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Board approves after‑the‑fact variance to allow guest quarters on undersized Lake Alexander lot
Summary
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment approved an after‑the‑fact variance allowing 213 sq ft of guest quarters in a detached accessory structure on an undersized Lake Alexander parcel, with a condition that septic capacity be sized appropriately.
The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on Monday approved an after‑the‑fact variance permitting guest quarters inside a detached accessory structure on a Lake Alexander property.
Land services staff presented the case, saying the detached 40x60 structure contains 213 square feet of living area and that ordinance section 707.5 applies. Amy, land services staff, told the board the existing septic system is sized for four bedrooms — the principal dwelling’s count — and "if this variance is granted, the septic system capacity must be increased to five bedrooms." The board discussed whether that standard would be sufficient given beds observed at a site visit.
Applicant Anthony ("Tony") Lick confirmed the staff report and said he had no additions to make. Board members noted the lot is 100 feet wide and 95,000 square feet in area, short of the ordinance frontage requirement (120 feet). Several members said the width shortfall and the parcel’s preexisting configuration constituted a practical difficulty that justified a variance. Board discussion repeatedly raised that the need for relief stemmed from parcel dimensions and, in part, from earlier contractor advice: "the contractor's erroneous advice" was cited as contributing to the after‑the‑fact condition.
The board answered all required finding‑of‑fact questions in the affirmative and voted to approve the variance. Chair instructed the applicant to contact Land Services about permits and reminded the board that the ordinance’s performance standards — including septic sizing — still apply. One board member summarized use patterns observed: the guest quarters are "used the week of the 4th and then maybe one weekend or two weekends a year" for family and college‑age children, which informed the board’s view that an increase to a five‑bedroom septic might be adequate.
The approval resolves the immediate zoning violation but does not alter other regulations; if future owners seek to expand the living area or to convert it to lodging (for example VRBO use), additional permits, compliance with plumbing/septic code, or lodging rules would be required, Amy said.
The board’s motion to approve was seconded and carried by recorded voice vote.
