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Dickinson County Board of Adjustment approves three property variances in Spirit Lake area
Summary
At its Dec. 8 meeting the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved three separate variances for Spirit Lake–area properties to allow home additions and a smaller parcel, citing hardship and access needs.
The Dickinson County Board of Adjustment on Dec. 8 unanimously granted three variances affecting residential properties in the Spirit Lake area.
Board Chairman Jeff Ashland called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Dickinson County Courthouse community room. The board approved an agenda motion by Kirby Berhow and proceeded to consider three variance requests.
Mark Westergard, representing the Arnold G. Leng and Susan Leng Family Trust, asked the board to approve three setback variances at 23826 178th Street so the owners can add living space to a structure originally built as a storage unit. Westergard said the east side of the unit is closest to the property line and noted the owners will not reinstall a previous deck; he also said neighbor support letters were mailed. The board asked about parking distance to the road and air-conditioning equipment placement. The board voted 5-0 to grant a front-yard setback of 21 feet where 25 feet is required (variance of 4 feet); a west-side yard of 3 feet where 8 feet is required (variance of 5 feet); and an east-side yard of 7 feet where 8 feet is required (variance of 1 foot).
James Haselhoff requested a 2-foot front-yard variance at 24146 Kelley's Beach Drive (34 feet where 36 feet is required) to expand his home so it can better accommodate family members and provide wheelchair access for his wife. Haselhoff told the board the addition will include two sliding patio doors to provide a safe exit toward the lake. Kardell read correspondence from nearby property owners. The board approved the variance 5-0.
Schuyler Johnson requested a variance to create a 2.98-acre parcel in the A-1 Agricultural District where 10 acres is normally required, citing a desire to remain in the county and build a larger home for a growing family. Johnson said adjacent property owned by his in-laws will remain native grass and described access and utility permitting; staff confirmed well and septic permits are handled through the county office. The board granted the variance 5-0.
The board also approved routine business including minutes from the Oct. 27, 2025 meeting and adjourned after communications from staff.
