Board approves Willowview Investments variance for patio and retaining walls with conditions

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved, with conditions, an after‑the‑fact variance request from Willowview Investments LLC, represented by Nathan Hoffman, to retain an elevated patio and rock retaining walls visible from the lake.

Land Services staff described the site as a conforming lot used as a vacation rental and told the board an unpermitted patio and retaining walls had been installed; staff cited Morrison County ordinance section "7 10.41 h and j" and presented aerial photos, a survey, and proposed mitigation plans including pulling the patio farther from the lake, removing the lake‑facing boulder wall and planting screening vegetation.

Applicant Nathan Hoffman said the features were installed in 2018 without a permit, described erosion issues on the driveway and said he had consulted landscapers and county staff about removing the front wall and grading and planting vegetation. “Sorry about the lack of initial permit, and I appreciate the guidance all the way through,” Hoffman said.

Board members indicated they were generally supportive of the applicant’s plan to remove the front rock wall, reduce patio depth, and establish county‑approved vegetation and stormwater controls. Conditions discussed and reflected in the approval require a county‑approved vegetative screening plan for the lake‑facing portion and a stormwater management plan approved by Land Services; the motion to approve carried on a 4–1 roll call (Marv voted no). The board instructed the applicant to work with Land Services on implementation.

No public testimony was offered during the hearing.