HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning & Zoning Committee - Minutes - 1/19/2023Page 1 of 9
Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
MINUTES
BAYFIELD COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
1. Call to Order of Public Hearing: Chairman Rondeau called the public hearing to
order at 4:01 PM
2. Roll Call: Ray, Rondeau, Silbert, and Strand – present.
Other’s present: Director-Ruth Hulstrom, Tracy Pooler, AZA, and Mark Abeles-
Allison-County Administrator, Erica Meulemans, AZA-via Teams, Dennis
Pocernich-via Teams, Mckenzie Slack, AZA-via Phone
3. Affidavit of Publication:Hulstrom stated the Affidavit of Publication was fulfilled.
Published Tuesday, January 3rd and Tuesday, January 10th, 2023.
4. Public Comment – Chairman Rondeau stated at this time, we'll open a meeting for
public comment limited to 3 minutes per citizens. If you wish to speak, make sure you
come forward. Make sure the microphones on. The little red light will come on. State
your name so we have it for the record.
Bill Stewart, owner of a property in Barnes and who resides in Spooner, WI., spoke.
He stated he was there regarding the Cochrane CUP application. Mr. Stewart stated
he has raised numerous questions about the Committee’s action on the matter based
on the erroneous advice Mr. Stewart believes the Committee received in November,
stating the Cochranes should withdraw the CUP application as it isn’t needed, and the
property can be subdivided. Mr. Stewart supports a pause on any decision until the
Committee can explore what is being requested and obtain legal advice from the Corp
Council, Mr. Carlson, on the matter.
Larry Smith of Delta spoke. He stated he is currently going through the permitting
issues with our storage containers. He stated he is just here to answer questions or
comments or anything that will help expedite the process.
Abraham Clark spoke on behalf of his and his wife’s request to operate a campground.
Mr. Clark gave an extensive history of himself, his wife, family, business history, and
positive impact they will have with the approval of their permit request. He also is there
to answer any questions the Committee may have. Mr. Clark also stated that he
attended the Town Board meeting, and they recommended approval of the
application.
5. Review of Meeting Format – Chairman Rondeau explained the procedure of the
meeting. He asked everyone who wished to speak to fill out a form; and stated they
will be asked to come forward and speak into the microphone.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
6. Public Hearing:
A. Abraham Louis & Kate Alyse Clark (Bayfield)request a conditional use
permit to operate a (3) campsite campground with non-permanent
camping units (consisting of: one Rustic Camping Unit (bunkhouse)
(14' x 10' x 10'H); two camping sites; three portable privies, parking
area, pump out station, garbage dumpster, shower / flush toilet / hand
sink located in walkout basement, water access and walking path.
Property is an R-RB zoning district; a 5.01–acre parcel (Tax ID# 4239),
described as a parcel in NW ¼ of the NW ¼, in Doc# 2020R-584538, in
Section 6, Township 50 North, Range 3 West, Town of Bayfield, Bayfield
County, WI.Included in this request will be the requirement(s) of the Environmental
Impact Analysis (EIA).
Abraham Clark spoke and stated he read his statement during the Public
Comment and didn’t have anything more to add.
Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in support. No
one spoke. Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in
opposition. No one spoke.
Discussion ended.
B. Larry & Norma Smith (Delta) - request a conditional use permit (in a
shoreland zone) to place two (8’ x 40’) storage/shipping containers on
their parcel for storage. Property is an R-1 zoning district; a 1.26–acre
parcel (Tax ID# 34160), described as Lot 2, CSM# 1504 in Doc# 2019R-
580133, in Section 2, Township 46 North, Range 8 West, Town of Delta,
Bayfield County, WI.
Larry Smith spoke and stated they have property in Delta. They purchased
(2) 8’ by 40’ shipping containers for storage purposes. They have 2 joining
lots and the second lot, (1.3 acre), basically was empty. That's where the
shipping containers were placed. Mr. Smith found out that they were not
compliant with Zoning and is trying to work through the process to get the
approval to have them. He stated what his future intentions are concerning
the containers and the measures they have taken to blend them into the
landscape. Mr. Smith said the containers aren’t visible from the lake nor the
road. The Town of Delta did not take it up in their meeting and Mr. Smith
stated he was not there to give any input. He stated he tried to contact the
Town but was unsuccessful. Mr. Smith stated he is here at this meeting to
address any questions or concerns.
Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in support. No
one spoke. Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in
opposition. No one spoke.
Discussion ended.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
C. A petition by Ruth Hulstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, on
behalf of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee,
requesting amendments to the Bayfield County Zoning Code of
Ordinances, including the following: sections 13-1-41, 13-1-41A, 13-1-
62 and 13-2-61 of the ordinance all to extend the deadline for initiating
construction pursuant to a permit from twelve (12) months to twenty-four
(24) months, to amend 13-1-21 of the ordinance to clarify fees related to
review of subdivision plats and special use applications and create a lesser
fee for review of shoreland impervious surface applications, to amend
Section 13-1-29 to provide that minimum open space requirements for
multiple unit developments in an unincorporated village overlay district may
be waived or reduced under certain circumstances, to amend section 13-1-
62 of the ordinance to allow dwellings (single family homes and duplexes)
as permitted uses rather than special uses in A-1 and F-1 zones and to
delete section 13-1-62 of the ordinance which prohibited construction of a
single family dwelling or duplex on a lot created by subdivision of a parcel
of land within the past five years in an F-1 zoning district into thee (3) or
more lots of 10 acres or less without approval as a conservation subdivision.
Ruth Hulstrom spoke and restated what is being requested in the
Ordinance Amendments petition. Hulstrom read aloud from the Public
Hearing Notice describing the requested sections of Ordinance to amend.
Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in support. No
one spoke. Rondeau asked three times if anyone would like to speak in
opposition. No one spoke.
Discussion ended.
7. Adjournment of Public Hearing:
Ray made a motion to adjourn the public hearing, Silbert seconded.
Motion carried, 5-0. Adjourned at 4:18 pm.
8. Call to Order of Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting: Rondeau called the
meeting to order at 4:33 pm.
9. Roll Call: Ray, Rondeau, Silbert, and Strand - present.
Other’s Present: Director-Ruth Hulstrom, Tracy Pooler, AZA, and Mark Abeles-
Allison-County Administrator, Erica Meulemans, AZA-via Teams, Dennis
Pocernich-via Teams, Mckenzie Slack, AZA-via Phone.
10. New Business
A. Abraham Louis & Kate Alyse Clark (Bayfield) - operate a (3) campsite
campground with non-permanent camping units (consisting of: one
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
Rustic Camping Unit (bunkhouse) (14' x 10' x 10'H); two camping sites;
three portable privies, parking area, pump out station, garbage
dumpster, shower / flush toilet / hand sink located in walkout
basement, water access and walking path. Property is an R-RB zoning
district; a 5.01–acre parcel (Tax ID# 4239), described as a parcel in NW ¼
of the NW ¼, in Doc# 2020R-584538, in Section 6, Township 50 North,
Range 3 West, Town of Bayfield, Bayfield County, WI.
File Report: Hulstrom informed the committee that Abraham and Kate
Clark are requesting a conditional use permit for a campground with three
sites, located in the Town of Bayfield, noted as Tax ID 4239. The
Environmental Impact Analysis was included with the request, and it's
essentially about a 5-acre parcel zoned R-RB and that zoning classification
requires a conditional use permit be submitted in order for that use to be
established. Charly Ray asked for clarification on the location of a map that
is referenced in the EIA. Hulstrom asked to refer back to the applicant if
possible because she was unsure if the “see attached map” indicated under
#3A in the EIA was referencing the map provided with the conditional use
application packet. Ray made a motion to suspend the rules to allow for
public comment.Seconded by Strand. Motion carried, 5-0 Ray asked Mr.
Clark if the map that was included in the packet is the map referenced in
the EIA and Mr. Clark affirmed that it was. Ray moved to accept the EIA
and place it on file. Seconded by Silbert. Motion carried, 5-0. Chairman
Rondeau stated public comment was closed now at this time. Strand asked
for clarification on the number of campsites and if the rustic bunkhouse is
considered a campsite. Strand also asked if upon approval can the
campsites and rustic bunkhouse be interchangeable assuming they are
classified as the same. Hulstrom stated that the Committee can condition
the permit with details that will clearly state what will be permitted. She also
stated that the affidavit reflects exactly what the motion states so the details
in the motion will determine what is permitted. Mr. Clark spoke briefly from
the audience, but the conversation was not heard and not recorded. Strand
noted that the requested bunkhouse says 10’ x 14’ and the applicant said
10’ x 16’. Silbert said it can be changed to reflect 10’ x 16’. Hulstrom noted
that Erica Meulemans, AZA shared a comment indicating that the state
allows camping units to be up to 400 square feet, like a bunkhouse, but for
seasonal camping purposes only.
Silbert made a motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the
Clark’s Consisting of 1 camping unit bunkhouse that is 16’ by 10’, two
camping sites, three portable privies, parking area, pump out station,
garage, dumpster, shower, flush toilet, sink located in a walkout basement,
water access, and walking path, based on the Town Board’s approval, Town
Planning Committee approval, Zoning Ordinance and all other applicable
laws, the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions, and the community
or general welfare and economic impacts of the proposal. Seconded by
Ray. Motion carried, 5-0.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
B. Larry & Norma Smith (Delta) (in a shoreland zone) - to place two (8’ x
40’) storage/shipping containers on their parcel for storage. Property is
an R-1 zoning district; a 1.26–acre parcel (Tax ID# 34160), described as Lot
2, CSM# 1504 in Doc# 2019R-580133, in Section 2, Township 46 North,
Range 8 West, Town of Delta, Bayfield County, WI.
File Report: Pooler gave a summary of what the applicant is requesting in
the Conditional Use Permit application. Rondeau asked if the Town Board
addressed the request at their meeting and Hulstrom replied that the Town
provided their TBA form, and they requested that the Committee table it until
next meeting to review Bayfield County Ordinance and review and research
the land parcels before approving or disapproving.
Strand made a motion to Table until February to give the town time
to render its recommendation to us. Seconded by Ray. Motion carried, 5-
0.
C. A petition by Ruth Hulstrom, Director of Planning and Zoning, on
behalf of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee,
requesting amendments to the Bayfield County Zoning Code of
Ordinance(s) – Title 13-1-21; 13-1-29; 13-1-41; 13-1-41A; 13-1-62 & 13-2-
62.
File Report: Hulstrom stated the certified mailers went out, noting that we
did not receive the returns from Town of Barksdale, Town of Cable, Town
of Delta, and Town of Mason. We did receive correspondence from the
Town of Kelly voicing concerns about 13-1-62, noting that it did not seem in
conformance with the comp plan related to preservation of farmland. The
Town of Cable Chairperson, David Popelka, wrote in support of, it seems,
the two-year standard permit, and then the administrative review versus a
Class A for residences in AG-1 and F-1, as well as allowing for reductions
or elimination by the Committee for Open Space requirements for multi-unit
developments. And finally, the Town of Russell provided correspondence
noting that they were also in support but had some concerns about how they
would potentially still know of anything related to development. Ray
questioned if Hulstrom investigated what Dennis had asked at the last
meeting regarding deleting the et cetera that's in the mining ordinance.
Hulstrom replied that it was discussed, but then noted that we're looking at
doing an ordinance update in the future, so ideally, we would catch some of
those other areas where we might want to change that language. Strand
asked if the county changes it to be a permitted by right, could the Town
address it by a district overlay if they wished not to have it permitted by right.
Hulstrom answered yes, the Town could create an overlay and add it to the
Ordinance. Ray verified with Strand that he understood the question
Strand asked and confirmed with Hulstrom that the Towns have options
when it comes to concerns about farmland preservation, specifically in Ag-
1 and F-1 districts. Hulstrom also noted that in a prior meeting, in terms of
staff knowledge of these Class A permits related to single family residences,
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
there were only two that had ever been denied for AG-1 and F-1 zoned
properties. In terms of then being able to more efficiently pursue
applications related to residences in Ag-1 and F-1, the department felt as
though changing from, essentially, a Class A to just an administrative land
use permit review seemed appropriate. Ray stated if we're serious about
protecting farmland and forest land, as real viable economic land uses in
the future, this is not where it's an issue. It's an issue at the question of lot
sizes and how we administer that part of the program. Ray stated he doesn’t
think that this is really a problem for protecting farmland as much as being
allowed to or having a 5-acre minimum for the lot size for agricultural land.
Strand moved to forward this to the full board with a recommendation
of approval. Seconded by Ray. Silbert asked if all the proposed
amendments could be quickly discussed one by one as he has a few
questions on some of them. Hulstrom shared the screen of the proposed
amendments for discussion. Ray asked for a layman’s summary of what is
changing in each amendment. Hulstrom gave a brief layman’s summary of
the requested amendments. Motion carried, 5-0
11. Other Business
D. Minutes of Previous Meeting – (December 2022)
Strand moved to approve the Minutes of the December 15th, 2022,
Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. Seconded by Ray. Motion
carried, 5-0
E. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Cochrane CUP withdrawal
File Report: Hulstrom stated the Department has been in discussion with
Mr. Stewart about this matter. Hulstrom noted that correspondence from
prior Department staff to the property owner, included with a permit
approved in 2006, indicated that the Cochrane’s could essentially remove
the kitchen from the existing structure, and it be deemed a bunkhouse, and
later they could then just apply for a residence without any additional
permitting. Because of that evidence, it led the Department, with the
recommendation and support of Corp. Counsel, to note to the property
owner that if they choose, they could withdraw their application request for
the conditional use permit to have two residences on the parcel that couldn't
be subdivided and meet the zoning dimensional requirements. The
applicant chose to withdraw his conditional use application and move
forward with the land use application accordingly. Hulstrom also stated that
in terms of there being anything then that the Committee needed to act on,
because the applicant withdrew the application, there was nothing for the
Committee to take action on as far as the Department sees it. That's
generally my understanding of what Corp. Counsel believes as well,
Hulstrom noted. Abeles-Allison added that he concurs with Hulstrom and
that the Department and himself have had some somewhat extensive
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
discussions with Mr. Stewart and this was a process that our Corporation
Counsel led us through. Abeles-Allison also noted that there are options
that Mr. Stewart has through the Board of Adjustment if an appeal were to
be filed, but he thinks, at this point in time, we're following a careful study,
and we're following our Corp. Counsel on this matter. Strand stated he
would like a response from our Corp. Counsel to Mr. Stewart's attorney
letter and the information they provided before he’s interested in making any
further decision.
Ray made a motion that the zoning permit or the zoning department
does not proceed with any permitting in this matter before we have time to
further consult with Corp. Counsel. Seconded by Strand. Strand requested
that Corp Counsel has a response to the Committee at the next meeting, so
this doesn't linger too long. Silbert added, to clarify, the Committee wants
to hear the responses to the information supplied by the attorneys.
Pocernich spoke but was not heard due to poor audio. Abeles-Allison
stated he thinks Pocernich was commenting on the process of not making
a negative motion but instead recommending taking no action at this time
unless it’s providing instruction to the Department. Pocernich confirmed
Abeles-Allison’s statement. Hulstrom stated her understanding of what
the Committee wants the Department to do, and Abeles-Allison added
notification to the applicant is implied. Motion carried, 5-0
F. Discussion and Possible Action regarding 13-1-103(A) Violation
Procedures
File Report: Hulstrom stated this is an item that Linda Coleman, one of
the other Corp. Counsel attorneys, brought to her attention recently and
wanted to bring it to the Committee's attention to see if they had any input
on the matter.Essentially the goal is to allow the Department to be able to
pursue violations in an effective way. Linda Coleman suggested, based on
Hulstrom’s understanding, that the procedures are not in the correct order
to be acted upon effectively by the Department.
Strand moved to have this as a possible action item on the next
available meeting. Seconded by Ray. Strand asked just for clarification if it
requires a public notice and public hearing, in which we didn't have for this
meeting, to act, so he would like that to happen as soon as possible, so the
Committee can consider it. Hulstrom added it would require an ordinance
amendment because we would be changing the language slightly of this
section. Motion carried, 5-0.
G. Committee Members discussion regarding matters of the P & Z Dept.
Ray stated he had conversation with the Town of Washburn Chair regarding
zoning. An anecdote was related regarding a permit issue in their town
where the applicant was approved, they proceeded and built their house
and it burned down within the one year period in which their permit was still
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
valid they sought to rebuild and found out they would have to begin the
zoning process anew, pay all the fees, go through a whole new permitting
process and this was still within the first year. The applicant ended up
leaving the area, not moving here, so Ray brought this up with zoning, just
to get some more background and they thought there might be some
reference to a burned down structure and requiring new permits, et cetera.
Ray said he brought it up for information and discussion as possibly
something to address, either currently or in the future, to rewrite the zoning
code, it seems if somebody has a hardship case like this. He also noted
that they could just petition for a waiver of their fees as a hardship case, but
he’s glad the Department has undertaken a 2-year extension on our general
permits. Strand asked what the timeline is for when the Committee will be
considering possible changes to the Short-Term Rental Ordinances.
Hulstrom replied that based on discussion with Corp. Counsel, the
Department would hope to have it on the February meeting Agenda for a
Public Hearing item. The Department and Corp. Counsel is going over any
of the correspondence we've received so far from the Towns and have that
draft on the next meeting Agenda. Silbert asked if the concerns from the
Towns, like the Town of Namakagon, will be addressed and considered.
Hulstrom replied that yes, they will be considered but in terms of how we
have drafted this ordinance, I think we'll discuss that and if there's anything
specific that would be related, they could raise that at the Public Hearing.
Hulstrom also stated that if the Towns are adhering to whatever the state
limitations are, nothing would limit them from further placing requirements
and having their own permit process related to the Short-Term Rentals so
they could have their own ordinance. Silbert stated that the Towns didn't
want to feel like they were being bypassed in the process, so we should
make an effort to have language to that effect. Ray asked about the process
of applying for a STR and if, currently, the Towns get notified of the request.
Hulstrom stated that the current process doesn’t start at the Town but in
the process, yes, the Town is made aware of the application and weighs in
with their recommendations. Discussion occurred about the process of the
Towns adding conditions to the permit and Hulstrom added that this would
be County Ordinance and if the Towns, themselves individually, choose to
implement their own Ordinance related to short term rentals they could do
that, if they're within the confines of whatever the county or the state allows
for. Pocernich asked where the Department is on bunkhouses and the
residential solar installations review. Hulstrom replied that the Department
is doing some research right now as it relates to both of those items and
hopefully in the future, we'll have something developed related to both of
those items. Strand commented he had monthly reports from November
and December, the one for December, which is the yearend total shows a
decrease in both land use permits, and sanitary permits compared to the
previous year. His question is are we on top of or caught up with issuing
permits or is some of the decrease a result of permits still pending being
issued. Hulstrom reported that sanitary and land use permits are generally
caught up. There are some Conditional & Special Use items that we are still
working on.
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Planning and Zoning Committee Public Hearing and Meeting – January 19, 2023
12. Monthly Report / Budget and Revenue
Hulstrom stated the monthly report for November & December the Committee
should have received. Silbert
stated that the differences in issued permits for each year is not an apples-to-
apples comparison due to several factors.
Ray made a motion to receive and place on file the Monthly Report for
November & December 2022. Seconded by Silbert. Motion carried, 5-0
13. Adjournment
Rondeau called adjournment at 5:10 pm.
Prepared by FIG on 1/27/2023; given to RH 1/30/2023
Approved by RH on 2/1/2023
Sent to PZC on 2/2/2023
Final Approval on 2/16/2023
cc: (after final approval)- (8) Supervisors, Cty Admin, Clerk, DNR, Web
k/zc/minutes/2023/Jan