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Planning commission recommends approval of Maple Lake accessory-structure CUP
Summary
Polk County planning staff and the commission recommended a Conditional Use Permit for an additional 504 sq ft accessory structure on a 45,300 sq ft Maple Lake riparian parcel; approval was recommended with conditions including vegetative screening, septic reinspection, and a prohibition on habitable space.
The Polk County Planning Commission on April 24 recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit allowing an additional 504-square-foot accessory structure on a riparian parcel on Maple Lake owned by Jana Pederson.
Jacob Snyder of Polk County Environmental Services told the commission the parcel in Godfrey Township (Parcel #30.00575.00) is approximately 45,300 square feet. The applicant proposes an 18-foot-by-28-foot structure (504 sq ft) to be added to an existing 1,040-square-foot garage, producing a combined accessory area of 1,544 square feet. Under Polk County Zoning Ordinance (PCZO) tables for parcels over 40,000 sq ft, the maximum allowed combined accessory area is 1,600 sq ft, so the proposal is within that threshold.
Snyder said the lot’s impervious coverage would be about 14 percent with the new structure; the PCZO allows up to 25 percent impervious coverage. He also reported the house’s septic system last passed compliance inspection in spring 2019; a new septic compliance inspection will be required prior to issuance of a zoning permit.
Keaton Fontaine of Glacial Lakes Outdoor Living, representing Jana Pederson, described a roughly 6.5-foot retaining wall to manage drainage behind the structure and said the structure could be shifted closer to the house if setbacks required it. Snyder said the Maple Lake Improvement District had no substantive objection but asked for clarity on why a CUP was required for a 504-square-foot building; Snyder also relayed a neighbor’s phone call expressing concern that the structure could obstruct a view.
Staff recommended approval with standard conditions intended to protect the shoreline and neighboring properties: the structure must contain no habitable space; vegetative screening is required between the ordinary high-water mark and the structure; no tree removal is allowed within the 50-foot shore impact zone; the parcel must remain under the 25 percent impervious coverage limit; a septic compliance inspection is required before a zoning permit is issued; and the CUP will lapse if not used within one year. Additional conditions cover utilities, drainage, parking, nuisance controls and compliance with Minnesota and Polk County rules.
Arlett Phillips moved to recommend approval with the staff recommendations; Mike Schulz seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously in favor. Snyder said the County Board of Commissioners will consider the recommendation on May 5, 2026; Gary Willhite noted the applicant does not need to appear before the board.
The commission’s action was a recommendation to the County Board; any final permit issuance will depend on the board’s decision and completion of the required conditions and inspections.
