Board approves 30‑ft lake setback variance for Goodrich Lake addition

The Crow Wing County Board of Adjustment approved a variance on Nov. 20 allowing an addition to a dwelling on Goodrich Lake to encroach to roughly 30 feet from the ordinary high water mark where the county shoreland standard is 75 feet.

Kevin McCormick of Land Design Solutions and county staff described the request for property owners Alan Poucher Jr. and Diane Larson at 36855 Bonnie Lakes Road (parcel 60180542). The application seeks a 30‑foot setback for a northern addition (staff clarified that the shoreline curvature makes some corners measure 30 feet while the existing structure measured 33.5 feet at certain points). Staff reported proposed impervious cover of about 3 percent and said the project will maintain the existing building line and use the existing septic location where setbacks are met.

McCormick and staff said the lot’s configuration, existing structure placement and wetlands to the rear create practical difficulty in meeting the 75‑foot standard without a full rebuild or relocation. Board members noted the shoreline curve and that the addition does not move the house closer to the lake than the current condition in material ways. After reviewing conditions and findings, a board member moved and another seconded approval of the variance with required conditions; the motion carried.

The approval is final for this board; the applicant must obtain required permits from Land Services before construction begins. The board reminded applicants that any future changes to size, height or location would require a new application and board approval.