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Board approves variance to enclose deck on bluff-impact property in Morrison County
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved Mark Schmidt’s request to enclose an existing deck on a dwelling that partially lies within the county’s bluff impact zone; the board found the application met the required variance criteria.
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a variance allowing Mark Schmidt to enclose an existing deck on a dwelling whose corner lies within the county’s bluff impact zone.
Land Services staff reported that the 1,184-square-foot dwelling with an attached 576-square-foot deck was built in 1983 and that the northeast corner of the house lies within the bluff impact zone defined by Morrison County ordinance sections cited in the staff report. Staff said the deck itself is not currently within the bluff impact zone but that enclosing it requires a variance because the structure is nonconforming to the bluff setback requirements.
Amy, the county staff presenter, said the property meets other setbacks to the lake and side lot lines and that the area proposed for enclosure will not increase impervious surface or cause additional soil disturbance. She described the house as set well back from the high-water mark and said the incremental enclosure would not increase runoff risks to the lake.
Board members referenced the property’s construction date (1983) and the bluff ordinance adoption timeline. Clint noted that the dwelling predates the bluff ordinance and that the enclosure would not create new impervious area or excavation. Brent observed the applicant was following county procedures by applying for a variance and that the upgrade included septic-system work.
Brent moved to approve the variance; Clint seconded. The motion passed 5-0 (Brent: aye; George: aye; Clint: aye; John: aye; Brent as mover). The board instructed the applicant to work with Land Services staff on required permits and conditions, including any floodplain or septic upgrades required by other agencies.
The approval allows the existing deck to be screened and roofed as proposed but does not waive other permitting or flood-elevation requirements informed by the site’s conditions.
