Morrison County board rejects large lakeside expansion at Pine View

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on June 23 rejected a variance request from Justin and Lori Waters to expand a nonconforming cabin on Lots 9 and 10 of Pine View in Agram Township.

The Waters told the board they prefer to retain and enlarge the existing 816‑square‑foot structure rather than relocate it, which they said would require moving the septic system. Staff entered Section 706 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance, aerial photographs, a survey, renderings, site photos and a staff report into the record. The application package showed proposed additions that staff summarized as 2,040 square feet of living space (including 816 square feet of upper-level space), a 612‑square‑foot addition with a basement and a 624‑square‑foot attached garage; applicants said they would remove some impervious surface near the garage and add gutters and a French drain to manage runoff.

Board members focused on shoreline setbacks and alternatives to expanding in place because the cabin lies inside the shore impact zone. “What is stated in the application is not a practical difficulty to me,” said Board member George Sandy. Neighbor Tony Kahlhamer, during public comment, said he had been told by county staff to keep structures in line with neighboring buildings and that additions should not be moved closer to the lake; he raised concerns about nitrate problems in Agram Township and said the proposed size would change the lakeside appearance.

Greg Colome moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded by George Sandy and failed with the four members present voting against the motion. The denial leaves the Waters’ proposal without board approval; no alternative variance or appeal outcome was recorded at the meeting.

The board entered the denial on the record during the June 23 hearing; the public hearing was later closed at 8:00 p.m. The board approved minutes from its June 9 meeting and adjourned at 8:02 p.m.