Board clears lakeshore addition requiring 60-foot setback variance at Unnamed Lake #71-148

The Sherburne County Board of Adjustment approved on April 9 a 60-foot variance from the ordinary high water level for an addition on a legally nonconforming property at 7604 70th Ave SE (Unnamed Lake #71-148). The project, presented by Jeff Haus of Haus Construction on behalf of property owners James and Ann Mazzuca, would build a 12-by-24-foot addition over an existing concrete patio and is proposed to be approximately 7 feet closer to the lake than the existing structure.

County staff reported the project will not increase impervious surface (the parcel is approximately 7.5% impervious), and that the house was built in 1984; prior variance action on the parcel included a 2021 variance for a holding tank. The septic system was evaluated in 2019 and found compliant. Clear Lake Township submitted a positive comment noting existing lakeshore bullrushes provide some stormwater buffering and recommended a stormwater management plan if the BOA required one.

Contractor Jeff Haus said the proposal includes removing existing concrete and placing poured concrete walls and frost footings; a razing permit will be required for demolition of the patio and contractor work will include proper footings to support the addition. Board members asked about footings and construction details; staff and the contractor explained the planned approach.

The board approved the 60-foot OHWL variance with conditions requiring building and shoreland alteration permits, a razing permit for demolition of concrete, and that the variance be acted on within one year. The vote was unanimous.