BZA grants lakeshore setback variance for treehouse-style platform

The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a rear-yard setback variance for David and Catherine Zobrist on Nov. 18, allowing an already-built, detached, raised platform—described by the architect as a ‘‘treehouse’’ platform—closer to the lake than the ordinance normally allows.

Architect Tuvia Poliskin told the board the platform and an associated walkway are independent of the house, mounted to trees with engineered brackets that allow tree movement, and that similar installations did not require a building permit under prior inspection. During the project the county advised a variance for the lake setback was required; Poliskin said measurements showed the platform sits about 30 feet, 6 inches from the water’s edge versus the prescribed 45 feet.

Poliskin said the Lake Latonka Property Owners Association’s building control committee did not object and described the structure as visually acceptable. The board opened and closed the public hearing with no opposition and approved the variance after finding strict application of the ordinance would create practical difficulties. Members voted in favor following staff findings read into the record.

Board members expressed interest in seeing the structure in person; staff noted it is visible only by walking down from the road near the lake. The board approved the variance with standard findings that it will not substantially harm adjacent property values or public welfare.