The Stearns County Planning Commission on Oct. 23 recommended approval of a conditional-use permit allowing Jaren Denk and Angela Hessian to substantially improve and bring a legally nonconforming boathouse into compliance with floodplain standards on Sauk Lake in Sauk Centre.

Why it matters: The applicants’ proposed maintenance and improvements exceed 50 percent of the structure’s value, which triggers elevation and floodplain standards. Because the lower level will be wet flood-proofed, the county and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) required specific design, material and certification steps to ensure flood resilience.

Project and regulatory details: The applicants plan to wet flood-proof the lower (lake-facing) level by adding vents and other measures so the lower space is limited to accessory uses (storage, parking and watercraft) and not used as habitable living space. Staff and DNR reviewers noted the upper level is considered habitable and must meet the regulatory flood-protection elevation (RFPE). The commission’s recommended conditions require: an as-built certification by a licensed engineer or architect confirming floodproofing and that electrical/heating/ventilation/plumbing equipment are at or above the RFPE or are floodproofed; a surveyor’s elevation certification showing the upper-level floor meets the RFPE; and a materials list ensuring components below the RFPE are flood-resistant.

DNR comments and staff follow-up: The Minnesota DNR provided written comments restating that enclosed areas below the RFPE used for storage or parking must comply with the floodplain ordinance and, where interior floodproofing is proposed, be certified by a registered engineer or architect or meet FEMA Technical Bulletin 1 standards. DNR also asked the county to ensure electrical outlets and service facilities are elevated or floodproofed; staff added a condition to cover that requirement.

Local context and decision: The property is in the R-1 zoning district on Sauk Lake; staff reported the lot meets impervious-coverage limits (about 20 percent) and that the septic system is certified. Neighbors submitted one written comment asking that the structure not be converted to living quarters; staff noted the county’s code and the DNR restrict using boathouses below the OHW for habitation, and the proposed plan does not change the permitted accessory use.

Vote and next steps: The commission voted to recommend approval with four conditions, including the as-built and elevation certifications and the use restriction for the lower level. The recommendation will be forwarded to the County Board on Nov. 4 for final action. Staff will require the specified certifications and plan revisions before a final permit is issued.