Matthew (Matt) Johnson received approval from the Morrison County Board of Adjustment Dec. 9 to enclose the roofed southeast portion of an existing deck at his cabin on Shamana Lake.

Land Services staff presented the property as a nonconforming single lot in Section 16 of Sandy Valley Township: 100.34 feet wide, 39,190 square feet, with a 672‑square‑foot two‑story walkout built in 1978 located 64.1 feet from the lake. The applicant proposed enclosing about 192 square feet of covered deck; staff noted the impervious surface after the project would be about 15.4%, under the 25% limit cited in the report and referenced ordinance section 706.1.

Board members questioned erosion and stormwater control, the building envelope and whether the applicant had demonstrated the statutory “practical difficulty” required for a variance. Johnson said he bought the property in August, plans to keep it as a cabin, intends to add gutters and to install footings and repair retaining timbers as needed. Amy (Land Services staff) clarified the variance sought was limited to enclosing the deck; routine construction best management practices and permit conditions would address erosion and stormwater during construction.

In the required finding‑of‑fact discussion the board generally found the request harmonious with the county ordinance and comprehensive plan, reasonable in use, and that circumstances (including the lot and prior placement of the structure) contributed to the need for relief. Brent moved to approve the variance and George seconded. The recorded vote was Brent (aye), George (aye), Marv (nay), Clint (aye) and John (aye). The motion carried and the board approved the variance as requested.

The board and staff noted the approval applies to the land and not to the owner; permits and standard erosion and stormwater permit conditions will apply when the applicant pursues building permits. The chair closed the item and the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.