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Board amends earlier variance to allow accessory building to be used as dwelling at County Road 145 property
Summary
Stearns County amended a prior variance so a structure permitted as an accessory building 79 feet from County Road 145 may be used as a residential dwelling; applicant said the change was needed so family members could occupy the building while new construction proceeds.
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment amended a prior variance to allow a structure previously permitted as a residential accessory building 79 feet from the centerline of County Road 145 to be used as a residential dwelling.
Applicant Jeffrey Johnson sought the amendment so the existing structure—sited under a prior variance—could be converted to a dwelling to provide housing for family members during construction of an additional accessory building. The property address is 19564 County Road 145, Clearwater. County staff reported the property is zoned R‑5 and that an existing septic system permitted in February 2006 is sized for four bedrooms and was certified compliant in 2018.
Staff noted the accessory‑structure setback to County Road 145 and the dwelling setback are the same for a major collector road; the 2019 Board of Adjustment previously granted a variance to allow the accessory structure at 79 feet from the road centerline. The applicant said the structure includes bathrooms, a kitchen and sleeping space and that his son had been living there since May while construction plans were adjusted.
Board members asked whether the existing structure contained plumbing; the applicant confirmed there are “two bathrooms and a kitchen and a space for a bedroom.” Staff explained that county permitting allows restrooms and kitchenettes in accessory buildings but that conversion to a dwelling is subject to township building‑code permitting and any township standards; the county’s past restriction on cumulative living space had been removed from county ordinance several years ago.
In deliberations, board members found the requested amendment consistent with the zoning district and the county’s comprehensive plan (citing living goals supporting housing options). The board voted to amend the prior variance, with Member Michael Swanhorst moving and Member John Wicker seconding; the motion passed on an affirmative vote recorded in the minutes.
Outcome and next steps: The amendment authorizes the structure’s use as a dwelling for county purposes. The township remains responsible for building‑code permitting and inspections, and the applicant must follow township processes for occupancy and any required permits.
