work proceeds.","The Board granted variances to correct historic lot lines and permit replacement or repair of existing structures at properties on Pearl Lake and Cedar Island Lake, and granted a septic setback variance; the board denied a request to add 375 sq ft of impervious patio pavers at a Bertram property, citing shoreland protections.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788582,"Board denies impervious pavers but approves garage infill and smaller deck for Cedar Island Lake property",2146,4735890,6882190,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3&start=4735&end=6882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3/thumbnail_4735890.jpg","/articles/6788582/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Board-denies-impervious-pavers-but-approves-garage-infill-and-smaller-deck-for-Cedar-Island-Lake-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788582-68168c428eed29b0487d8dd04a628823/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563281&Signature=nBnm3OndhfKje6rDvVffubAw210CHmdcuREjguaeM0hWL-~OJLV8EukThcc6q4V2z~USnGLjHMafiyh9SSdDBGaBMN0lP4BuXO9dEQXBRekECrQ78zAVpa0cizydgUaTd7-xz8UNbiKYcuCYH8qE0ClpbNfRbDn0baqLKaz8Q1vSyZJ3oc-x49Vy-X8fw4NKxfRDmFvmdmHuYmLRf3aqaX3-GpvR5xVfJpZRnceHm5bOwpJkmfewevU7bEmwujwkQt7SIehE~PXMm1SkR6fb5QqjoLAZyd27M3Dgiyugn2pxLJRFKiFHxCB7JYYe0NBKR0WQYlrtUnVes-g4KJLx1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment split action on a multi‑part variance application from Jeffrey and Michelle Bertram for a Cedar Island Lake property: the board denied a request to install 375 square feet of impervious patio pavers in the shore impact zone, but granted variances to allow a small garage infill and to replace an existing illegal deck with a smaller, permitted structure.

Staff explained the property comprises three lots recorded before official shoreland controls and that previous owners had made additions and installed features without full permitting. The Bertrams sought three main approvals: a garage infill (minor increase close to County Road 71), a new deck to replace a larger illegal structure (smaller footprint and safer condition), and 375 square feet of impervious pavers in the shore impact zone where the ordinance limits impervious patio area to 250 square feet.

On the patio pavers, multiple board members concluded the proposal conflicted with lakeshore protection policies and answered key findings in the negative; staff advised that three required findings were negative, preventing approval under statute. The board moved and carried a motion to deny the impervious pavers. Staff and the applicants discussed alternatives: engineered pervious pavers (which would not increase impervious area subject to the ordinance) or removing existing pavers; the applicants said they would consider pervious options if the variance failed.

For the garage infill and deck replacement, staff documented prior permit history, recent County Road 71 work that may have altered setbacks, and a compliance agreement to remove an existing unauthorized gazebo. Board members cited safety (deteriorated deck boards) and minimal net change in lot coverage (the proposed impervious coverage would increase modestly overall) and found the requests consistent with comprehensive plan objectives and prior permitting context. The Board granted the variances for the garage infill and the reduced deck footprint, and directed applicants to comply with any engineering requirements for drainage, retaining wall repair and required permits.","The Board denied a request to add 375 sq ft of impervious patio pavers within the shore impact zone but granted variances allowing a modest garage infill and replacement of an illegal deck (smaller footprint) after staff cited prior permits and safety reasons.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6788587,"Board allows replacement of aging deck within bluff impact zone for Cedar Island Lake property",1162,3409400,4572140,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3&start=3409&end=4572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5672940-4d173eddcb70fa4edaf1428efd2c52f3/thumbnail_3409400.jpg","/articles/6788587/Stearns-County/Minnesota/Board-allows-replacement-of-aging-deck-within-bluff-impact-zone-for-Cedar-Island-Lake-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6788587-27ba836f713c2225e08693c08472c426/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563281&Signature=KsmPyyz9YzTgPmxcjwe9xNPIKbx-lsalvmE6a0ZGYpQh63SZ7IEnYwmZ5n-Pk0~6B4TYIooo~sRcAaXYNs7z5b4FYwuhQp9qqNO2qRM8znwaaJs8DAesJ0B9yxNlAmGgnmkck65d7~z~~~piv6urnsK4ksHlGgAi8VXzsOg3hCWjHGxql~wWyzLCxbLkVM914nJJ5WjPT0xGrWF-42kt7RrVd3BwFlT8dpxEpXC9MijVWAWJlq8X4A1qOySAFevFEiOCx5qecOG7x9~XUwS5mqHYTfH6H2xHW5RZ12alUzmTKLh7p2H-sVfDJQCcw-k6LSYHvybMKXrZNWWuPgDyZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance authorizing a property owner to replace an existing deck that falls within a bluff impact zone on Cedar Island Lake.

Staff told the board the original cabin and an 8‑by‑26 deck were permitted in 1988, and bluff rules were adopted in 1989. The larger deck in place now was expanded later and some additions were not recorded on permits, leaving parts of the current footprint in the bluff impact zone. Staff said the property is in an R1 zoning district on a recreational development lake that is listed for nutrient and mercury impairments.

Applicant David Metz requested to replace the deck in the existing footprint, not enlarge it. Board members asked staff to explain how the bluff and bluff‑impact zone are measured; staff explained the top of bluff is measured from ordinary high‑water level and the bluff impact zone extends 30 feet beyond the top of bluff. Several board members said the encroachment is minimal, that repairing deteriorated decking improves safety, and that the 1988 permit context made a continued deck footprint reasonable. After completing the required findings the board moved, seconded and approved the variance by voice vote (with at least one recorded opposition noted during deliberations). Staff noted the applicant should coordinate required permits and inspections for the replacement work.","Stearns County approved a variance permitting replacement of an existing deck within the bluff impact zone at Cedar Island Lake, finding the work repairs a permitted older structure and minimizes additional bluff disturbance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves septic‑setback variance after after‑the‑fact deck complicates replacement

Stearns County board grants variance to attach Quonset building back to farm tract

Stearns County Board of Adjustment approves several lakeshore variances, denies impervious pavers at Cedar Island Lake

Board denies impervious pavers but approves garage infill and smaller deck for Cedar Island Lake property

Board allows replacement of aging deck within bluff impact zone for Cedar Island Lake property