Summary
The Board denied Darren Holst’s variance request to reconstruct a larger dwelling with an attached garage and an in‑lot septic system, finding the proposal represented overdevelopment of the small lot and did not meet findings of fact; the motion to deny carried unanimously.
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on Nov. 25 denied a variance request from Darren and Sherry Holst to construct a larger dwelling with an attached garage and to install a septic system within property and road setbacks. The board concluded the combined scope of the rebuild, height and septic layout resulted in a project that was not in harmony with county land‑use standards for the lot.
Land Services presented the staff report and site materials including aerials, a survey, and a proposed septic layout; staff noted an earlier approved variance to rebuild on the same footprint and that floodplain elevation requirements apply. The current proposal increased the dwelling footprint (from 24x40 to 34x40), proposed an attached garage and raised the proposed structure height to 30 feet. Staff explained that because the lot is a legal lot of record created before 1996, a Type‑3 time‑dosed septic system can be allowed without a variance but requires oversizing of tanks and regular dosing and monitoring.
Darren Holst said he intended the rebuilt structure to be his full‑time residence and that a larger footprint and attached garage were driven by family needs. Board members raised concerns that the 30‑foot garage height would stand out on the street and could block neighbors’ views, and several members concluded the project amounted to overdevelopment for the lot. Questions also focused on whether the proposed increase in house size was necessary and whether alternatives (detached garage, smaller footprint) had been considered.
After completing the findings of fact, Marv moved to deny and Brent seconded; the motion passed unanimously and the variance was denied. The board recorded no approval or conditions for this application. The applicant was reminded that upgrading septic and engaging with Land Services for permitted work remains an option separate from this denied variance.
