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Grant City Council grants variance to allow septic replacement within wetland setback at 11635 Grandl Avenue North
Summary
Grant City Council approved a variance to allow a replacement septic system to be sited 35 feet from a delineated type‑2 wetland at 11635 Grandl Avenue North, after staff said a failing system and site constraints left no other viable location; the approval requires county and watershed permits and measures to limit wetland disturbance.
Grant City Council voted to grant a variance that will allow a replacement septic system to be installed within the wetland setback at 11635 Grandl Avenue North.
Planner Jennifer explained the existing septic system is failing and presented a constraint analysis showing limited undisturbed soils on the roughly five‑acre lot. Jennifer said the replacement system location would sit about 35 feet from a delineated type‑2 wetland edge, representing about a 40‑foot encroachment from the Washington County default setback of 75 feet, and recommended approval with conditions including minimizing wetland disturbance and obtaining Washington County septic permits and Rice Creek Watershed District clearance. "Staff does recommend approval of the requested variance this evening," Jennifer said.
Council members pressed staff on alternatives, the history of platting and secondary drain‑field areas, and whether a pool or other improvements had reduced available options. Jennifer said city code referenced sections listed in the staff report (noted as city code 32‑59 and 32‑60 in the materials) and that the Watershed District currently defaults to county standards because it has not completed a full wetland quality classification for type‑2 wetlands.
Neighbors and the homeowner spoke at the public hearing. Neighbor Scott Sinclair said surface water flows across his property and asked for clarity on exact placement; staff showed the proposed rear/east‑lot location and said the septic designer had placed the field to avoid drainage paths. Applicant Ryan Doan said his septic design firm "explored every square inch" of the property and identified the proposed location as the only viable option; he said the designer had begun consultations with Washington County.
The Council voted to approve the variance (resolution 2024‑D15) with conditions that the applicant obtain all required county and watershed permits and limit disturbance to the delineated wetland edge. The motion passed by roll call with the council members present recorded as voting in favor.
The county has final permitting authority over septic design and the Rice Creek Watershed District may also require further review; the city’s action grants a local zoning variance but does not substitute for those external approvals.
