BZA approves 5-foot front-yard setback variance for lake lot storage building

The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a front-yard setback variance for a Lake of the Woods lot on Nov. 18, allowing a secondary 40-by-44 structure to be built before a primary structure is constructed.

Staff reported the lot had been used for boats and storage and that prior small structures had been removed; because of lot depth and combined front/rear setbacks the strict application of the ordinance posed practical difficulties. The applicant sought a reduction of the front-yard setback from 30 feet to 25 feet. No written objections were presented during the hearing.

Applicant representatives explained the lot’s current use and said the proposed building would improve appearance and storage organization along the channel. The board opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers in opposition and, following a motion and second, approved the variance by voice vote.

The approval was recorded with standard findings that the variance would not injure public health, safety or welfare, would not substantially harm adjacent property values, and that strict application would create practical difficulties for development of the lot.