PCBOA approves Knutson addition two feet from septic tank after narrow vote; one commissioner dissents

Hubbard County’s Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment on April 1 approved a 12-by-14-foot addition to a home owned by Curtis and Kim Knutson on Midg Lake despite concerns about its proximity to an existing septic tank. The motion carried 3–1 after measured debate about long‑term maintenance and potential hazards if the tank needed removal.

Curtis Knutson told the board the addition would create an indoor bathroom and utility area to accommodate frequent family use. He explained the existing septic tank is close to the building and that, if the tank failed in the future, the standard approach would be to abandon and fill the old tank and install a replacement tank in a new location. The applicant said moving the addition away from the tank would create drainage and snow‑slide issues and would place the addition in existing surface‑water flow paths down the slope.

Tim made the motion detailing affirmative findings for harmony with official controls and uniqueness of the property’s topography (about a 10-foot drop from back to front of the lot). Larry seconded. Votes were Timothy (aye), Ken (nay), Larry (aye) and Veronica (aye); the application passed 3–1. Veronica told the applicants they would receive a decision letter from Environmental Services with instructions on next steps, and the staff confirmed an abandoned tank would be properly filled and left in place if a new tank were installed elsewhere.

Discussion emphasized the applicant’s representation that the addition was on the non-lakeward side of the structure and would not alter shoreline drainage patterns. Commissioners noted they were accepting applicant and contractor assurances about tank abandonment practice and structural safety; one commissioner dissented citing concern about building two feet from a tank footprint.