[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6290475,"mediaKeyId","2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec","parentId",2530924,"title","Committee continues wide-ranging review of subdivision and shoreland ordinance; lot-size, surveys, retaining walls and mitigation discussed","audioSeconds",5289,"startMs",1011000,"endMs",6300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec&start=1011&end=6300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec/thumbnail_1011000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6290475/Polk-County/Wisconsin/Committee-continues-wide-ranging-review-of-subdivision-and-shoreland-ordinance-lot-size-surveys-retaining-walls-and-mitigation-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290475-0e3995aa64eb77c4876adb5ed8c34662/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160814&Signature=BKfeIZ5t9wwlV8TeSfCpa~n0UhiKvhi8qrGVtPbkZrJbUR3rRODxrBaUKs9tpbKe~yoTbOE2U0Nk7Z8PnrmCkviEZdp5Z~S63uKYyjqy9ZMi6Xa0OR0WdEvidcFHA1PjX1R6UJH1ji889QHAwFwpSHeg--IBzzj489tjTcsqnwg42N8m02Kn5fbou5xRem5eA5BeVpzXcHykvvmbGFKV0O-~KwMeQEGmnEMwsrHjWymAeJ49fSFmctp833ch9NefS2JV6s0jUQWRvM-AhLUcZtjicINHhmwKAFL8wEac5qH8N5QvrQsPxGlwVz6-aSVbmFTq0wS3fatZFWw2O6A1Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","WI / Polk County ","date","2025-02-05T00:00:00Z","article","Polk County’s Environmental Services Committee spent the meeting reviewing a major draft rewrite of the county subdivision ordinance and the DNR‑certifiable shoreland ordinance. Staff and committee members discussed multiple cross-cutting subjects: minimum lot sizes and how subdivision and shoreland rules interact; modifying the county’s requirement that some parcel combinations require a survey; differing definitions and permitting approaches for retaining walls; boathouse standards and exempt activities within shoreland buffers; and new requirements for mitigation, stormwater treatment and recorded operation-and-maintenance plans.

Why it matters: the changes aim to align county code with the DNR model shoreland ordinance (NR 115), to remove contradictory provisions, and to clarify which standards apply countywide versus only in shoreland districts. Staff repeatedly cautioned that parts of the draft must be reconciled with DNR certification language before a formal public hearing; the DNR has asked to review the draft, and staff scheduled a phone call with the DNR reviewer for the coming Friday. Staff also planned an informational public meeting (not a formal public hearing) and a follow-up work session in early March to gather contractor and stakeholder input before sending a final draft for DNR review.

Lot-size and zoning interplay: committee discussion focused on a persistent contradiction between a countywide zoning table that sets minimum lot sizes by zoning district (in many R‑1 zones currently 1 acre) and a shoreland table that permits smaller lots in some lake classification areas. Staff recommended a countywide clarification that would set a 20,000‑square‑foot minimum for R‑1 lots served by public sewer, rather than keeping a confusing set of disparate rules that could make many shoreland lots nonconforming. Committee members debated whether to change hamlet and commercial minimums countywide or only adjust R‑1 public‑sewer minimums so the change would not create many new nonconforming lots.

Survey requirement and parcel combinations: several members raised routine landowner complaints that mandatory surveys to combine adjoining parcels impose unnecessary costs. Staff proposed allowing administrative review and recording of a statement on deeds for parcel combinations when no additional parcels are created and minimum sizes are preserved, with county review of the legal descriptions before recording. Committee members asked staff to remove “arm’s‑length transaction” language because it is confusing when an owner combines parcels they already own; staff agreed to strike that phrase and to require county review of the legal descriptions. The committee also discussed clarifying that remnant parcels created by subdivisions or CSMs must be surveyed.

Retaining walls and DNR conflict: a sustained, technical discussion explored conflicting definitions and the practical effect of classifying retaining walls as regulated structures inside the shoreland setback (75 feet from the ordinary high‑water mark). Staff said the DNR’s guidance treats many retaining walls as structures and directs local shoreland ordinances to regulate them, whereas the county’s older language had exempted single rows of landscaping boulders. Committee members and contractors argued the DNR guidance can be inconsistent and that strict application could force many small shoreline projects into variance or engineered-plan processes. Staff recommended developing clear, implementable definitions and bringing landscape contractors and engineers to a future meeting to advise on workable criteria (for example, when engineering or CPESC‑certified plans would be required).

Boathouses, mitigation and impervious‑surface rules: staff proposed refinements to boathouse standards (permitted features, maximum floor area and open‑sided exceptions) and an expanded approach to mitigation and treated impervious surface. The draft would allow an alternate mitigation point system as an option (in addition to technical pre/post calculations) so property owners can use practical measures — for example, planting buffers or installing certain stormwater practices — in exchange for limited additional impervious surface or other impacts. Staff also proposed requiring operation and maintenance schedules for stormwater/mitigation practices and recording those O&M requirements on deeds so future owners are aware of maintenance obligations.

Professional credentials and project plans: staff and Land and Water representatives recommended that plans for higher‑risk shoreland and grading work be prepared or certified by credentialed professionals (examples cited included CPESC or professional engineers) to speed reviews and reduce compliance problems; staff said they would accept credentials case‑by‑case. Committee members asked staff to produce clearer guidance and a mitigation handbook or guidance document for property owners and contractors before finalizing ordinance language.

Process and next steps: staff said the DNR asked that the county not schedule a formal public hearing until DNR reviews the draft for certification; staff scheduled a Friday call with the DNR reviewer and said the Feb. 19 meeting will be informational. Committee members requested a targeted stakeholder session (landscape contractors, engineers and interested lake‑area residents) in early March to test proposed language on retaining walls, mitigation and boathouse definitions before the county sends a final draft to DNR for formal review and certification.

Ending: Staff agreed to update the draft to remove confusing terminology (for example, strike “arm’s‑length transaction”), to prepare clearer guidance for applicants, and to arrange the planned stakeholder meeting. The committee deferred any formal ordinance votes pending DNR input and the results of the stakeholder workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Environmental Services Meeting: 2-5-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Polk County staff and committee members reviewed a draft rewrite of the subdivision and shoreland ordinances, discussing minimum lot sizes, parcel‑combination survey rules, retaining wall definitions and permitting, boathouse standards, mitigation options and DNR certification timing.","taxTitle","Polk County, Wisconsin","taxId",72897,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290480,"County staff to advertise six timber sales covering roughly 385 acres; bids expected in spring",195,567000,762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec&start=567&end=762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec/thumbnail_567000.jpg","/articles/6290480/Polk-County/Wisconsin/County-staff-to-advertise-six-timber-sales-covering-roughly-385-acres-bids-expected-in-spring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290480-ab8eff98deaa8f4a9a94de7b2b26a0ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160814&Signature=ZrRRUlZp7gRHEhvkMakHRtre0JGB3DlaKGIX12wGnhYh6Agt1x3g6mDLXaIFPAds3XjahfRBxFZWnna2MMte2HpomuVGJu3xbztdzutMmZprucD8tRypcXQjT1N0ULhBvS6W1XQB7OrdURQ9yKFl9u6ab8mKoMdHifGKTcBDKQAgkMmg8aR~OAiljYCtPrI18wAEeaDNtGMJHRIIxtKx3UghXU0863~I3LG3bbWjxCUv0-AEnJ6G14I4UspTCmJ-MiayTaqlhWjE-0~g0InXroG18kNT42Hdey8FvL7RnGFRJGqvr3vLyodR1ik~T4r3JZ9QN81kj-CV7U3r98FoRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County staff briefed the Environmental Services Committee on the 2025 timber-sale program: six sales (four in the Town of Sterling and two in the Town of McKinley) totaling roughly 385 acres will be advertised for bids. Staff described the species mix and sale types — Red Pine, Jack Pine, Aspen and mixed hardwoods, with separate sales grouped by town — and said the minimum appraised value across the six sales is $255,700.

Staff said they will distribute sale maps and bid sheets to timber vendors, place legal notices in the newspaper and post the packages online; the DNR typically shares the listings as well. The bid period will run for about a month; staff tentatively scheduled a bid opening in mid-April and said awards will be brought to the committee (or the committee’s committee meeting) for approval immediately following the bid opening, with the likely award window spanning April–May depending on weather and access conditions.

Staff warned that snow and wet conditions can limit contractor access on some McKinley sales; those lots may require additional traversing from parking areas. In several cases, staff said, loggers will build or improve access roads and that timber purchasers will generally be expected to perform road work as part of contracts. Landowner outreach was minimal: staff said seven adjacent landowner notification letters were mailed for early-December harvests and that staff had not received phone calls or written objections related to those mailings.

If the committee approves the successful bidders after the opening, staff will prepare timber-sale contracts for signature; staff said the committee does not need a motion to advertise the sales. The committee did not take a formal vote on the timber-sales briefing because the item was informational; formal award motions will appear after the bid opening.

Ending: Staff asked committee members to direct any questions after the meeting to the forestry office; landowner letters and sale packets will be added to the meeting packet and made available with the minutes.","Polk County staff outlined six timber sales (four in Sterling, two in McKinley) covering about 385 acres with a combined minimum appraised value of $255,700; the committee was briefed on the sale maps, bid timeline and next steps for award and contracting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6290485,"Committee enrolls two county-owned parcels in County Forest program",316,182000,498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec&start=182&end=498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2530924-5d9c5b88da7977a0f7d12a6d2bb549ec/thumbnail_182000.jpg","/articles/6290485/Polk-County/Wisconsin/Committee-enrolls-two-county-owned-parcels-in-County-Forest-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6290485-8721557615885464abc466ca019fff6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160814&Signature=LVkLqro76GrBEQueGtGXF9Gi-xEznt9ktDJjfC2NYf1pgCv28OOPSnXRk2R-VIiOd6P9l9FDACYnnkPl-76o8UL9V0uMqfLGJ4Mj0ZUcc0rLuyyksxf2Z4EVDY2J3qBqQ-vrZ-9DcnR65k9csVeHjkZeYzKkyQZEyYX89103lLNxHc0bO4TQJHfn2H328GfJfop4bJPCb~77oVTk51Bc~9YvvGW-L9J6Y7wHLzXWdBJXtDp6xnR7XKymsUrSyL9~YA-m9xHM4OrLyeJ7uoposQNr07VcENWNBcGSrJJ1JwxqSTOtK5GUAVldtHRisvQhLyNZkXgOkOb7Rsl5A~4kaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County Environmental Services Committee members voted to enroll two county-owned parcels in the County Forest Law system during the committee meeting. The committee approved placing a 1.99-acre McKinley strip into the County Forest system and separately approved enrolling the Lorraine property purchased from the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

The enrollments aim to preserve public access and meet grant conditions. Committee staff described the McKinley parcel as a narrow, roughly 2-acre strip off 280 Fifth that provides parking and easier access into an otherwise remote block of county forest land used by recreational visitors and for forestry operations. The Lorraine parcel, staff said, must be enrolled as a condition of the grant used to buy that property; failing to enroll could trigger grant repayment.

County staff told the committee the McKinley strip is county-owned and not a new purchase; the enrollment simply documents the parcel in the County Forest Law system so the county retains management authority and ensures long-term access. Staff also noted the enrollment will change the town severance share for the town of McKinley, adding roughly two acres to the town’s severance calculation. The committee heard no public objections during the discussion.

The committee approved the McKinley enrollment by voice vote after a motion and second (the record shows the motion was seconded by a committee member identified as Doug; the motion maker was not specified on the record). The Lorraine enrollment was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; staff said the signed documents will be sent to the state for formal enrollment and that the county board chair and clerk will need to sign the legal description and application before filing.

Staff said there is no purchase cost for the McKinley strip because it is already county property; the Lorraine parcel was purchased from the Ice Age Trail Alliance and enrollment is required by the grant terms within one year of acquisition, or the county risks repayment of the grant. Staff also said they will prepare and send the enrollment paperwork once the signed legal descriptions are complete.

Committee action and next steps: staff will obtain the required signatures (county board chair and county clerk) and submit both enrollment applications to the state to complete County Forest Law enrollment. The committee did not identify any additional conditions or follow-up reporting required beyond filing the enrollment paperwork.

Votes at a glance: the transcript records voice approvals for both enrollments; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes provided.

Ending: Staff indicated the county will sign and forward the enrollment paperwork to the state; the committee moved on to timber-sale and ordinance business.","Polk County Environmental Services Committee voted by voice to enroll a 1.99-acre McKinley strip and the Lorraine parcel (purchased from the Ice Age Trail Alliance) into the County Forest Law system to preserve recreational access and meet a grant requirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee continues wide-ranging review of subdivision and shoreland ordinance; lot-size, surveys, retaining walls and mitigation discussed

County staff to advertise six timber sales covering roughly 385 acres; bids expected in spring

Committee enrolls two county-owned parcels in County Forest program