Board approves Kronbach lot split but requires no‑basement condition after shallow soil borings

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on July 7 approved a variance permitting Chad and Amy Kronbach to create and develop a roughly 2.5‑acre residential lot on property where soil tests showed limited separation to the seasonal high water table.

Amy (Land Services staff) told the board that septic borings at the proposed lot showed only about a 9‑inch separation to the seasonally high water table — well short of the 12 inches typically required to make a Type 1 (standard) septic feasible — meaning the parcel would require a Type 3 (mound or at‑grade) septic system. Staff presented aerial photos, a site drawing and site photos as part of the report.

Board members who had visited the site described the location as similar to nearby parcels that successfully use Type 3 systems. Clint noted the area had been tilled and pointed out multiple potential at‑grade system locations; Marvin said the spot “makes sense” for a Type 3 system. Given the shallow topsoil and proximity to the water table, board members agreed a structure with a basement would be inappropriate.

Clint moved that approval be conditioned on no basement (at‑grade construction only); staff confirmed that removing that condition later would require returning to the board. The motion to approve the variance with the single condition passed on a roll‑call vote. The board instructed the applicants to contact Land Services to proceed with permitting.

The board’s action grants the variance to the land (not the owner) and requires the applicants to follow through with required permits and the condition set by the board.

The applicants were advised to work with Land Services to obtain required septic permits and to confirm construction plans meet the no‑basement condition.