Marquette County Board of Adjustment approves garage special exception and setback variance, requires deed restriction

The Marquette County Board of Adjustment approved a special exception and a variance allowing Mark and Lisa Sweet to build a two‑story garage on a narrow lot at Shorewood Plat, the board said Oct. 24, 2025.

Chair Mary Walters summarized application materials and the board heard from applicant representatives and a neighboring property owner, Daniel Pomplin of GB's Hilltop Haven LLC, who spoke in support. No speakers opposed the proposal during the public hearing.

The board granted a special exception under Section 70.50(L) of the Marquette County Code of Ordinances and a variance under Section 70.52(B)(3) to permit a reduced 43‑foot setback to the centerline of 5th Drive. Board members cited the small lot size, steep slopes and limited compliant building area on the lake side of the road as constraints that made the request reasonable. Chair Walters said there were no safety or health concerns to neighbors and that similar nearby parcels have comparable structures.

As a condition of approval the board adopted a motion — seconded by Lance Achterberg — requiring a deed restriction to combine the affected parcels so the lots cannot be sold separately in the future. The motion passed 3‑0. The board then approved the variance, again unanimously.

The application covered Lot 13 and Lot 1 CSM 3570 (lots 5 & 6 of Shorewood Plat), in Section 2, T17N R08E, Town of Springfield, Marquette County (Parcel 026-00111-0000, N9298 5th Dr.). Jean Potter explained appeals procedures and the chair opened and closed the public hearing before deliberation. The board recorded the votes as 3‑0 in favor of the conditions and approvals.

Next steps: the applicant must record any required deed restriction before any permit is issued. The minutes show no opponent appeals recorded at the hearing.