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Morrison County Board of Adjustment approves variance to allow type 3 septic systems on two lots
Summary
At its March 4, 2025 public hearing, the Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing two parcels to use type 3 (mound) septic systems after finding less than 12 inches of separation to high water; approval was conditioned on a wetland delineation and identification of a building envelope before permits.
Morrison County Board of Adjustment on March 4, 2025 approved a variance to allow type 3 septic systems on two undeveloped residential lots owned by applicant Andrew Alden, with a condition that the property owner delineate any wetlands and identify a building envelope before applying for permits.
The board’s approval followed a Land Services staff report that said the subdivision was platted in February 2008 and that a Soil and Water Conservation District review at that time was desktop-only rather than a field wetland delineation. Staff said soil types on site include wetland soils and the applicant’s septic designer found a maximum of eight inches of separation from the high water level — less than the 12 inches normally required for a type 1 system. Land Services staff advised that a wetland delineation and a defined building envelope will be required before land‑use permits can be issued.
The variance was approved on a motion by board member George, seconded by board member Clint, and carried unanimously (John — yes; George — yes; Clint — yes). The motion approves both lot requests with the stated condition that wetlands be delineated and a building envelope identified prior to permit application.
Board discussion focused on the historical record for the subdivision and on whether the lack of field verification at the time of platting created the present practical difficulty. Board members said neighboring development commonly uses mound systems and that soils and vegetation observed at the site suggest space exists to locate a type 3 system. Land Services staff said the wetland delineation is a permitting prerequisite: "So that's going, that is, that must happen regardless," the staff member told the board, noting the county cannot permit structures in a delineated wetland.
Staff reported that 40 notices were sent for the variance request and that no public comments were received at the hearing. The board closed public testimony before reviewing the required findings of fact and answering the statutory variance criteria in the affirmative: harmony with the county land‑use ordinance and comprehensive plan; reasonable use of the property; preservation of the character of the locality; unique circumstances of the property; and a determination that the difficulty involves more than economic considerations.
Next steps outlined to the applicant include scheduling a wetland delineation with the Soil and Water Conservation District and obtaining a full septic system design; permitting will not proceed until those items are completed.
Votes at a glance: - Variance for two lots (allow type 3 septic systems) — Motion carried 3–0 (John: yes; George: yes; Clint: yes). Condition: wetland delineation and building envelope identified before permit application. - Approval of minutes, Feb. 18, 2025 — carried (voice vote; recorded as unanimous).
