Board approves shoreland and bluff-impact variances for Greenfield Township homeowners with stormwater conditions

The Wabasha County Board of Adjustment on Sept. 9 approved multiple variances requested by Matthew and Amy Ketchum for their property at 64584 140th Ave, Wabasha (parcel R05.00487.57).

The variances allow the Ketchums to exceed the 25 percent impervious surface coverage limit in the shoreland zone, to expand a structure within the bluff impact zone and to expand a non-conforming dwelling under Minnesota Statutes 394.36. The board opened and then closed the public hearing during the meeting; the approval motion was made by Mike Wallerich and seconded by Patrick Judge and carried 4-0.

The board imposed five conditions, including that the landowner obtain a Wabasha County Building or Land Use Permit for the proposed additions; that stormwater runoff from any impervious surface exceeding the 25 percent limit must be directed to a rain garden or subsurface drainage system designed by a Qualified Individual to accommodate the 24-hour, 2-year return cycle storm event and installed by Aug. 1, 2026, with a copy of the design submitted to Wabasha County Planning & Zoning; that grading or earthwork in the bluff zone not commence without a county permit and that altered areas be stabilized to erosion-control standards consistent with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide; and that vegetation and topographic alterations meet the Shoreland Alteration Standards in the county zoning ordinance.

The minutes record no public opposition at the meeting. The motion to approve the variances with conditions was recorded as unanimous, 4-0. The minutes do not specify any permit approvals or inspections beyond the requirement that the owner obtain the permits and submit the stormwater design to Planning & Zoning.