Commission grants variance for Pick City cabin to allow 6‑foot setback

The Mercer County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 18 to grant Tom and Carmen Miller a variance to build a residence 6 feet from a property line, reducing the required 10‑foot setback for the Residential Zoning District.

The property is listed in the record as Lot 12, Pick City Cabin Site 2, adjacent to Lake Sakakawea and roughly two miles west and north of Pick City. The Millers were present and submitted a signed letter from the affected neighboring property owner saying the neighbor was "ok with the Millers encroaching on the lot line." Chairman Mike Eslinger asked that the letter be formalized in a way that creates legal certainty, such as notarization. Commissioner Rick Bauman raised concerns about potential issues if the property is sold in the future; the Land Use Administrator said the variance process and paperwork were in the file to address such concerns. Commissioner Shane Cole asked about drainage and runoff; the Millers said engineers and builders have addressed drainage plans.

The commission approved the variance on a motion by Casey Voigt, seconded by Joey Neumiller; all members present voted "aye." The minutes record no conditions beyond the approval and note that proper documentation will be kept in the land‑use file.

Why it matters: A setback variance on a lakeside cabin can affect shoreline management, neighbor access and future resale conditions, so commissioners requested documentation to minimize downstream disputes.

Next steps: The approval will be filed in the commission's records; the minutes do not specify additional permitting steps or inspections.