zoningminutes04.14.26

Zoning Meeting Minutes April 14, 2026 Members Present • Amy Moerschbaecher • Peggy Johnson Wiessner • Patrick Roche • Bob Hellman Public Members in Attendance • Al Eschenbauch (Town Chairman) • Cathy Logan Weber (Town Supervisor) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:06 PM. Approval of Agenda and Minutes A motion to approve the agenda was made by Amy Moerschbaecher and seconded by Patrick Roche. The minutes from the meeting held on March 17, 2026, were approved with a motion by Patrick Roche and a second by Amy Moerschbaecher. A. Tourist Rooming Houses The committee discussed the differences between county and town permits for tourist rooming houses, noting that the town has the ability to implement more stringent requirements. There was also concern expressed about discrepancies in room tax collection. As a follow-up action, Al Eschenbauch will request updated address lists for these properties. B. Storage Containers and Camping Revisions to ordinances regarding storage containers and camping were discussed. The committee is awaiting a response from the county. The camping ordinance was reviewed, with particular attention given to the requirement for the removal of camping units after six months. Tent camping was referenced to the Vilas County ordinance. It was noted that rear lot line setbacks do not require county approval. C. Workforce and Transitional Housing The committee discussed Wisconsin Act 235, which concerns Tax Incremental Financing for workforce and transitional housing. The recommendation was made for the Town Board to review this matter. New Business The committee reviewed a property on Van Vliet that has two dwellings. Zoning limitations and potential conflicts regarding rentals were discussed. The recommendation was for the Town Board to review the relevant ordinance (Ordinance attached). Ongoing Agenda Items • Affordable Housing Supply 2 • Guest Houses • Section 902.6 and subsequent sections Additional Items Forest was tasked to provide information regarding tent camping and sanitary facilities. Annual updates were requested. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for May 12 at 3:00 PM. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made by Amy Moerschbaecher and seconded by Al Eschenbauch. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM. 3 CAMPING ORDINANCE 903.4 903.4 Camping Not Within Parks or Campgrounds Camping is defined as temporarily occupying a plot of land for up to 96 hours, during which normal essential living and recreational activities are performed. This occupancy occurs without the benefit of a permanent structure that has locally and state-approved sanitary facilities for the disposal of human or other sewage or waste generated by these activities. Camping for longer than 96 hours on undeveloped lots is allowed only with the approval of the Zoning Administrator. In such cases, camping permits are issued for a maximum of six consecutive months within a calendar year. The Zoning Administrator will grant approval only if all requirements of the Vilas County Sanitary Ordinance are met and all setback provisions of this ordinance are satisfied. 903.4.1 Connection to Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) During the entire period the camper is parked on the lot, it must be connected to a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS). For additional requirements, see Section 902.13.2 regarding outside privies. 903.4.2 Removal of Camper After Permit Period After the six-month calendar permit period, the camper must be removed from the lot. While permits may be issued for up to two years, the two-year permit does not eliminate the requirement to remove the camping unit every six-month calendar period. 903.4.3 Application for Camping More Than 96 Hours Requests to camp for more than 96 hours must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator as a zoning application, along with the appropriate fees, before placing the camper on the lot. 903.4 Temporary Use During Construction (Previously 903.5) Campers may be used for dwelling or sleeping purposes when temporarily occupied during the construction of a home or cottage, provided they are on the same lot where zoning and building permits have been issued. Such temporary dwellings may be used for one period of no longer than one year, unless a renewal is granted. Note: The requirement that any such camper must be connected to, or have available, approved sanitary facilities that fully comply with all Vilas County Sanitary Ordinances, and after all setbacks of this Ordinance have been removed.