Board approves driveway variance in bluff impact zone for Wabasha County property owner

The Wabasha County Board of Adjustment on Sept. 9 approved a variance that allows property owner Shawn Conrad to construct a driveway within a bluff impact zone on a slope greater than 30 percent at parcel R07.00172.00 in Hyde Park Township.

The decision, made by a 4-0 vote after the applicant presented documentation requested at the July 8 hearing, includes five conditions intended to limit slope disturbance and ensure public safety. Board Chair Tim Janikowski called the meeting to order; members voting in favor were Mike Wallerich, Patrick Judge and Megan Smith. The motion to approve was made by Megan Smith and seconded by Mike Wallerich.

The approved conditions require that the landowner: abide by all representations made to the board; limit the variance to the driveway or parking area located on slopes greater than 30 percent on parcel R07.00172.00; increase sight distance to the minimum required through excavation and tree clearing where necessary or by adjusting the driveway location before starting construction; obtain a driveway access permit from the Wabasha County Highway Department and comply with all permit conditions before construction; and obtain a conditional use permit authorizing a driveway within the bluff impact zone and meet that permit's requirements prior to construction.

The board recorded the approval as a motion with conditions, and the minutes show the motion carried unanimously, 4-0. The minutes do not record any public objection or further debate in the meeting record. The board set no additional construction timeline in the minutes.