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Board denies Schafer’s variance to build 30-by-30 accessory structure near Knauss Lake
Summary
The Board of Adjustment denied a variance request to allow a 30-by-30 accessory structure 66.19 feet from Knauss Lake (100-foot requirement) and to exceed the county’s 900-square-foot accessory limit, citing water-resource and neighborhood character concerns.
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment denied a variance request from Alexander Schafer that would have permitted a 30-by-30 detached accessory structure at 66.19 feet from the ordinary high-water level of Knauss Lake and allowed the property to exceed the county's 900-square-foot maximum accessory building area.
Environmental Services staff told the board the lot is 12,472 square feet (0.29 acres) in R-1 zoning, a riparian parcel on Knauss Lake (a recreational-development lake listed for excessive nutrients). The county’s lake-setback standard for accessory structures is 100 feet; the applicant asked for a 33.8% deviation. Staff also reported the proposal would exceed the accessory-area limit by 346 square feet (38.4% deviation), because an existing 346-square-foot boathouse is counted toward the parcel’s accessory maximum.
A neighbor and a local construction professional who assisted the applicant spoke at the hearing. Dale Guggenberger, who prepared drawings and met county staff on the applicant’s behalf, told the board Schafer needs a larger garage to accommodate a work truck and that the proposed building would be sided and shingled to match the house. Neighbors testified in support, saying the larger garage would allow vehicles off the road. Staff noted alternatives: reduce the accessory size to 554 square feet, remove the boathouse (which staff cautioned could require significant shoreline work and restoration), or deny the request.
Board members considered water-resource policies in the county comprehensive plan and the importance of shoreline protection. Several members said the lot is small for the proposed accessory size and raised concerns about setting a precedent for accessory structures close to the lake. Member George moved to deny the variance; the motion was seconded and the board voted to deny the variance.
Staff noted that if the applicant removed the boathouse, the square footage available for a new accessory structure would increase, but removing the boathouse could require substantial shoreline work and a separate permit. The denial means Schafer will either need to reduce the proposed accessory building area or pursue other options consistent with shoreland and accessory-area standards.
