[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6274376,"mediaKeyId","2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd","parentId",2991216,"title","Sawyer County Lakes Forum urges lake-based dimensional standards as committee weighs camping-cabin changes","audioSeconds",5793,"startMs",695000,"endMs",6488000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd&start=695&end=6488","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd/thumbnail_695000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6274376/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Sawyer-County-Lakes-Forum-urges-lake-based-dimensional-standards-as-committee-weighs-camping-cabin-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274376-abea382d274ebff68a9c33b2f60b6eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164955&Signature=CYoJqqwb1j0pCYImdTQcYE5bpSKJn~FtlUhNeV9hdAPy76S84mQUyN7-PdDIyxG5NUBxOjXvCBtkYY0K2RRnxCE497ZXNtUb6ByT9vL6GTfwcadYAB4rE4alj1xvRQxGfm2ToFURCQKpHN4TK0Mjc0Xm4xVSYr7sAPTDnH~vRFknFbTWfEmSxO3QBlqRQwIwmkC2I-2gsIgztMycPqydivDZ9Z0lhy~0Dsl8vFeSEZNf4z5sg8vhj3U7kGceq~fUHUHcilU05SRGJi6ogn5X-4tLIYWkuGUIKHp7jBDBjPSEHL9ZaBs-4DdKXGV~hcnT~Tjeo505uKJqaJiH4DVsKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sawyer County, WI","date","2025-04-15T12:22:05.49Z","article","Jean Acala, vice president of the Sawyer County Lakes Forum, told the Multi Dwelling Development Ad Hoc Committee that the forum wants Sawyer County to restore or consider lake-specific classifications and dimensional requirements as the committee finalizes zoning changes.

Acala said Sawyer County\u0000s minimum lot dimensions and allowed densities are smaller than neighboring lake-rich counties and urged the committee to \"consider at minimum Sawyer County lake classifications and dimensional requirements of other lake-rich counties as a starting point.\" She also noted the county has about 252 named lakes and many unnamed lakes that vary in character and need different protections.

Edgewater property owner Linda Zillmer followed Acala and said prior to recent state statutory changes Sawyer County used a four-tier lake classification system with different dimensional requirements for different lakes. Zillmer asked the committee to ask county legal to review whether the county can use its subdivision ordinance to require larger lot dimensions moving forward — for example, applying one-acre minimums in future subdivisions while not retroactively changing existing lots.

The public comment and committee discussion then shifted to a related agenda item: proposed changes to the county\u0000s camping-cabin rules. Jay (zoning staff) summarized the issue: current county rules allow camping cabins only on licensed campgrounds, limit cabins to 300 sq. ft. and prohibit gas, water and sewer connections. A campground owner requested changes that would raise the size limit to 400 sq. ft. and remove prohibitions on electric, plumbing and gas. Jay said he used the state\u0000s ATCP 79 camping-cabin definition as a reference in his draft options.

Committee members raised multiple concerns: whether camping cabins with plumbing or permanent slabs become de facto dwellings; whether campground density rules (for example, campsites per acre) would allow many camping cabins on a shoreland parcel; wastewater and septic capacity for cabins with toilets; and whether the change would effectively allow tiny-home-style permanent occupancy inside campgrounds. Member Laura said her town denied a petition because the proposal lacked sufficient detail; other members said towns should be offered options (for example, a 30% cap on camping-cabin units per campground) rather than a single countywide change.

The committee did not take a final vote on camping-cabin amendments. Members asked staff to provide regulatory detail on plumbing and wastewater-capacity rules (including state SPS and ATCP guidance), and to provide model options for towns to consider.

Quotes from the public: \"Sawyer County\u0000s general zoning ordinances have much smaller dimensional requirements and allow much higher development densities than similar lake rich counties in the region,\" Jean Acala said. Linda Zillmer said the county \"used to be protective just in shoreland\" and suggested subdivision ordinance tools for future larger lot minimums.

Ending: The committee directed staff to gather comparative county dimensional standards, state regulatory guidance on camping-cabin water and sewer, and model approaches (including town-level opt-ins like a percent cap) for the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Multi Dwelling Ad Hoc 2025 04 10","oneSentenceSummary","The Sawyer County Lakes Forum asked the ad hoc committee to revisit lake classifications and dimensional requirements and urged legal review of options after state statute changes. Committee members raised campground density, plumbing and whether camping cabins should be treated like dwellings.","taxTitle","Sawyer County, Wisconsin","taxId",73055,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274381,"Committee requires conditional-use review when multiple condo units on a parcel are rented",3526,2495000,6021000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd&start=2495&end=6021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd/thumbnail_2495000.jpg","/articles/6274381/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Committee-requires-conditional-use-review-when-multiple-condo-units-on-a-parcel-are-rented","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274381-4a57b45dd7a3830c1b39e6ec80cd4860/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164955&Signature=KuumzpyNC0~qyI9FyA5l3H2iW7Fxj099im-AqaII~Zl7y8mGLHeJwBjUqmYraKrQ9~4iOEfdQZDkB9Jvah26cteLF~bXwdzmJKDVrlNpltUPiTMEKTgCUYHv2Yvbr9Vd~1zu-tgfm5Br7TVc2Fy7j0AonaX7Np7Fz-u959-ug9GfzC85RJxjV5Ngspel0rxNxpBxdc2SiEhHdNH2Dcizm5TvAZYpy9z~aeRuARMHeNorFnjd3Od-l2FPsB8lBZzvrAsM-mKTfA1u8E9dzqVNAnKLa7dzH6wz~6GLUn6pXVozDLWgrwHxzDmnKK9pzLTVLn4IDxvVepnG1yPh46KLNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Multi Dwelling Development Ad Hoc Committee voted to require a conditional-use permit (CUP) process when multiple dwelling units on a condominium parcel are being rented.

Committee members approved a motion that when more than one dwelling unit on a condominium property is to be offered as a rental, the condominium association must apply for a conditional-use permit so the county can evaluate impacts and impose conditions if appropriate. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Jay, the county zoning staffer, told the committee that condominiums are a form of ownership rather than a use or structure under county code; that makes them challenging to address because changing ownership does not always trigger zoning review. Several members said they have seen \"old resorts\" converted to condominiums where multiple owners independently rent units, creating what members described as a practical resort use without a single owner applying for review.

Committee discussion focused on enforcement and process. Members discussed whether the association, rather than an individual owner, should apply for the CUP; the committee amended the motion to specify that the condominium association should be the applicant. Members also discussed thresholds for association approval (for example, a required percentage of owners to authorize an application) and asked staff to draft proposed ordinance language clarifying whether the requirement applies retroactively to existing condo rentals or only to new or expanded rental activity.

The committee said the conditional-use process would allow zoning to impose measurable conditions (for example, occupancy limits, screening, parking, or hours of operation) and to avoid neighborhood conflicts that can arise when some condo owners rent frequently and neighbors object.

ACTIONS: Motion (mover: not specified) that when more than one dwelling unit on a condominium property is to be rented, the condominium association must apply for a conditional use permit; seconded (not specified); motion passed (voice vote; tally not specified). Staff will draft ordinance language addressing thresholds, retroactivity, and procedures.

Ending: Zoning staff will draft proposed ordinance language, and the committee scheduled follow-up work and a May 1 meeting to continue unresolved items.","The ad hoc committee voted that condominium properties where more than one dwelling unit will be rented must seek a conditional-use permit from the condominium association, with application to county zoning for review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6274386,"Ad hoc panel limits new resort approvals to RR2 and bars them in R1/RR1",1276,1990000,3266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd&start=1990&end=3266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2991216-eca09863fff5e12e678de0b334083acd/thumbnail_1990000.jpg","/articles/6274386/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Ad-hoc-panel-limits-new-resort-approvals-to-RR2-and-bars-them-in-R1RR1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6274386-f1487e51c04feeeb9a8d94a35ea6de5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164955&Signature=bi2Xk~BkC951WC3zegctZ2SD3D-xuoKmKS9zOsKYjL4Vlwjd~qFt4IQ2GJ290yUF9dmJkEhm0TQrUARGoJHQ7MfImF6G5yHSRNYQSeSir3LSM2mt4606Jn4QdxxvbsCoo~5LKL55kNEWjZIkwZEhi9kZhY~VDAeUIy2HKV56huCdyDovWQLvk8nTm2U3gP2EeEzklAMOmRzPgbZ1CiCEefxnjkA9GsfdMh1ZG-Y~7Sri6FaKEr1GVtLTfzIloAaSsn2xi1vmXaOV8p403xfviUcJsMBQWAYv-1EMgV4RA57fCExnCofz57MVlj21-zH9xtk5GYOwpZzEH2V6ZvMBDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Multi Dwelling Development Ad Hoc Committee voted to allow resort uses only as a conditional use in property zoned Residential-Recreational 2 (RR2) and to prohibit resort uses in the county\u0010s R1 and RR1 zone districts.

The committee approved a motion to add resorts as a conditional use in RR2 after a motion by Ben Kurzweil and a second by Robert (Bob) Langham; the measure carried on a voice vote. Committee members later approved a separate motion to prohibit resorts in R1 and RR1; that motion also passed on a voice vote.

The committee discussed why RR2 is the appropriate district for resorts. Jay (Zoning staff) told the group that, historically, resorts were administered under a multi-dwelling-development umbrella that required three or more units; the ad hoc\u0000s changes reduce that threshold so resorts can be based on more than one unit. Jay warned the group that removing the multi-dwelling umbrella and allowing resorts on fewer units opens new pathways for rental-based uses and that RR2 already includes specific lot-area and cabin provisions for resorts.

Members repeatedly cited the desire to avoid creating a large number of new nonconforming uses. Committee member James Bassett said the county could offer property owners a voluntary rezone from RR1 to RR2 where appropriate; other members said they wanted numbers on how many existing resorts sit in RR1 before finalizing the proposal.

Committee members also discussed whether to allow resort uses in commercial zones. Several members opposed adding resorts to commercial zoning because that could permit a wider range of commercial development on formerly recreational waterfront parcels. The group reached consensus to keep resorts limited to RR2.

What this means in practice: properties currently operating as resorts in R1/RR1 will generally remain \"existing nonconforming\" uses unless the owner discontinues the use for a period specified in the county code or voluntarily pursues rezoning. The committee noted that nonconforming resorts cannot expand unit counts without rezone or a conditional-use review that addresses density and lot-area requirements.

The committee set follow-up work for staff to (a) compile how many existing resorts currently sit in R1/RR1, and (b) draft language clarifying shoreland and non-shoreland density outcomes for resorts if those properties seek expansion or reclassification.

The ad hoc committee planned to send its red-line draft to county legal for review and reconvene if legal edits materially change the committee\u0000s recommendations before formally adjournment and transmittal to the zoning committee.

ACTIONS: Motion to allow resorts as conditional use in RR2 (mover: Ben Kurzweil; second: Robert Langham). Outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified). Motion to prohibit resorts in R1 and RR1 (mover: not specified; second: not specified). Outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified).

Ending: The committee scheduled further staff work and legal review; members said they expect to reconvene if legal edits change the red-line language.","Sawyer County\u0000multi-dwelling ad hoc committee voted to allow resorts only as a conditional use in the RR2 zoning district and to prohibit new resort uses in R1 and RR1, and agreed to encourage voluntary rezoning where appropriate; existing resorts become existing nonconforming uses unless they seek rezoning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sawyer County Lakes Forum urges lake-based dimensional standards as committee weighs camping-cabin changes

Committee requires conditional-use review when multiple condo units on a parcel are rented

Ad hoc panel limits new resort approvals to RR2 and bars them in R1/RR1