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Planning commission approves variance for riparian lot at 29026 Blader Boulevard
Summary
The Lindstrom Planning Commission approved three variances allowing a deck encroachment into the ordinary high water setback, retaining-wall/step repairs in the setback area, and driveway/sidewalk changes using pervious pavers for a riparian R1 lot. Staff recommended approval; the motion passed by voice vote.
Planning staff presented background on a variance application for 29026 Blader Boulevard, an undersized riparian lot in the Charlotte Overlay District, and recommended approval of three variances allowing a deck to encroach closer to the ordinary high-water line, repairs to an existing retaining wall and steps within the setback, and driveway and sidewalk work using pervious pavers.
"We are revisiting this item that was tabled from the August 7 meeting and I'll just provide another brief background on the case," said the planning staff member (S4), explaining the lot is undersized at about 12,000 square feet and noting the current applicant did not build the existing house. Staff's materials included photos and updated plans intended to show sight lines to neighboring properties and to document an existing impervious deck that had been required previously to be pervious.
Commissioners and the applicant reviewed the site photos and plans. Commissioners said the images helped them see that the proposed deck would be set further back and would not be an eyesore to neighbors. Resident Brian (S7) urged consistent treatment for lakeshore properties, noting other structures on North Lindstrom Lake were moved in prior cases.
Commissioner Greg (S2) moved to approve the variance "with the findings effects, presented by staff and with the strikeout of no gravel road," a motion that was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript.
The staff presentation noted the project must meet variance criteria for practical difficulties and additional Shoreland Overlay District standards; staff confirmed the city engineer reviewed the pervious paver plan and raised no objection. The applicant must still follow any state DNR permitting requirements for work affecting lake fill or shorelines.
