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Stearns County board grants variance to attach Quonset building back to farm tract
Summary
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing a Quonset building now titled to a lake lot to be reassigned to an adjacent 32.3‑acre farm tract, resolving a disputed lot line and restoring the building’s long‑standing association with the farm.
The Stearns County Board of Adjustment voted to grant a variance that will allow an existing Quonset building to be attached to an adjacent farm tract, correcting a lot‑line issue near Pearl Lake.
Environmental staff told the board the request would transfer a 7,247‑square‑foot parcel from the lake lot (tract D) to the farm tract (tract B), reducing the lake lot to 29,117 square feet — below the 40,000‑square‑foot and 150‑foot‑width minimums required under Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance No. 439 for lake classified recreational development. Staff noted the Quonset was built before official shoreland controls and that the property lies in the Pearl Lake shoreland overlay, which is on state impaired‑waters lists.
Applicant Pamela Larkicki, trustee of the Kifmore Family Revocable Trust, and farm owner Larry Kunkel said the shed historically belonged with the farm and described confusion caused by inconsistent surveys and a township road vacation. Kunkel told the board, “We’re just trying to figure out how that happened,” and said the goal was to “straighten it out” so the farm retains the Quonset and related ramp areas.
Board members reviewed statutory findings required for a variance, asking staff for clarifications on the platting history (the plat dates to 1971) and whether the lake lot would retain a building entitlement after the transfer. Members noted that the lot width standard post‑dates the plat and that the proposed transfer would not create an additional building entitlement for the lake lot. After completing the findings, a motion to grant the variance was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Chair advised the applicants to follow up with county staff for any necessary surveys, after‑the‑fact permits or further procedural steps to finalize the lot‑line adjustment. The county staff packet shows affected parties notified included Main Prairie Township, the Sauk River Watershed District, the DNR and property owners within 500 feet of the request.
