Wisconsin towns address shoreline zoning and Airbnb regulations complexities

Polk County officials are grappling with complex zoning regulations during the Environmental Services Meeting held on February 19, 2025. A significant focus of the discussion was the management of shoreline zoning, particularly how it intersects with local town regulations.

The meeting revealed that towns in Polk County have limited options when it comes to zoning within shoreline areas. According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), counties must enforce uniform shoreline zoning across all towns, which has raised concerns among local leaders. Many towns prefer to maintain their own zoning regulations, especially regarding commercial and residential uses, but they face restrictions due to state mandates.

One key point of contention is the classification of properties within shoreline zones. Towns can designate areas for commercial use, but they must adhere to the more restrictive county regulations if they exist. This has led to confusion, particularly for property owners looking to navigate the dual zoning systems. For instance, the town of Sacred Falls has expressed frustration over the inability to align its zoning with county standards, which can hinder local businesses.

The discussion also touched on the implications for tourist rooming houses, with officials debating whether towns could set their own rules for short-term rentals. The DNR's stance is that any regulations must be uniformly applied, complicating local efforts to manage these properties.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the need for clearer communication and collaboration with towns to ensure that zoning maps accurately reflect local uses and regulations. The complexity of the situation suggests that further discussions will be necessary to address the concerns of both county and town officials, as well as the property owners affected by these regulations.