The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved Conditional Use Permit 25-050 for a detached accessory structure proposed across a town road from the owner's intended primary dwelling site. The approval includes a requirement that the owner obtain the land-use permit for the accessory structure within 12 months and apply for a permit for the principal (habitable) dwelling within three years; failure to apply risks citations and potential removal of the accessory structure.
Applicant Sean Sima said the detached garage (24×26 feet, 10-foot sidewalls, under 18 feet overall) is needed to store materials and belongings prior to building a lakeside dwelling next summer. Staff noted the accessory structure must not contain habitable living area, must comply with setbacks and conservation requirements, and must meet the 624-square-foot size limitation and other conditions in Appendix D §4.26(1)–(3).
Why it matters: The CUP permits a practical staging/storage structure on vacant land while requiring timely progress toward construction of the primary dwelling so the accessory structure does not become a permanent, standalone use.
Vote and follow-up: The committee approved the CUP with findings of fact (promote public health, encourage orderly land use, protect property values and natural resources) by motion from Kaye Wilson and a second from Tweed Schumann; roll call was unanimous among members present. Staff will monitor permit application timelines and enforce the three-year timeline if necessary.
Ending: Staff noted similar previous approvals in the same road corridor and said the requested accessory structure aligns with prior committee decisions when accompanied by a clear timeline for the principal dwelling.