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Board allows 22‑foot retaining wall to remain after applicant agrees to mitigation and removal of remainder
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Summary
After review of topographic contours and mitigation plans, the Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved an after‑the‑fact variance to keep a 22‑foot segment of a retaining wall visible from Crookneck Lake, with the applicant agreeing to remove 77 feet and to work with Land Services on erosion controls and mitigation.
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved an after‑the‑fact variance allowing the retention of a 22‑foot section of a retaining wall visible from Crookneck Lake while the applicant removes the larger portion of the wall and implements mitigation measures to reduce visibility and protect trees.
Amy, land services staff, summarized prior enforcement and permit history: the department previously denied keeping the full wall and the applicant responded by proposing to remove 77 feet of wall and retain a 22‑foot section. The applicant, Steve Andrews (representing the Kristen Andrews trust), presented elevation contours and a plan to regrade the inner swell and place a perpendicular stair and plantings so that most of the 22‑foot segment would be obscured from the lake. He estimated the cost to remove portions of the wall at $15,000–$20,000 and emphasized protecting a small number of remaining trees.
Board members questioned visibility from the lake, erosion controls and the design of tiers and plantings; multiple members said the revised proposal would reduce visual impact while preserving trees. The board waived additional after‑the‑fact questionnaire requirements and voted unanimously to approve the variance, directing the applicant to work with Land Services to finalize erosion control and permitting details.
