Commission approves Steigauf variance for 1,580 sq ft addition at 14‑ft bluff setback on Thunder Lake

The Cass County Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment approved a variance on Feb. 9, 2026 allowing William and Christina Steigauf to add 1,580 square feet to an existing structure on a riparian lot on Thunder Lake with a reduced setback of 14 feet from the top of the bluff.

Environmental Services staff noted the property has 3.38 acres riparian to Thunder Lake and that a Shoreline Rapid Assessment Model (SRAM) score of 24 was completed for the site. The application included a design for a new three‑bedroom Type 1 septic system sized at Class 1 (450 gallons per day). The Commission concluded the applicants demonstrated practical difficulties under Section 801.1 of the Land Use Ordinance and Minnesota Statutes §394.27, subd. 7 and approved the variance unanimously (MS/P Tanner/Freeman, 6–0).

Approval carries multiple conditions: construction may not begin without permits; runoff must be directed away from the lake and to on‑site retention features; the applicant must work with the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District to design a stormwater plan; inspections by ESD are required; any construction material not reused must be disposed of at a permitted facility; and an as‑built drawing must be provided post‑construction. The variance approval remains effective until Feb. 9, 2028 unless extended by the Commission.