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Scott County approves shoreline setback variance for Spring Lake property with shoreline-restoration condition
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved variance 2026-30 to allow a new house to be built 56.2 feet from the ordinary high water level (instead of the 75-foot requirement) and to increase impervious coverage to 26.4%, conditioned on an approved grading and shoreline restoration plan reviewed by county natural-resources staff.
The Scott County Board of Adjustment on June 8 approved variance 2026-30 to allow a replacement single-family home on a Spring Lake parcel to sit as close as 56.2 feet from the ordinary high water level, instead of the 75-foot setback required by county rules, and to increase maximum impervious surface coverage from 25% to 26.4%.
Nathan Hall, associate planner, told the board the subject parcel on Southshore Drive is a legal nonconforming lot created before current zoning and measures about 10,636 square feet (roughly 0.24 acre) above the OHWL. Hall said the proposed combined footprint of the new house and attached garage is 2,162 square feet; the applicant plans a smaller deck, removal of a concrete boat ramp and reduced driveway area to lower impervious cover. "The natural resources department is supportive of a condition that a grading and landscape/shoreline restoration plan be submitted and approved by staff for the shore impact zone prior to issuing permits," Hall said.
Vanessa Strong, Scott County natural-resources water-resources supervisor, reviewed the updated survey and told commissioners the applicant had made a significant effort to move the structure as far from the OHWL as practical and to reduce impervious surface. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also recommended stormwater treatment for runoff attributable to impervious surface above the 25% threshold and suggested native shoreline plantings; the Prior Lake–Spring Lake Watershed District and Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District recommended submission and review of a shoreline restoration plan before disturbance.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. A commissioner moved to approve the variance, citing the criteria in the staff report and the updated survey dated 6/1/2026; the motion included a condition that a grading and shoreline restoration plan be submitted and approved by natural-resources staff before issuance of building or earthwork permits. The motion was seconded and the board approved the variance.
Next steps: the approval is conditioned on the shoreline-restoration and grading plan review and any DNR permits needed for work below the ordinary high water level. County staff advised coordination with the SWCD and the watershed district for technical assistance on restoration and stormwater measures.
The meeting record indicates the approval occurred after staff and multiple agencies (county natural resources, DNR, SWCD, watershed district) reviewed the revised survey and recommended the restoration condition.
