Council approves two residential variance requests for riparian lot shed and vertical addition

The Brainerd City Council approved two planning variances Tuesday evening after planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval for each.

At 722 Mississippi Drive, applicants Allan and Nancy Albertson sought a variance to construct a 12T by 18 ft garden shed in the front yard of a riparian lot in the Garden Living zoning district where detached accessory structures are normally required behind the principal structure and 150 feet from the ordinary high water line. Planner James Cranic told the council the house placement and river setback prevented locating the accessory structure in the rear yard; the planning commission unanimously recommended approval and council approved the variance on a motion by Chzach, seconded by Joerger.

The council also approved a variance at 703 7th Street North to allow a vertical addition (a bedroom) where the existing foundation sits closer to the sideyard fence than the TN1 district minimum. Cranic said the addition would be vertical only (no north-side expansion), materials and design conform to surrounding structures, and the planning commission recommended approval. The council approved the variance on a motion by Evans, seconded by Jagger.

Why it matters: Both approvals affect property owners’ ability to adapt existing lots and homes; the Mississippi Drive case was tied to shoreland rules and required planning commission review because of riparian setbacks.

What happens next: Applicants may proceed with permitting and construction under the approved variances. The transcript referenced Section 530.09 of the city’s shoreland zoning code in the Mississippi Drive report.

Attribution: All attributions are drawn from the planning staff presentation and council roll calls recorded in the meeting transcript.