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Nisswa planning board approves small Gull Lake setback variance for screen porch
Summary
The Nisswa Planning Commission Board of Adjustment granted variance 014-26 on July 7 to allow a screen porch 73.4 feet from Gull Lake's ordinary high water mark where 75 feet is required; staff said the project reduces total impervious coverage and includes stormwater and shoreline buffer measures.
The Nisswa Planning Commission Board of Adjustment voted July 7 to approve variance application 014-26, allowing a screened porch addition at 22989 Old Government Trail to sit 73.4 feet from the Gull Lake ordinary high water mark where 75 feet is required.
The commission heard a staff report from city planner Steven Timmons that the property comprises two parcels (PIDs 28260534 and 28260533) and currently has impervious coverage of 28.94%. The applicant proposes to remove asphalt and restore natural vegetation, reducing coverage to 27.78% (a net reduction of about 472 square feet). Timmons noted a wetland delineation had not been submitted and listed a condition requiring either a delineation or a no-wetland letter, plus implementation of a stormwater management plan and shoreline buffer measures.
Applicant presentation: Travis Miller, the owners’ agent, said the proposal adds two porches: a north porch that meets setbacks and a second porch that would replace an existing bluestone patio. Miller said about 11 square feet of the porch would lie over the setback line but explained that the proposal results in less impervious surface overall and includes vegetated shoreline buffer elements. "We would be removing the Bluestone patio altogether and putting this porch in its place... 11 square feet of that porch would be over that setback line," he said.
Board deliberation and vote: Commissioners reviewed the five variance criteria and agreed the encroachment was minimal, the proposal reduced impervious coverage, and the project preserved shoreline character. A commissioner moved to approve the variance and a second supported the motion; the commission voted to approve the variance and the motion carried.
Conditions and next steps: Approval was conditioned on the submission of either a wetland delineation or a no-wetland letter, implementation of the stormwater management plan, shoreline buffer measures, and recordation or county confirmation of the proposed parcel consolidation that the applicant submitted to the county.
Ending: After closing the hearing, the commission had no additional business; the city planner reported 15 permits issued since the last meeting and the board adjourned.
