Town approves controversial tiki bar permit amid community concerns

The town of Sand Lake is moving forward with the approval process for a conditional use permit for a tiki bar restaurant, as discussed in a recent government meeting. The permit, numbered 240-15 and owned by Page Heath, is intended for a location within the RR-1 zone district, aligning with Sawyer County's ordinances.

During the meeting, staff presented potential conditions for the permit, including operational hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, compliance with licensing requirements, and safety measures for lighting. Additional considerations included fencing or soundproofing to mitigate noise and adherence to all relevant laws, including those from local lake associations. The proposed seating capacity for the establishment is capped at 75 patrons.

Committee members confirmed that proper notification procedures were followed, ensuring that nearby residents were informed of the permit request. However, some concerns were raised regarding a property owner just outside the notification radius who expressed a lack of awareness about the proposal. Officials clarified that notifications are sent to current property owners, not potential buyers.

The town board unanimously approved the permit, although the voting process did not include specific checks for approval or disapproval. The committee noted that the conditional use aligns with the county's zoning regulations, which permit recreational service-oriented uses in the designated area.

The discussions highlighted a broader goal of promoting business growth within Sand Lake, reflecting the community's interest in enhancing local economic opportunities. Further deliberations on the permit's conditions are expected as the process continues.