In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around zoning regulations and enforcement issues in Sawyer County, particularly regarding the newly adopted Tourist Rooming House (TRH) ordinance and its implications for local development.

One speaker raised concerns that a newly constructed facility in an RR1 zone district does not align with the TRH ordinance or the Wisconsin right to rent law. The speaker emphasized the need for clear definitions of commercial lodging types, such as resorts and hotels, to ensure proper zoning compliance before approval. According to the DATCAT definition, a tourist rooming house is limited to smaller lodging establishments, and the speaker argued that the facility in question should be classified as a hotel, thus requiring a hotel license instead of a TRH license.

Linda Zilmer, a property owner and taxpayer, echoed these concerns, highlighting a broader issue of enforcement. She pointed out multiple instances of non-compliance with zoning regulations in Edgewater, including a large short-term rental and other commercial properties operating without proper zoning. Zilmer stressed that the lack of enforcement leads to further violations, urging the zoning committee to address these issues proactively.

The meeting also included a public hearing on a rezone application for a 1.85-acre parcel owned by Ronald and Laura Zuk, seeking to change its designation from Agricultural 1 to Commercial 1 for a landscaping business. The application was tabled previously due to the town's inability to reach a recommendation. The zoning committee ultimately approved the rezone, with discussions indicating that the property would not serve as a retail location, thus alleviating some community concerns about increased traffic.

The committee acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions about special use permits and the administration of zoning regulations, particularly in light of new developments that may not fit existing frameworks. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that zoning laws are enforced consistently to prevent future complications for property owners and developers in the region.