County approves preliminary plat for Hunter Lake Acres despite nearby easement dispute

The Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners on June 24 approved the preliminary plat for Hunter Lake Acres, a seven‑lot subdivision in Section 22 of Woodford Township, after the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.

Chris Pence, county planning staff, told the board the plat meets county ordinance standards for lot area, lot width and septic locations and that the planning commission held a public hearing on May 15. He said the current submittal provides access to a public road, either off County Road 30 (Cairo 30) or through an existing easement.

Several nearby property owners attended and raised concerns about the easement and proposed driveways. Carrie Hoffman, a resident at 19460 County Road 30, said she believed the easement allowed only “walk‑in” access and that driveway installations would “landlock” other parcels; she asked that proposed driveways be removed from the preliminary plat so buyers understand access limits.

Assistant County Attorney Stephanie Shook and County Attorney Greg (last name not stated) advised the board that the county’s role is to determine whether statutory and ordinance requirements for subdivision are met, while disputes over easement scope, placement or future use are civil matters between private parties. Shook noted the county had previously enacted an ordinance requiring road easements to be 66 feet wide; she also read from the recorded easement language, which describes a “66 foot wide road easement over, under and across” the described land.

Shook told the board she did not read language in the recorded instrument that limited the easement to pedestrian use. “It is ingress and egress,” she said; whether uses such as driveway installation, cutting trees or other activities are permitted depends on the easement language and private agreement. The county attorney said such disputes are not typically resolved by the county board but through civil process if parties pursue legal action.

Commissioner Lee moved to approve the preliminary plat as submitted, citing the planning commission’s findings of fact and the staff certificate of survey dated April 3, 2025; Commissioner Lubcke seconded. The board called for the vote and the motion passed.

The action was limited to preliminary plat approval; the attorneys and planning staff said the county’s approval does not adjudicate private easement disputes and that affected owners retain the option of civil remedies.