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Board allows replacement of aging deck within bluff impact zone for Cedar Island Lake property
Summary
Stearns County approved a variance permitting replacement of an existing deck within the bluff impact zone at Cedar Island Lake, finding the work repairs a permitted older structure and minimizes additional bluff disturbance.
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance authorizing a property owner to replace an existing deck that falls within a bluff impact zone on Cedar Island Lake.
Staff told the board the original cabin and an 8‑by‑26 deck were permitted in 1988, and bluff rules were adopted in 1989. The larger deck in place now was expanded later and some additions were not recorded on permits, leaving parts of the current footprint in the bluff impact zone. Staff said the property is in an R1 zoning district on a recreational development lake that is listed for nutrient and mercury impairments.
Applicant David Metz requested to replace the deck in the existing footprint, not enlarge it. Board members asked staff to explain how the bluff and bluff‑impact zone are measured; staff explained the top of bluff is measured from ordinary high‑water level and the bluff impact zone extends 30 feet beyond the top of bluff. Several board members said the encroachment is minimal, that repairing deteriorated decking improves safety, and that the 1988 permit context made a continued deck footprint reasonable. After completing the required findings the board moved, seconded and approved the variance by voice vote (with at least one recorded opposition noted during deliberations). Staff noted the applicant should coordinate required permits and inspections for the replacement work.
