Staff flagged wetland setbacks and nonstandard septic as central technical issues

Land Services staff briefed the board that the LaVern application would require three separate variances: reduced setback to Green Prairie Fish Lake, reduced setback to wetland for structures, and an exception for the septic system’s wetland setback.

Amy told the board: "The applicant requests variances for the following: to remove the existing mobile home and place a dwelling...the dwelling is proposed to be 50 feet from the lake, 75 feet is required...And 14.2 feet from the wetland and a 25-foot setback is required. Also, to place a type three time dosed boxed mound system up to the south wetland boundary resulting in a zero-foot setback from the wetland." She explained a type-three, time-dosed mound system is undersized relative to typical systems, requires a boxed mound and more ongoing care, and requires the property owner to sign an acknowledgement releasing the county and designer from certain liabilities.

Amy also explained that septic siting and the final system would be reviewed by Darren (Land Services) at the time of full design and that incomplete design information was on file at the time of the hearing. The board expressed concern that an incomplete septic design and the proposed zero-foot wetland setback increased uncertainty about potential wetland impacts and maintenance demands.

Because permitting and technical review remain incomplete, staff advised that even with variances granted, the applicant would need a complete design that meets state code requirements and would likely require ongoing oversight for a nonstandard system.