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Board approves side-yard and river setback variances for St. Cloud-area property on Mississippi River
Summary
The Sherburne County Board of Adjustment approved a 3.1-foot side-yard variance and an 83-foot variance from the OHWL for a Mississippi River property at 5750 16th Ave SE after the applicants agreed to remove a pool house, reduce impervious surface and follow stormwater controls.
The Sherburne County Board of Adjustment on April 9 approved two variances for property owners Joseph and Jasmine Latterell, clearing the way for an addition and garage expansion at 5750 16th Ave SE in the Scenic River District along the Mississippi River.
Contractor Craig Schoenberg presented the proposal to replace a portion of the home and build a 1,965-square-foot addition including a garage expansion and a mother-in-law suite. The applicant team said the project will remove an existing pool house and patio; staff reported the work would reduce the property’s impervious surface from about 27.24% to 24.60, bringing it under the county’s 25% threshold. The home was built in 1966 and the current septic system (installed in 2021) was designed for five bedrooms and is compliant.
Haven Township provided written comments recommending approval and urged careful stormwater controls (silt fence, swales, catch basins) and design consideration for the garage to meet the 10-foot side-yard standard where feasible. Staff noted that the application originally recorded a larger OHWL variance (95.8 feet) at the time of the township comment but that an updated survey and DNR confirmation reduced the requested OHWL variance to 83 feet.
During the public hearing the applicants described demolition of the existing pool area to provide living space while keeping construction on their property; a neighboring property owner attended the township meeting in support. No public comments were offered at the hearing.
The board approved a 3.1-foot side-yard variance and an 83-foot OHWL variance with conditions: obtain building and shoreland alteration permits; follow the KLJ survey for impervious removal and restoration; secure inspection verification before final building inspection; relocate an existing shed in compliance with setbacks; obtain a razing permit for demolition; and act on approvals within one year. The Findings of Fact recorded by the board state that the variances meet the criteria for hardship and are the minimum relief necessary. Both motions carried unanimously.
