Morrison County Board of Adjustment denies bluff variance, approves septic variance for new parcel

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on July 8, 2025 denied a variance request to build a dwelling, septic system and associated improvements within a bluff and bluff impact zone in Scandia Valley Township, and approved a separate variance allowing a type‑3 septic system on a newly created 3.82‑acre parcel in Morrill Township.

The denial came after staff and members of the board cited findings from the county Development Review Team, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Morrison County Soil and Water indicating the site is a sensitive bluff area. The approval for the septic variance followed staff testimony that soil borings and a June 2024 septic design showed 0 inches of separation on the parcel, requiring a type‑3 system and a variance to develop.

The bluff variance request was presented by applicant Brady Prince for a parcel owned by Geraldine Ullrichter. Amy, a Morrison County Land Services staff member, summarized the application and staff materials, saying this is “an undeveloped parcel owned by Geraldine Ullrichter” and that the entire property “has bluff conditions and offers a tiny building envelope.” Amy also cited ordinance sections 706.1(b) and 706.1(e) as applicable to bluff setbacks and the bluff impact zone. Neighbors and commenters raised concerns about erosion, stormwater runoff and potential damage to an adjacent property’s garage.

Board members repeatedly questioned whether any of the required variance findings could be answered in the affirmative. Board member Brent said he did not believe the request was in harmony with the intent of the Morrison County Land Use Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, citing DNR and Soil & Water concerns. Board member George summarized that, despite a detailed application, “the request is not reasonable for this lot” because “the lot is atop of a bluff and bluff impact zone.” Multiple members noted the risk of creating a permanent nonconformity on a sensitive shoreline bluff.

Members of the public voiced resistance. Cade Roberts, who submitted a written comment and photos as the south adjacent property owner, said his property had been advised by a surveying firm that a bluff was “highly likely” and urged the board to treat bluffs as important ecological areas. Cassie Roberts, also adjacent, asked what would happen if additional weight or disturbance from new construction caused her garage to fail, saying, “What if our garage takes a hit? What if it collapses?” Ken Frandrup, another neighbor, noted the house plan identified a four‑bedroom home and said that would affect septic tank and drain‑field sizing and expressed concern about erosion and gravel flowing onto Lakeview Drive.

Prince addressed the board, saying he intended to use the lot for his family and that he had worked with an excavator he trusts to limit erosion. He told the board, “I plan to use it for me and my family,” and described plans to keep vegetation largely undisturbed and to install a cement driveway to reduce washouts. The board, however, focused on the ordinance criteria; after the formal question‑by‑question review, the board concluded the six required findings were not met. A motion to deny the variance was made by Clint and seconded by George; the motion carried with Brent, George, Marv, Clint and John voting aye.

On the second agenda item, the board heard an application listed on the agenda as Alex Schmidt Bauer but represented at the hearing by Steven Shrippower, who said he was representing his son, Alex Shrippower. Amy summarized that the parcel at issue was a 3.82‑acre lot split from a 34.21‑acre parent parcel in December 2024. She told the board the applicant had not submitted soil information at the time of the split and had signed a declaration of restriction indicating non‑buildable status during the split process, but later submitted soil borings and a septic design completed in June 2024 showing soils that require a type‑3 mound system.

Amy said a wetland delineation by the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District found wetland conditions elsewhere on the original acreage, “but not where the building site is.” Board members discussed the split process and whether title companies or applicants were sufficiently informed at the time of parcel creation about buildability and septic requirements. Board member Marv said he believed the variance request was in harmony with the county plan for that area and that type‑3 systems were common in southeastern Morrison County. Board member Clint described the lot as having high ground suitable for a house but lacking the soil separation needed for a type‑1 system.

After the board answered the required six variance questions in the affirmative, Marv moved to approve the variance and Brent seconded. The motion carried unanimously with Brent, George, Marv, Clint and John voting aye. The board did not add explicit conditions in the hearing record beyond the variance approval; staff noted the septic design and required procedures are part of county permitting and installation requirements.

At the meeting’s close staff reported a recurring issue the office will address: property owners and title companies appear to misunderstand the meaning of declarations signed during a parcel split. Amy said the office will work to ensure owners understand that a submitted septic design calling for a type‑3 system may trigger a variance requirement when a split is created.

Votes at a glance

- Brady Prince (variance to construct dwelling, septic, parking and retaining walls within a bluff, Scandia Valley Township): Motion to deny made by Clint, seconded by George. Vote: Brent Aye, George Aye, Marv Aye, Clint Aye, John Aye. Outcome: Motion to deny approved (variance denied). Applicable ordinance sections cited: 706.1(b) and 706.1(e).

- Application listed as Alex Schmidt Bauer / represented by Steven Shrippower for Alex Shrippower (variance to allow a type‑3 septic on a newly created 3.82‑acre parcel, Morrill Township): Motion to approve variance made by Marv, seconded by Brent. Vote: Brent Aye, George Aye, Marv Aye, Clint Aye, John Aye. Outcome: Variance approved. Applicable ordinance sections cited: 13 o 1.1215 o 1.4 (as provided in the staff report); staff reported 0 inches of separation and a June 2024 septic design.

The board indicated staff follow‑up on clearer communication around parcel splits and declarations of nonbuildable status so applicants understand septic and variance implications before they finalize splits.

Ending

The Board adjourned after approving minutes and closing business. Applicants and members of the public were advised that standard county permitting, septic installation rules and any required engineered work remain conditions of future permits and inspections.