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Planning commission denies Larson trust variance for larger accessory structure
Summary
The commission denied a request to build a 1,920 sq ft accessory structure with 14-foot walls in a shoreland area, concluding the proposal exceeded ordinance limits (1,200 sq ft and 12-foot walls) and that alternatives exist within current rules.
On Feb. 27, 2026, the Crosslake Planning Commission denied a variance request from the Allen J. & Marilyn Ann Larson Trust to construct a 1,920-square-foot accessory structure with a 14-foot wall height in a shoreland district. The motion to deny, made by Commissioner Joseph O’Leary and supported by Kristin Graham, passed 3–2.
Staff read the variance application and supporting documents, including impervious-area calculations, a stormwater management plan and septic compliance paperwork. The owner’s son (identified in the record as Larson/Berent) said several trees had fallen in recent storms and described plans for gutters, decorative lights and directing runoff away from wetlands.
Commissioners said the ordinance’s accessory-structure limits (1,200 square feet and a 12-foot wall height) were carefully considered in past ordinance changes. Members discussed alternatives such as adding onto the primary residence, constructing a smaller accessory building, or changing roof framing (scissor trusses) to reduce wall height while meeting storage needs. Staff noted that structures exceeding 1,200 square feet would also require a conditional use permit.
After a brief public comment period, the motion to deny the variance for both increased size and wall height carried. Commissioners O’Leary, McGrath and Graham voted in favor of denial; Commissioners Hanning and Fuhs opposed.
Action details: motion to deny request to increase accessory structure size to 1,920 sq ft (allowed 1,200 sq ft) and wall height to 14 ft (allowed 12 ft) carried 3–2. The findings of fact reference an on-site visit and survey documents.
Next steps: Staff will file findings of fact in the commission record and note that a conditional use permit would be required for an accessory structure above 1,200 square feet.
