Morrison County board approves variance for 32-by-40 garage near platted road with stormwater condition

The Morrison County land-use board voted unanimously to approve a variance allowing an applicant to build a 32-by-40 detached garage 7.9 feet from the platted road right of way, with a condition that a stormwater plan be submitted to and approved by county land services before a permit is issued.

Staff member Amy presented the application and materials, telling the board: “The applicant requests a variance to construct a 32 by 40 detached garage 7.9 feet from the platted road right of way.” She said the proposed impervious surface at project completion would be 19.3 percent, under the 25 percent maximum, and noted the structure must meet flood-plain elevation requirements. Amy also cited the relevant ordinance section as 706.1b.

Applicant Brad Horbel, who gave his address for the record, told the board the traveled roadway sits well south of the platted right-of-way and that he had discussed moving electrical meters to a pole and installing underground feed to avoid proximity to overhead wires. “We’re gonna move the meters from the side of the cabin … and feed underground from there out,” he said, describing plans to eliminate aerial service near the new structure.

Board members who visited the site described the discrepancy between the platted roadway and the built road. Member Clint said the practical placement of the road left a narrow platted strip that made it difficult to meet the setback; Marvin and others agreed the location of the constructed road created a unique practical difficulty. The board also discussed runoff control; Clint suggested gutters while Marvin recommended a formal stormwater plan to be reviewed by land services.

After deliberation on the ordinance criteria — including harmony with the Morrison County Land Use Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, reasonable use, preservation of locality character, and the uniqueness of the practical difficulty — George moved to approve the variance and John seconded. The chair called the vote; all present voted in favor and the chair said, “Your request for a variance has been approved.”

The board’s approval included one explicit condition: the applicant must submit a stormwater plan for county review. Staff instructed the applicant to return to county offices during normal business hours to begin permit processing and next steps.

Votes at a glance: the variance motion was moved by George and seconded by John and passed unanimously (5-0). The board also unanimously approved the meeting minutes dated Dec. 23, 2025, and adjourned following the administrative votes.

The ordinance section cited in discussion was Morrison County Land Use Ordinance section 706.1b; county staff and the township record included in the packet indicated Pulaski Township is aware of the request and supportive. The applicant provided survey maps, site photos, and a rendering as part of the packet.