HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Comprehensive Planning Committee - Agenda - 1/18/2023
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Bayfield County Clerk
Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk
Kim Mattson, Accountant Jeran Delaine, Deputy Clerk
Gail M. Reha, Bookkeeper Paige Terry, Clerk III
Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE
Steve Sandstrom-Chair, Mary Dougherty, Charly Ray, Jim Crandall-Vice Chair,
Ruth Hulstrom, Ben Dufford, Jason Bodine, Douglas Smith,
Cole Rabska, Bob Anderson, Kellie Pederson, Mark Abeles-Allison,
Keith Koenning, Barb Thorpe, Nicole Boyd
ADVISORY MEMBERS:
Jason Laumann, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Emily Nelson, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Megan Mader, Northwest Regional Planning Commission
Lynn Divine, Paige Terry, Bayfield County Clerk’s Office
RE: January 18, 2023, 10:00 am, Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan Committee Meeting
Dear Committee Members:
Please be advised that the monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Comprehensive Plan Committee will be held on
January 18, 2023 at 10:00am. This meeting will be held in-person in the Bayfield County Board Room at 117 E 5th
St Washburn, WI. Supervisors and the public will be able to participate in the meeting in-person or remotely via
voice either by using the internet link or phone number below.
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Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
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Please contact Bayfield County at 715-373-6181 or 715-373-6100. If you have access questions prior to the meeting.
During the meeting if you have connection issues, please email mark.abeles-allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov.
1. Call to Order
2. Introductions
3. Public Comment (3 minutes per person, 15 minutes total)
4. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes November 16, 2022
Any person wishing to attend who, because of a disability, requires special accommodations, should contact the County Clerk’s office at 715-373-6100, at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting time, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
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5. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Workgroup Visioning (Vision Statement, Goals,
Objectives) Recommended Revisions for Inclusion in the Draft Plan
Here is a link to all of the Bayfield County Comp Plan Visioning Review workgroup
recommendations received.
6. Discussion Regarding Workgroup Strategy (Action) Review
7. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Future Land Use Classifications and coordination
with Towns / Matrix Discussion
Town Future Land Use Classifications
As of November 2022
T. BARKSDALE County
T. BARNES Town*
T. BAYFIELD Town
T. BAYVIEW Town
T. BELL County
T. CABLE County
T. CLOVER Town*
T. DELTA Town
T. DRUMMOND Town
T. EILEEN County
T. GRAND VIEW County
T. HUGHES Town
T. IRON RIVER Town
T. KELLY County
T. KEYSTONE County
T. LINCOLN County
T. MASON Town
T. NAMAKAGON Town
T. ORIENTA COUNTY
T. OULU County
T. PILSEN County
T. PORT WING ?
T. RUSSELL County
T. TRIPP County
T. WASHBURN Town*
*Town Comp Plan Update In-Progress
# Δ
8. Resources: Bayfield County Web Site, type 2022 Comprehensive Planning into search field.
• Current Bayfield County Comp Plan link:
https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/129/Bayfield-County-
Comp-Plan-Full-PDF
• County wide Plans:
https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/209/Bayfield-County-Comprehensive-Plan
• Existing Land Use Review:
Bayfield County Existing Land Use Review | Northwest Regional Planning
Commission, WI (nwrpc.com)
9. Comprehensive Planning Calendar
10. Next Meeting: Tentative Wednesday, February 15, 2023
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11. Adjournment
Sincerely,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat
COMP PLANNING MEETING NARRATIVE
• Agenda Item #5: Most all workgroup drafts are received. Group assignments are here.
Please take a moment to review drafts submitted so far here. A hard copy is in this packet also.
Once we hear all recommendations, the committee can discuss approving the visioning for
inclusion in the draft plan. Emily has updated the online workgroup recommendations folder
with the most recent version of the Plan Element Visioning, now all in one
document: Bayfield County Comp Plan Visioning Review
• Agenda Item #6: Once the draft visioning has been approved by the committee, a second task
for each workgroup will be to recommend corresponding strategies and actions for each
goal/objective. Emily will print the previous action plan for each Element and bring copies to the
meeting. She will also send individual follow-up emails to each workgroup on the instructions
and any background information necessary for the strategy review.
• Agenda Item #7: Added the table with the Town vs. County Future Land Use Classifications.
The topic of Land Use Classifications has come up several times. Emily has prepared the attached
listing.
Of the 25 Towns, 14 towns use the County Classification system. The other 9-11, have a different
land use classification.
The options for item 7 go hand-in-hand with the FLU Mapping Methods document (attached). The Town
vs. County Future Land Use Classifications table reaffirms that each of the 25 towns in Bayfield County is
unique: some towns may never develop their own comp plan, some towns may have an expired plan,
while others have recently updated their plan or are in the middle of the plan update process. Of the 25
towns, over half currently use the county classification and the rest use their own designated
classification. The committee should keep all of this in mind as they are making their decision on the
Future Land Use method to use in this update which could include countywide future land use being:
1. A generalized countywide future land use map. (Model used in the previous county plan
update).
2. A compilation of town maps developed and approved by each town with a standardized and
pre-defined set of future land use classifications and definitions provided to the town by the
county. When not possible or timely, county / town to develop a matrix for how the two
interact.
3. A compilation of town maps developed and approved by each town, with towns submitting their
current future land use map (from local plan) or developing a new map using future land use
classifications created and defined by the town. This model would include a matrix, which the
town would have to complete with submission of their map to identify preferences and
compatible existing county zoning districts for each town-created future land use classification.
Agenda Items #8: Moved the Existing Land Use Review Link from Agenda Item #8 to Agenda Item #9
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Bayfield County Clerk
Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk
Kim Mattson, Accountant Jeran Delaine, Deputy Clerk
Gail M. Reha, Bookkeeper Paige Terry, Clerk III
Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Minutes of the:
Comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting
November 16, 2022 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI
& Remotely
The meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Committee was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Committee
Chairman, Steve Sandstrom
Members Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bob Anderson, Jim Crandall, Nicole Boyd, Paige Terry, Ruth
Hulstrom, Cole Rabska, Keith Koenning, Charly Ray, Mary Dougherty, Kellie Pederson, Megan Mader,
Steve Sandstrom, Emily Nelson, Barb Thorpe, and Jason Laumann.
Members Excused: Lynn Divine, Ben Dufford, Jason Bodine, Douglas Smith
Others Present: Kim Bro-Town of Washburn Planning Commission, Bill Bussey- Chairman
Chequamegon Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Bruce Moore-Chequamegon Chapter of Citizens’
Climate Lobby, Kim Mattson-Bayfield County Accountant, Kim Tregilgas
2. Introductions: Introductions of the committee members were made.
3. Public Comment: None.
4. Discussion and Possible Action, Minutes September 21, 2022:
Motion by Crandall, seconded by Rabska to approve the minutes from the September 21, 2022,
Comprehensive Planning Committee meeting with the recommended change. Motion carried.
5. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Workgroup Visioning (Vision Statement, Goals,
Objectives) Recommended Revisions: The committee work groups reviewed the following
plan elements housing; transportation; agricultural, cultural, and natural resources; economic
development; intergovernmental cooperation; and land use. Revision drafts for the utilities &
community facilities and hazard mitigation elements were not ready to be presented to the
committee.
10:15 a.m. – Ruth Hulstrom joined the meeting.
11:03 a.m. – Kellie Pederson left the meeting.
11:24 a.m. – Barb Thorpe left the meeting.
11:29 a.m. – Kellie Pederson rejoined the meeting.
Abeles- Allison suggested setting a date for the subcommittees to submit their clean revisions to
Nelson. After discussion, the committee set December 15, 2022, as the due date to submit their
final drafts to Nelson.
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6. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Future Land Use Classifications and
Coordination With Towns / Matrix Discussion: Laumann informed the committee that a
decision needs to be made regarding the future land use classifications and coordination with
towns. Laumann reviewed the three methods with the committee. Ray asked if any feedback had
been received regarding the land use mapping tool that was sent out and if the tool had been sent
to the towns. Nelson stated she had not heard any specific feedback, only that progress with the
tool was underway. Discussion took place regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the
three methods. Committee members agreed that input from the towns would be crucial in making
a decision. Abeles-Allison suggested that a survey be sent out to the towns inquiring about their
comprehensive planning progress and the committee readdress the item at the January meeting.
The committee agreed not to make a decision and to revisit the item at the January meeting.
7. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Public Comprehensive Plan Revision Input:
Chairman Sandstrom dispensed with the item due to time constraints of the meeting.
8. Resources
9. Next Meeting: January 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
Ray suggested that the land use planning tool be sent to the towns. The committee agreed.
10. Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Comprehensive Planning
Committee, Chairman Sandstrom adjourned the meeting at 12:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. DIVINE
Bayfield County Clerk
LMD/pat
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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HOUSING
Draft Revision
Housing Vision Statement
Bayfield County strives to ensure that county residents are afforded the opportunity to
live in the communities of their choosing with a variety of attainable housing
opportunities that can meet the needs of residents throughout their lifecycle.
Housing Goals and Objectives
The following goals and objectives have been developed to guide housing decisions in
Bayfield County in order to implement the housing vision stated above. Some of the
goals and objectives discussed in the other planning elements will also have an impact
on housing.
Collaboration
Goal: Bayfield County will actively participate in collaborations and partnerships across
state, federal, tribal, county, and municipal lines, and with both the private and non-
profit sector, to ensure that adequate housing options exist across the region.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will collaborate with Red Cliff to explore new opportunities to
achieve shared housing goals.
2. Bayfield County will collaborate with towns and municipalities to explore new
opportunities to achieve shared housing goals.
3. Bayfield County will coordinate with UW-Madison Extension and the Bayfield
County Housing Authority to develop, facilitate and maintain regional housing
partnerships and collaborations.
4. Bayfield County will increase capacity to address housing at a county level by
partnering with UW-Madison Extension to hire additional staff and dedicate
additional resources to improve housing opportunities for residents.
5. Bayfield County will coordinate with the business community to increase
workforce housing opportunities so that businesses can grow and thrive in
Bayfield County.
6. Bayfield County will partner with Northwest Regional Planning to ensure the
disbursement of Community Development Block Grant Housing funds.
Equity
Goal: Bayfield County will actively increase development of new attainable housing
opportunities for county residents across the spectrum of age, income and ability.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will support the development of equitable, attainable housing
opportunities in communities across the county, in order to maintain a diverse
population in areas of gentrification and escalating property values.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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2. Bayfield County will support development of new housing opportunities for elder
residents, including independent living and assisted living that can serve
residents across the income spectrum.
3. Bayfield County will support development of new housing to meet the needs of
a robust workforce making less than 120% of county median income.
4. Bayfield County will seek opportunities to increase the stock of both owner- and
renter-occupied units, (including starter homes and multifamily units) in order to
ensure a mix of opportunities for residents making less than 80% of median
income.
5. Bayfield County will develop mechanisms to incentivize long-term rentals and
infill development.
6. Bayfield County will seek regional partnership to increase the supply of
transitional housing to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the region.
7. Bayfield County will increase the supply of supportive housing for elder residents
and residents with disabilities.
8. Bayfield County will collaborate with Bayfield County Human Services and
Criminal Justice Departments to develop opportunities for transitional housing
that can support rehabilitation of justice-involved residents.
Zoning and Land Use
Goal: Bayfield County will develop a housing strategy that increases opportunities for
attainable housing while maintaining community character and the integrity of the
natural environment.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will encourage and incentivize infill development on lots that are
on existing water and sewer infrastructure.
2. Bayfield County will encourage further residential development in areas of the
county in which infrastructure exists to address the transportation, daily living and
recreational needs of residents.
3. Bayfield County will recapture tax delinquent lots for attainable housing
development.
4. Whenever possible, Bayfield County will favor multi-family zoning and the
permissibility of accessory dwelling units to increase residential density and lower
the cost of new housing unit development.
5. Bayfield County will encourage reevaluation of overlay districts to increase
density and opportunities for housing development.
6. Bayfield County will encourage zoning that increases flexibility for
redevelopment of existing homes.
7. Bayfield County will streamline permitting processes making housing
development easier and less costly.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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Quality
Goal: Bayfield County will capitalize on opportunities to improve the existing housing
stock in order to enhance the quality, energy efficiency, livability, and character of the
County.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will actively seek funding sources to offset the cost of new home
development.
2. Bayfield County will encourage the redevelopment of elimination of
substandard, blighted, or deficient housing throughout the County.
3. Bayfield County will Partner with NWRPC to increase access to programs that
provide residents with financial incentives and opportunities to improve and
maintain homes, including disbursement of Community Development Block
Grant Housing funds.
4. Bayfield County will partner with Cheq Bay renewables to increase county-wide
adoption of residential solar technology in new and existing housing
construction.
5. Apply for all available federal and state assistance available to local
governments that will support an increase in energy efficiency and
electrification in local housing, in order to contribute to the county's goal
of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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TRANSPORTATION
Draft Revision
TRANSPORTATION VISION STATEMENT
Bayfield County and WisDOT will provide a safe and efficient local, regional, and state-
wide transportation system. The roadway network will support the land use vision, all
other elements of the Comprehensive Plan, strive to incorporate new technologies to
support the transition to electric vehicles and provide an appropriate level of service to
sustain community residents and businesses. Bayfield County will strongly encourage
the development of bicycle and pedestrian trails throughout the County as a means of
enhancing healthy communities, providing transportation alternatives, and addressing
recreational needs.
TRANSPORTATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Transportation goals and objectives should reflect the County’s transportation vision of
a safe and efficient transportation system. Listed below are the goals and objectives
that shall be applied and assessed when considering potential transportation
improvements throughout Bayfield County.
Goal: The transportation system in Bayfield County shall facilitate the safe and efficient
movement of its citizens within the County while preserving the identity of the
community.
Objective:
1. Coordinate with other jurisdictions, agencies, and committees in enhancing
transportation services.
Goal: Transportation improvements shall balance environmental factors with
transportation needs and the desired land uses as identified in the future land use
section of the Comprehensive Plan.
Objectives:
1. Plan alternate routes throughout the County to make better connections as
necessary.
2. Plan, design, and construct transportation improvements that respect the natural
environment and reflect the aesthetic character and values of the citizens of
Bayfield County.
3. Incorporate resiliency into future projects to mitigate impacts from changing
weather conditions.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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Goal: The future transportation system should be flexible, multi-modal, incorporate
technologies to support the transition to electric vehicles, and provide for the needs of
citizens and businesses in Bayfield County.
Objectives:
1. Support efforts to expand walking, bicycling, ATV/UTV vehicles, transit, electric
vehicle transition, and other modes of transportation.
2. Support efforts to obtain easements and additional Right-Of-Way for future
separated pathways.
3. Develop and implement a county wide alternative fuel filling station plan.
4. Encourage and work with commercial industry to establish alternative
transportation and ride sharing options.
Goal: Maintain and reconstruct the current roads and highways in the County on a
timely cycle to provide safe travel to all users.
Objectives:
1. Continue with the County’s reconstruction cycle of 20-Years which is the
standard life expectancy of roads.
2. Improve County Highways to all weather road status.
3. Provide support to towns and local governments in preparing Capital
Improvement Plans and utilizing funding programs such as Local Road
Improvement Program (LRIP), Surface Transportation Program (STP), and other
available programs.
Goal: Pursue alternative fuel sources for fleet vehicles as technology becomes
available.
Objectives:
1. Invest in electric, CNG, or other alternative fuel type vehicles as technology
becomes available.
2. Develop and implement a county-wide alternative fuel filling station plan.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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UTILITIES & COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Draft Revision
UTILITIES & COMMUNITY FACILITIES VISION STATEMENT
Bayfield County will be served by renewable, safe, and resilient utilities, including
broadband, energy infrastructure, and community facilities which will be accessible
and beneficial for all. Bayfield County will prioritize infrastructure, services, including
healthcare and senior care, and programs that protect and sustain the natural
environment, well-being for all, and are consistent and contribute to the County’s goal
of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
UTILITIES & COMMUNITY FACILITIES GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Local public facility systems often work in conjunction with other public service providers
in the region to help ensure that the needs of current and future residents are being
met. Local community facilities and services would include county offices, public works
facilities, town halls, area schools, hospitals, emergency services, libraries, and health
care facilities. The following set of goals and objectives reflect the County’s vision to
enhance the quality of life of residents.
Goal: A clean, resilient energy supply that makes use of cost-effective renewable
resources while protecting Bayfield County’s natural resources, that are consistent with
and contribute to the County’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Objectives:
1. Align County policy with the State of Wisconsin’s and Xcel Energy’s policy of
carbon-free electricity by 2050.
2. Collaborate with area utilities and build working relationships to ensure power
generating plants and transmission lines are incorporated into a smart grid.
3. Collaborate with area utilities to demonstrate advanced clean energy projects,
including microgrids, to build county and grid energy resilience.
4. Encourage deployment of “rooftop” solar photovoltaics on county residential
and business properties through solar-friendly permitting, education assistance,
utility collaboration, and potential incentive assistance as it might become
available.
5. Encourage landowners and electric utilities to locate large solar photovoltaic
arrays and energy storage systems near existing or future substations as this is the
most cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sound way to provide large-
scale, locally sourced clean energy in this decade.
6. Facilitate public input when permitting or approving utility infrastructure and
oversee that utilities adhere to carbon reduction policies and intent of permits.
7. Track and maintain carbon-free electricity status in all county-owned facilities
even as electric usage may increase due to the electrification of transportation
and building systems.
8. Educate residents on the impact of reduced carbon policies and the long-term
cost savings.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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9. Work with utilities to establish community resiliency centers.
10. Develop a county-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure plan and then
implement that plan.
Goal: Sustain the health, well-being, recreation, and safety of residents and visitors and
improve the quality, quantity and affordability of social services and education for all
community members, including children, youth, teens, seniors, and people with
disabilities.
Objectives:
1. Health care, child, and senior care programs are available throughout the
County.
2. Identify and support efforts by home health, health care, and supportive care
organizations to address the need for recruitment and retention of caregivers for
seniors and children.
3. Facilities and programs include accessible features to allow participation by all
persons.
4. Bayfield County government departments support school districts, libraries,
municipal and tribal human service programs.
5. Actively support area non-profits and encourage public private collaboration to
solve problems.
Goal: Support and strengthen essential services to protect the public health, safety, and
welfare of the community.
Objectives:
1. Response times for EMS, police, fire, and rescue services are established for each
geographic area of the County and services are coordinated to meet these
response times.
2. Broadband access and cellular reception are county-wide.
3. Onsite wastewater treatment, sanitary sewer service, stormwater management,
and water supplies are safe and environmentally sound.
4. Solid waste disposal and recycling facilities are available throughout the County.
Goal: Recognize the value and everyday importance of Bayfield County's parks and
community centers, libraries, civic buildings, and cultural assets by investing in their
maintenance and improvement.
Objectives:
1. Create outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the community for easy
access. Focus on recreation “deserts”.
2. Invest in library capital improvement projects whenever possible to ensure their
strong role in communities.
3. Encourage regular utilization of public facilities (Town, City, Village and Tribal
Facilities) throughout the county to help ensure their use, upkeep and value.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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4. Support outdoor youth activities to create a strong appreciation and lasting
value of our outdoors.
5. Support efforts that help maintain high water quality in all communities.
6. Identify and develop means of financing more energy efficient infrastructure
including counties ageing housing stock.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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AGRICULTURAL, NATURAL, & CULTURAL RESOURCES
Draft Revision
AGRICULTURAL, NATURAL, & CULTURAL RESOURCES VISION STATEMENT
Bayfield County will retain its small town character by promoting a continued mix of
open and natural areas, and lakeshore development. The County will continue to
develop in a manner that respects and celebrates the values and cultures of all
citizens. Natural resources will be protected and serve as an environmental,
recreational, and economic asset to the County. Development will be compatible with
the natural environment to ensure these resources are protected for future generations.
The County’s agricultural, natural, and cultural resources will be developed and
maintained in a manner that is consistent with and contributes to the county’s goal of
net-zero carbon emissions from county operations by 2040 and from all county sources
by 2050.
AGRICULTURAL, NATURAL, & CULTURAL RESOURCES GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A set of recommended goals and objectives have been developed to assist the
County in the conservation and promotion of effective management of the local
natural, agricultural, and cultural resources. A cooperative effort between the County,
towns, municipalities and visitors as well as other state, federal, and non-profit agencies
or organizations is important to ensure the resources of the County are preserved and
enhanced for future generations.
Goal: Protect, maintain, and enhance lakes and streams, wetlands, forestlands,
habitats, and groundwater to maintain water quality, ecologic function, and
recreational and aesthetic values.
Objectives:
1. Assist waterfront landowners who voluntarily protect, restore, and enhance
shorelands and watersheds.
2. Implement practices to reduce stormwater runoff volume and velocities.
3. Reduce the spread of invasive species to aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
4. Protect and restore lake and stream ecological quality.
Goal: Reduce and mitigate surface and groundwater impacts from agricultural land use
activities in Fish Creek, White River, and Iron River Watersheds.
Objective:
1. Work with farm producers on NR 151 Performance Standards and Prohibitions.
Goal: Continue to administer the Wildlife Damage Program.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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Goal: Enhance or improve climate resiliency across all natural landscapes, with an
emphasis on forests, and increase natural carbon sequestration to the extent needed to
achieve the county’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions from county operations by 2040
and from all county sources by 2050.
Objectives:
1. Maintain or increase the extent of forest ecosystems.
2. Improve or enhance a diversity of interconnected forested landscapes, with an
emphasis on increasing the extent of public lands.
3. Encourage the development and adoption of sustainable management
strategies that improve forest productivity, diversity, health and vigor.
4. Encourage the development and adoption of forest management strategies
that enhance or improve carbon sequestration rates and storage capacity.
5. Reduce the potential for carbon losses from natural disturbances, including
wildfire, insects and disease, as well as human induced disturbances, including
conversion.
6. Encourage the removal and prevention of invasive species, especially those that
have the potential to negatively impact fundamental, natural ecological
functions.
7. Encourage the promotion of tree species or forest types that are expected to be
best suited or less vulnerable to predicted changes in future conditions.
8. Encourage and support regenerative agricultural practices by Bayfield County
farms.
Goal: Factor in climate Resilience for planning, design, engineering, and construction of
future projects due to more intense weather events.
Objectives:
1. Increase technical assistance and education activities with landowners
regarding coastal erosion on the south shore of Lake Superior, and fluctuating
inland lake levels.
2. Incorporate additional storage and protection measures during planning,
designing, and installing all conservation practices on the landscape.
3. Implement the Lake Superior Charter Action Plan with partner agencies.
4. Continue training for conservation staff and board members on climate
resiliency as it relates to project planning and available funding.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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Goal: Preserve and enhance cultural resources, including historical and archeological
sites and resources.
Objectives:
1. Coordinate with the Bayfield County Historical Society to update the inventory of
historic properties within the County and share this information with the state of
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory.
2. Support efforts to preserve cultural heritage, language, artifacts, archeology,
and other cultural resources.
3. Support preservation of cultural and historic resources.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Draft Revision
Economic Development Vision Statement
Bayfield County seeks to become a regional leader in sustainable economic
development by adopting a County-wide economic development platform that is
based in the foundation of Triple Bottom Line thinking; balancing the needs of People,
Planet and Profit (the 3P’s) in order to positively affect the long-term, socio-economic
sustainability and viability of the county thereby increasing quality of life for all residents.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of the Bayfield County economic development strategy is to engage
in economic activities that enhance the quality of life for residents by realizing
economic gains while balancing the needs of the environment.
As the demographics of the county shift, economic strategy must address the reality
and needs of a large aging population and the workforce implications inherent in this
demographic shift.
The following set of recommended goals, objectives, and action steps has been
developed to support the overall economic development efforts of the County. Many
of these goals and objectives are fulfilled through a robust partnership with the Bayfield
County Economic Development Corporation as well as other local and regional
economic development agencies and organizations.
Goal: Bayfield County will actively support initiatives that support recruitment and
retention of a skilled workforce.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will support initiatives that increase the availability of
affordable workforce housing opportunities
2. Bayfield County will support initiatives that increase childcare and eldercare
opportunities, in order to increase the labor force participation rate.
3. Bayfield County will invest in community recreational assets, (e.g. trails,
facilities, programs) recognizing that an amenity-rich environment is a critical
tool in recruiting a vibrant stable workforce.
Goal: Through active partnership and collaboration with local and regional
economic development agencies, Bayfield County will ensure that locally-owned
businesses of all sizes are afforded access to critical business resources, including:
1. financial assistance and/or incentives through state and federal grants, and
other financial instruments for existing and new companies
2. access to opportunities for financial planning and succession planning
access to opportunities for education in order for business owners to meet
changing demands
3. access to programs that support entrepreneurship and locally-owned micro-
and small business ventures
Goal: Bayfield County will invest in critical business and industry sectors needed to
support the changing demographics of the county.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will invest in activities that will build a more vibrant medical,
caregiving sector in order to meet the demands of the county’s changing
demographic.
VISONING DRAFT 1/18/23
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Goal: Bayfield County will invest in infrastructure improvements needed to support
modern economic development and community needs.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will continue to pursue broadband expansion until all
residents of Bayfield County have exceptional access to broadband
technology suitable for telecommuting and educational needs.
2. Bayfield County will continue to invest in renewable energy infrastructure in
order to increase regional energy independence.
3. Bayfield County will support the expansion of sewer and water utilities in order
to create more opportunities to develop and expand business and housing.
4. Bayfield County will revise and realign zoning codes and ordinances in order
to effectively streamline systems for economic development including
business expansion, home and commercial development.
Goal: Bayfield County will balance the needs of residents and visitors to the area.
Objectives:
1. Bayfield County will revise short-term rental statutes to ensure continuous
quality of life for long-term residents.
2. Bayfield County will explore an increase in direct fees related to tourism
activities in order to raise revenues to support tourism related infrastructure
(e.g., sales taxes, user and impact fees, etc.).
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INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
Draft Revision
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION VISION STATEMENT
Bayfield County will work cooperatively with towns, cities, adjoining counties, school
districts, state and federal agencies, and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
to provide residents with a wide variety of cost-efficient, non-duplicative services for the
betterment of all residents.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The following goals and objectives have been prepared to facilitate the County to
work cooperatively with adjoining and overlapping jurisdictions to provide essential
services in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
Goal 1: Improve communication and collaboration with neighboring towns,
municipalities, area school districts, state and federal agencies, and the Red Cliff Band
of Lake Superior Chippewa to improve efficiency.
Objectives:
1. Determine need for agreements with state, federal and municipal agencies and
the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa to facilitate response to all
hazard incidents.
2. Analyze services that are currently being provided, identity activities and services
that are beneficial to the County, identify those activities and services that are
not currently being provided to the County but would be beneficial and
recommend agreements that are not beneficial for the County.
3. Develop a list with a description of the location, use and capacity of existing
public utilities and community facilities, and recreational areas.
4. Notify appropriate state agencies of proposed land use plans.
5. Seek ways to share community facilities and services with neighboring
communities and coordinate on multi-jurisdictional applications whenever
possible.
6. Identify existing or potential conflicts between local governmental units,
including future land use trends, and describe processes to resolve such conflicts.
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LAND USE ELEMENT
LAND USE VISION STATEMENT
Bayfield County will encourage or pursue or create a high quality of life, while
respecting or recognizing or maintaining its “small town” atmosphere and character.
Through the incorporation of County-wide land use classifications, land use decisions
will be made easier. The County, in conjunction with towns, cities and other agencies
will support brown bag discussions on land use, sustainability and design throughout
each year as a way of keeping the vision of this planning process alive.
LAND USE CHAPTER GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
LAND USE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Cluster development, preservation, sustainability, growth management, conservation
and developing a sense of place have too often become blanket statements in land
use planning. Without clear insight as to their meaning, political support and action as
well as community support, these terms will mean nothing to the long-term health and
well-being of Bayfield County. While it is critical to maintain the natural bounty and
beauty that is Bayfield County, it is also essential to allow for growth and
redevelopment.
The establishment of land use goals and policies were developed out of meetings,
stakeholder interviews and public events held throughout the planning process. In
addition to face-to-face meetings the consultant team, Bayfield County utilized a
public survey to help glean from the public specific findings that support general land
use goals and policies. The following key elements were ascertained through the public
survey process:
• The County should develop design guidelines in Bayfield County for both
commercial and residential buildings
• The County should adopt cluster development design guidelines for
conservation and low-impact development
• The preservation of open spaces, view-sheds and woodlands is critical to the
long-term preservation of the County
Jurisdictional Planning
Goal 1: Coordinate growth management and land use planning between the County,
townships, cities, and agencies.
Objectives:
1. Ensure that all towns within Bayfield County utilize the future land use
classifications in the 2022 Land Use Plan.
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2. Develop a planning workshop every other year with representatives from the
County, towns, cities and villages within Bayfield County to understand planning
issues, review best management practices and discuss planning issues. Identify
lead department and staff.
3. County Board Zoning Committee should review the land use policies of this
document as well as the land use map in February to ensure consistency and
familiarity with the document.
4. Promote the incorporation of Plan Commissions on a town-by-town basis. This
advisory body will review local land use issues, amendments, zoning requests and
enforcement issues (in conjunction with County staff) and make
recommendations to the Town Board for their decision. Has this been valuable to
the towns? Very few towns have Plan Commissions
5. Update the Ordinance and zoning districts to align with Comprehensive Plan
Goal 2: Promote higher-intensity, higher density growth and development within
Bayfield County
Objective:
1. Encourage residential developments, which include multi-family housing, in
areas that can accommodate more intensive infrastructure demands.
Planning for the Environment
Goal 1: Ensure that land use and development is compatible and harmonious with the
natural environment.
Objectives:
1. Modify zoning ordinance as needed with this goal. Ordinance already includes
several requirements related to having a limited environmental impact.
2. Develop standards that limit negative impacts of climate change or support
climate resiliency. Identify department and staffing.
Goal 2: Encourage the protection of historic sites to preserve the County’s sense of
history.
Objective:
1. Develop an inventory of historic sites within Bayfield County as well as view-shed
and development standards near these areas utilizing GIS mapping. Identify
staffing and departments.
Goal 3: Support and encourage clustered developments that respect the natural
environment.
Objective:
1. Review existing cluster ordinance standards for all residential developments
within Bayfield County.
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Goal 4: Protect and preserve agricultural uses and the economic viability of farming
operations within Bayfield County.
Objectives:
1. Develop and update the County’s Agricultural Preservation Plan as a means of
creating tax credits for agricultural preservation, soil and water conservation.
Staff and fund this effort.
2. As a means of protecting active farmland within this land use, the County should
incorporate the Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) tool. Staff and fund this
effort.
3. Encourage permaculture, restorative agriculture and farming techniques
that support the economic and environmental integrity of agricultural
land within the County. Staff and fund this effort.
Goal 5: Collaborate with towns, cities and other agencies to preserve, protect and
restore valuable natural resources throughout the County.
Objective:
1. Develop guidelines such as view-shed standards, buffering standards, setbacks
and design standards.
Goal 6: Evaluate and develop appropriate Dark Skies policies to minimize light pollution
and potential Dark Sky designation for communities.
Objectives:
1. Develop new construction guidelines for best practices on light pollution.
Evaluate programs to encourage and educate about dark skies and best
practices for reducing light pollution.
2. Objective: Evaluate areas of Bayfield County for Dark Sky designation to
promote winter tourism. Staff this process.
Sense of Place
Goal 1. Develop County-wide design standards for towns within the County.
Objective:
1. Recommend that Bayfield County develop and update design standards for
development. These include view-shed standards, aesthetics standards and
performance standards for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Staffed
and funded with other ordinance and standard revisions.
Density and Development
Goal 1: Encourage cluster development standards for residential development within
agricultural areas.
Objective:
1. Follow the recommended density standards set forth in the future land use
classifications of this plan. Establish cluster development standards for all
residential developments within the County.
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Goal 2: Develop County-wide driveway and parking standards for new developments.
Objectives:
1. Limit the amount of driveways, where necessary as a means of reducing surface
coverage throughout the County.
2. Promote through-street systems, when possible, as a means to reduce
transportation burdens by police, fire and emergency personnel.
3. Develop appropriate parking standards for different uses.
Goal 3: Promote higher-intensity, higher density growth and development within
Bayfield County.
Objective:
1. Encourage residential developments, which include multi-family housing, in
areas that can accommodate intensive infrastructure demands.
Goal 4: Preserve Bayfield’s existing character.
Objectives:
1. As a means of protecting active farmland within this land use, the County should
incorporate the Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) tool.
2. Encourage low-impact development especially in areas near sensitive natural
resources. Develop low-impact design guidelines.
3. Provide continual public review and a public-based amendatory process to the
Comprehensive Plan.
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Hazard Mitigation and Response
Draft Revision
HAZARD MITIGATION AND RESPONSE VISION STATEMENT
HAZARD MITIGATION AND RESPONSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1: Inform and educate citizens about hazard mitigation as well as the
various hazards.
OBJECTIVE: Educate residents and surrounding communities on the risk exposure to
natural hazards and ways to increase the members’ capability to prepare, respond,
recover, and mitigate the impacts of these events.
OBJECTIVE: Develop and attend classroom discussions in local schools to promote
education.
OBJECTIVE: Use best available data, science and technologies to improve
understanding of location and potential impacts of hazards, and to promote disaster
resilient communities by discouraging new development in hazardous areas or ensuring
that development is done in such a way to minimize risk.
OBJECTIVE: Present Hazard Mitigation topics to through public outreach using 3
different form of social media, in-person presentation at the County Fair, and
presentations to the WTA.
GOAL 2: Include resiliency of infrastructure for increasingly severe weather
events.
OBJECTIVE: Continue to seek funding for climate change impacts on natural disasters
– wildfire, flooding, winter storms, heavy rain events etc.
OBJECTIVE: Provide and or improve flood protection through various means, such as
increase flow capacities at stream and river crossings with larger structures to
accommodate high flows and land uses/ topographic engineering that slows the flows of
tributaries.
OBJECTIVE: Encourage hazard mitigation measures that result in the least adverse
effects on the natural environment and that use natural processes, while preserving and
maintaining cultural resources.
OBJECTIVE: Assist and educate town road crews on proper road maintenance
reporting so they qualify for FEMA and WDF funding when applicable.
OBJECTIVE: Incorporate resilient attributes in new capital projects.
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GOAL 3: Increase collaboration and communication between citizens, local
government, departments, tribal departments, federal agencies, and the private
sector
OBJECTIVE: Promote recruitment for emergency responders in all areas of the county
OBJECTIVE: Enhance the regional interoperability communications between
emergency response agencies: WISCOM.
OBJECTIVE: Utilize the community wide emergency notification system.
OBJECTIVE: Engage local governments to promote collaboration.
GOAL 4: Develop and implement training plans for future emergency events.
OBJECTIVE: Further training of county officials / staff – ICS
OBJECTIVE: conduct table exercises of actual incidents to prepare for actual
emergencies
OBJECTIVE: Update agreements with Bayfield County Highway, USFS, other partner
agencies
OBJECTIVE: Develop mapping system with capabilities to identify and locate residents
most vulnerable to risk.
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Countywide future land use map defined by the steering committee. This is a replication of the model used in the previous county plan update. Note: Future land use maps for towns with adopted comprehensive plans could still be included for reference, as appears was done in the previous plan update.
Less time
Top-down approach that doesn’t afford much opportunity for local participation. That said, the county could simply create and adopt a generalized county future land use map, while still relying on towns to interpret proposals based on their local plans and maps. No plan-zoning consistency matrix
Countywide future land use is a compilation of maps developed and approved by each town. Towns would develop a new future land use map using STANDARDIZED FUTURE LAND USE CLASSIFCIATIONS.
Better representation of town future land use desires. Logistically straightforward Easy to interpret Consistent across jurisdictional borders
More time, maps need to be defined and approved by each town. Requires towns to choose from a pool of pre-defined classifications and definitions, limiting flexibility Need a protocol to establish maps for towns who don’t complete the exercise. Plan-zoning consistency is determined by the standardized classification criteria. Countywide future land use is a compilation of maps developed and approved by each town. Towns can submit their current future land use map (from local plan) or develop a new map using FUTURE LAND USE CLASSIFCIATIONS CREATED AND DEFINED BY EACH TOWN OR TOWN MAY USE STANDARDIZED FUTURE LAND USE CLASSIFCIATIONS.
Best representation of town future land use desires. This model would include a matrix, which the town would have to complete with submission of their map. Matrix would identify density preferences and compatible existing county zoning districts for each town-created future land use classification. Provides a basis for clear interpretation of town desires and identifies needs for possible revision to county zoning ordinance. Needs to be kept current, as towns revise, amend or adopt local plans.
Most time consuming, maps and classification criteria need to be defined and approved by each town. Logistically more challenging. Lots of questions, typically. Need a protocol to establish maps for towns who don’t complete the exercise.