The focal point of the meeting was the variance request from Devil Track Cabins LLC, which sought after-the-fact approval for two decks built on rental cabins without the necessary permits. The decks, part of the Bird’s Nest and Fox Den cabins, were constructed within the Shore Impact Zone on a lot that is legal non-conforming due to its size and location on Devil Track Lake. The board scrutinized the decks’ 55-foot and 35-foot shoreline setbacks, as well as a side yard setback variance request, which deviated from the required setbacks outlined in the county’s zoning ordinance.

Discussions revealed that the property owners had been unaware of the permitting requirements due to a contractor’s oversight. Nonetheless, the board emphasized the responsibility of property owners to comply with zoning regulations. The Cook County Environmental Health officer noted the declining water quality in Devil Track Lake, further urging the importance of vegetative buffers. The DNR hydrologist recommended denying the variance, arguing that the request stemmed from personal preference rather than necessity. The board concluded that the proposed variances did not meet the necessary criteria, particularly with regard to maintaining the integrity of zoning laws, and voted to deny the request.

Another discussion involved a variance request for a sauna constructed within the bluff impact zone near Lake Superior. The sauna, built without a permit, encroached six feet into the setback area, which is prohibited under the zoning ordinance. The DNR hydrologist and the Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District both expressed concerns over the sauna’s placement, citing the lack of unique circumstances and the potential for increased stormwater runoff due to the removal of vegetation. The board agreed that the variance request did not demonstrate a practical difficulty unique to the property, and they unanimously voted to deny the application.

The board also addressed a variance request from Mr. Beckstrand concerning a screen porch built at a reduced shoreline setback on Lake Superior. Although the porch was initially constructed in compliance with the setback requirements, shoreline erosion rendered it non-conforming. Despite acknowledging the erosion factor, the board emphasized adherence to zoning ordinances and approved the variance with specific conditions to mitigate future erosion and maintain shoreline vegetation.

In another case, the board reviewed a variance request for a 12×15 screen porch addition on a property on Needham Road. The proposed addition would encroach four feet into the required bluff setback. The applicants cited the presence of rock outcroppings as a practical difficulty for compliance. Public comments were supportive, and the board found the encroachment minor and consistent with the property’s aesthetic and ecological value. They approved the variance with unanimous agreement, highlighting the thoughtful nature of the application and the minor nature of the requested variance.

The meeting also covered a variance request for a two-story addition to a cabin on West Pope Lake. The cabin, a non-conforming structure, sought to expand within the 100-foot shoreline setback. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on the lake’s visual character and water quality. The applicant requested to table the discussion to address the objections raised by staff and the DNR. The board agreed to table the request, allowing the applicant time to understand and potentially address the concerns.