Board approves variance for garage on Blue Lake property

The Isanti County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously July 9 to grant a variance to Renae Hauge of Zimmerman to construct a 20-foot by 24-foot garage 77 feet from the ordinary high watermark of Blue Lake, 6 feet from the south side property line and 24 feet from a private road right-of-way. The 0.18-acre lot currently has no garage; the septic system was listed as compliant following an inspection on 7/28/25.

Tiffany Determan of the Isanti Soil & Water Conservation District told the Board that reduced OHWL setbacks "increase the likelihood of erosion, vegetation loss, and nutrient-rich runoff entering the lake" and recommended mitigation if the Board considered approval. Determan advised that Clean Water Fund investments favor preserving required setbacks unless "the applicant demonstrates true practical difficulties" and appropriate conditions or best-management practices (vegetated buffers, rain gardens, diverters) are imposed.

Applicant Renae Hauge said she located survey pins and proposed the garage location to fit the lot constraints; she stated she is requesting construction of a "20' X 24' garage 77' from the ordinary high watermark of the lake, 6' from the south side property line and 24' from the road right of way of the Private Road Easement." County staff noted required setbacks are 100 feet from the OHWL, 10 feet from side property lines and 50 feet from a private road right-of-way. The Board's written findings said a garage "will improve the property," practical difficulties stem from lot layout and existing well and septic locations, and the variance terms are consistent with county policy. The motion to approve was made by Jim Fridstrom and seconded by Kathy Skiba and carried unanimously.

The approval is conditioned by the Board's findings; the record notes recommended mitigation practices but does not specify particular permit conditions in the transcript. No next hearing date was announced.