Isanti County Board of Adjustment approves lakeshore home addition on Skogman Lake

The Isanti County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously March 12 to allow a homeowners’ addition that will sit 61 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of Skogman Lake.

Holly Nelson, deputy zoning administrator, told the board the property at 4991 337th Avenue NE is zoned Shoreland District on a Recreational Development Lake, is 0.56 acres in size and would have 21% impervious coverage with the proposed 16.9-by-13.3-foot addition. Nelson said a septic compliance inspection in July 2025 found the system compliant.

Applicants Jean Thimmesch and Jerry Slepica said the addition will add a bedroom and closet and that the septic tank’s location on the west side of the house leaves no practical space to expand there. Todd Christianson, an Isanti County commissioner who spoke during the item, said the request “fits into the character of the neighborhood.”

The board applied three findings in support of the variance: the addition sits farther from the lake than a neighboring house (so the variance is consistent with official intent); practical difficulties exist because of lot size, septic location and topography; and the addition will improve the property while aligning with county policy. The motion to approve was made by Dave Henderson and seconded by Diane Gunion and carried unanimously.

The approval allows the owner to build the addition closer than the standard 100-foot shoreline setback for the lake’s zoning classification. County staff recorded the lot’s existing conditions (1966 dwelling, compliant septic, 21% impervious surface) as part of the record. The board did not attach additional conditions or require relocation of the septic system.

The board adjourned at 9:50 a.m.