[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,87,98,109],{"_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",6164723,"mediaKeyId","5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012","parentId",5427782,"title","Zoning committee adopts temporary 9‑month moratorium on solar and battery storage siting to draft county ordinance","audioSeconds",965,"startMs",6944000,"endMs",7909000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012&start=6944&end=7909","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012/thumbnail_6944000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164723/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Zoning-committee-adopts-temporary-9month-moratorium-on-solar-and-battery-storage-siting-to-draft-county-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164723-19393fc769e2792af5e9822fb3b72683/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903808&Signature=bBT5MHOmrYm7XyqozSKAN~fxeZSn8YIbdq6jyuzqLI2~cXtnjm7t0FdZf6u2wHG8e0n-tbU1ZCD1yCT3XF6GQu8-RkgPQN2iqWodOCHk3r61~0zm~8tNrqeUltyNv0JG1~NBKyy1ewpT--QW4HbE~JxQr1EvfEBh8s4sArW7hirM5xF0lvCy0JKAZKu~fOfencD~xQyMNydPoYL0mBf1FJEJGrgjYG8GpYeI~v8mFvyWvanS1lLqZBq9vZrH6VpPTO~adOITi-y-6uI0oZlLaOZFS7eo2WU0Xbu0yWomjMFtgMBN9qPvPsy7Q2u~nnHH5hiEugKNpSHn477oUl6IdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sawyer County, WI","date","2025-07-18T22:56:59.807Z","article","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee adopted a temporary moratorium on the consideration or issuance of permits for solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems, setting the moratorium period at nine months to give staff and legal counsel time to research and draft a new county ordinance.
Jay, the county zoning administrator, said the county has seen one earlier application and lacks a current local ordinance addressing siting, decommissioning, setbacks, visual buffers, stormwater, and decommissioning plans for larger solar or battery energy projects. He told the committee the moratorium would give staff time to assemble example ordinances from other counties and to work with county legal counsel.
Rebecca, the county corporation counsel, explained that the moratorium must be treated as an ordinance and that the county may extend it if needed but should be prepared to justify extensions; she recommended a reasonable time frame for drafting and public review. Committee members discussed 6‑, 9‑ and 12‑month options and agreed nine months struck a balance of time for drafting and public input while limiting legal exposure.
Linda Zilmer, an Edgewater property owner, asked the county to consider other emerging land‑use issues (the committee discussed telecommunications and data center inquiries as separate items). Jay said the county would still notify towns and provide drafts for input. The committee voted unanimously on a roll call to adopt the moratorium as a county ordinance with a nine‑month term.
The moratorium does not itself adopt a new solar ordinance; it temporarily pauses county consideration of applications for solar systems and battery energy storage while staff and counsel draft and vet an ordinance for future adoption. The committee instructed staff to circulate drafts to town boards and to return with a proposed ordinance and public notice for county‑board consideration within the moratorium period.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zoning 2025 07 18","oneSentenceSummary","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee adopted a temporary moratorium, extended to nine months, on consideration or issuance of permits for solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems while county staff and counsel draft a new ordinance.","taxTitle","Sawyer County, Wisconsin","taxId",73055,"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},6164728,"Committee conditionally approves Preserve phases 3 and 4; final recording contingent on DNR stormwater approval",1202,5739000,6941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012&start=5739&end=6941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012/thumbnail_5739000.jpg","/articles/6164728/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Committee-conditionally-approves-Preserve-phases-3-and-4-final-recording-contingent-on-DNR-stormwater-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164728-1f5df519952a27536fbe345dc53b5ccd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903808&Signature=WYN4GVFNXttUyqHuBwt592rQfMD0CWyVhZ~IA8tCSolmKN6xarUc5QcI-BuBwEUTsk98S2hOtpKX9~P~-O5Ptp07hbO83GptTW6sQppKlJN9stvKyvmOwZJD7CzHigX43iORZ7dFOsurAHxw3gHP5pHmIKTdP2YulKb9up-at-aF0VmyHxSBT4a2BEvTo9Jk9SHaFsigpm0dQ4LIYMWZhtSU~dK7AF8sy2JTmsfLB9shXBgfBq3Ba3WOH4rEhTiP9LrkxTraiCQzTxAjNr~EkD2gmfqaAxFuHHS0xM0uMBCQmo0UiJyc3KEu0Id7mBWd8IIkHx4kzht64I2GYoxkSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee conditionally approved final subdivision plats for The Preserve at MBF LLC — phase 3 (19 lots including five outlots) and phase 4 (seven lots including three outlots) in the Town of Round Lake — with standard conditions requiring Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approval of stormwater management plans and recording of covenants before the county will sign and record the plats.
Jeremy Hill, representing The Preserve at MBF LLC, said the development includes five‑acre minimum lots, preserved vegetated buffers along flowages, a trail and a private picnic point, and that prior DNR inspections of earlier phases were positive. Hill said the developer will submit the remaining wetland and stormwater permit materials to DNR and asked the committee to approve the plats pending DNR sign‑off.
Jay, the zoning administrator, told the committee he has conditionally approved the final plats subject to DNR approval of the stormwater plan and that the county will not record the plats until the DNR stormwater permit is in hand. He said the county used the same approach for phases 1 and 2.
Committee conditions require the developer to record covenants consistent with phases 1 and 2, provide a completed wetland delineation (already submitted), and, for phase 4, provide written notice to purchasers that nearby gravel operation(s) exist. The committee clarified the zoning administrator may withhold the chair’s signature and registration with the Register of Deeds until DNR approval is obtained. The committee voted to approve both final plats on roll calls recorded in the minutes.
","The zoning committee conditionally approved final plats for The Preserve phases 3 (19 lots) and 4 (7 lots) pending Wisconsin DNR stormwater management approval and recording of covenants; phase 4 approval includes buyer notice about nearby gravel pits.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":79,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164735,"Committee conditionally accepts Sugarbush Phase 2 preliminary plat for four new lots",617,5122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012&start=5122&end=5739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012/thumbnail_5122000.jpg","/articles/6164735/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Committee-conditionally-accepts-Sugarbush-Phase-2-preliminary-plat-for-four-new-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164735-15e2099e90f1840d8464f6371726b726/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903808&Signature=ifKruU85IKoYlk9BO8INQPAtUsJ70e1UZDLL1nzkBRyu1pnMthZu0IkaupmaT5NJGlZgFSENn-M-yaV37rkwp-6vF7XhGCu0HAfHUQUieJr~D17Hgv7JbOZ-aliWNvQwKQShYh~ejNxN4uWlmPibxwnEleYoXTreZBezg5IwW1~FtOS0s4sACkKgpY~DJFrMkEzOfmaSGGCoXAvH0fQHpVreehUuG5AZYBxWqvuSXhUEqTZysKhyPpHMc3iFR~sune5G6A~rGYZNkR7T4kSZ5PHkm3eHvSgvWW0k3XUbsrQjTjlLAvwCRSLr8LFM06YGizYoFXyJAVv00qAd7Bllww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee conditionally accepted the preliminary subdivision plat for Sugarbush Phase 2 in the town of Bass Lake, a proposal to split two existing lots into four lots as part of a multi‑phase lakeshore subdivision originally approved in 2023.
Jay, the county zoning administrator, explained the request would create a net increase of two lots from the original parent parcel, resulting in a total of 12 lots derived from the original tract. Jay said lot widths would be near 106–110 feet for the new parcels, that existing private roads will remain in place, and that grading or earth‑disturbance permits will be required for larger disturbances.
Todd Gould, the surveyor for the subdivider Trace Mullins, appeared and confirmed the maps. The town of Bass Lake reviewed and recommended approval; Jay said four adjacent owners were notified and no objections were returned (one neighbor sought clarification about how splits were made). Jay said soils testing on adjacent parcels shows suitability for conventional septic systems.
The committee approved the preliminary plat, noting that final plat approval and recording will follow county procedures and that any required stormwater or grading permits must be obtained before development proceeds.
","The zoning committee approved a preliminary county subdivision plat (Sugarbush Phase 2) that splits two existing lots into four, subject to final plat review and any required grading/soil tests and DNR stormwater conditions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164738,"Zoning committee approves WayPro’s amended golf‑course permit with limits on short‑term rentals",0,5142000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012&start=5142&end=5142","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012/thumbnail_5142000.jpg","/articles/6164738/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Zoning-committee-approves-WayPros-amended-golfcourse-permit-with-limits-on-shortterm-rentals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164738-c6ea47fd664f752579bbd93460d697ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903808&Signature=BBiMqlFpxjRsuZ1kOL24R6LKppecMfLU5-hopfZlr2BfBd9mIDP1R1SrC7i3ASLV7LGbf242oa4REsgSbVNPtjT~DStBECWaUSmtwMEwzrMYD7ciKVZ1UbNTgB2pwI8EeJNlEDQcZIPRA60P90X7pvc6~TTbOZeQUg7PUGQaUZYm9guQ1LhMBswFtmr2Dw1V180AXrZobSyDzMVKI-TYRyNEfcfg6IPlbQv8up0XAS7px9kVlxnibH4U8xuJYylP~NzKKK837VYXy3mBQ~KKtmTXZINWmNGGZrv8jN~krZHtKpl33st2Lr5QBDJsRqgOknyUqxTJqpsgYu~UpZ7a~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved an amendment transferring an existing conditional use permit for a private golf facility to new owners WayPro LLC and allowing limited use by up to four tourist rooming/home (TRH) rental properties.
Devin Dohler, a representative for the applicant, said the property is a small, three‑green facility designed to be played as nine holes from multiple tee boxes and is intended for limited groups. He told the committee the site has parking for roughly half a dozen vehicles, a gated entrance, a 20‑by‑24 cart barn and a 14‑by‑20 clubhouse; staffing and a superintendent maintain the course.
Jay, the zoning administrator, summarized the staff position and the town of Hayward’s action. The town board approved the amendment 3–2 with conditions that the CUP be tied to the new owner, up to four TRH properties be permitted to use the course, addresses be kept on file, and access be limited to daylight hours. Jay proposed the county add similar conditions and require the covenants and other attachments be kept on file.
Public commenters raised groundwater and pesticide concerns. Linda Zilmer, an Edgewater property owner and a person with licensed pesticide applicator training, urged stricter groundwater safeguards and suggested monitoring wells or periodic private‑well testing for nearby owners. The applicant said fertilizer and pesticide use would be limited compared with large commercial courses and that the course superintendent has 40 years’ experience; he also agreed to install security cameras and to follow best management practices.
Rebecca, the county corporation counsel, reminded the committee that any finding related to public health must rest on substantial evidence and that the applicant already agreed to comply with state standards for pesticide use. The committee heard that existing town planning commissioners who live in the neighborhood had no reported well problems.
The committee approved the amendment with these conditions: transfer CUP to WayPro LLC (new owners Brian and Holly Slater), limit access to up to four identified TRH properties (addresses to be kept on file), restrict hours to daylight only, install a security camera system to monitor use, comply with federal/state/county laws and best management practices for golf facilities, and record covenants. A roll call showed the motion passed unanimously.
","The committee approved an amended conditional use permit to transfer a private golf facility’s CUP to new owners, allowing up to four tourist rooming/home (TRH) rentals limited to daylight hours and subject to other conditions including security cameras and compliance with best management practices.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164743,"Zoning committee denies 250-foot Edgewater cellphone tower after town rejection, colocation gaps",2726,375000,3101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012&start=375&end=3101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427782-5a78425bbb0f360a73ff7e63962de012/thumbnail_375000.jpg","/articles/6164743/Sawyer-County/Wisconsin/Zoning-committee-denies-250-foot-Edgewater-cellphone-tower-after-town-rejection-colocation-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164743-243ea7fed4f93fca67647e0b5cb38fbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770903808&Signature=H0ftuuyy14AjnVIYAOCYi9zrGaL7wyB3dIqwK1TBn494I-hC1XO8OTHPYFnBuoUkummHGX~EMMkbJ7FURDqxqlE0RxnOrpRk-3PG~9lx8jrA4doRqItsvM8Hmjs5K7G8fOR4258L~rAQd-CTeQtcEdv9DicN~tdfSYJNDPiPfjI8h81i4YZ59LSQHSVM-luVU65lHMrpXkALwS1vHzXpwRcSNT~rJmLfbwCyXiaMATQZ44dCNya85BIK2cD37TJAxw39I-tx7Pnb~CHXLolrgBo4bc6NtyypnWKsKfodYsaeMPqbUXFAXijCJqhcQYebN7C0mIllBdpRWvdYJ6Ycsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted unanimously to deny a conditional use permit for a proposed 250-foot telecommunications tower on land owned by Paul and Magdalene Suarez in the town of Edgewater.
The committee based its decision on the town board's prior denial, the applicant’s incomplete colocation/search-ring analysis under Wisconsin Statutes 66.0404, and concerns raised during public comment about lighting and public process.
The denial matters because counties and towns are wrestling with how state law on mobile tower siting interacts with local review. The committee's decision prevents CloudOne Services LLC (which proposed the tower and would own the structure) and broadband provider BugTussle from constructing at the Suarez site until the applicant addresses the outstanding technical and procedural questions.
Jay, the county zoning administrator, told the committee that CloudOne had applied for a 250-foot self-supporting tower with a 4-foot lightning rod to host BugTussle fixed‑wireless broadband equipment and that the application was initially deemed “complete.” Jay also said an operational 400-foot tower about 2.2 miles from the proposed site was not included in the applicant’s search‑ring materials and therefore had not been considered for colocation in the applicant’s RF affidavit.
Public commenters urged denial. Linda Zilmer, an Edgewater property owner, asked for clearer procedures and said the county’s telecommunications ordinance is “largely outdated and invalid.” A pair of nearby residents, Randy and Carol Hagen, submitted a written objection that the tower would be an eyesore and expressed health and safety concerns. John Dalton, who identified himself as a telecommunications engineer, recommended the applicant rework the colocation analysis and suggested a compromise of reducing tower height under 200 feet to avoid lighting requirements.
Rebecca, the county corporation counsel, advised the committee on statutory limits and the interaction between the county’s telecommunication ordinance and state law. She said portions of the county ordinance are preempted by state statute but that some local provisions (including an existing county provision calling for town approval) still apply, and she recommended requiring the applicant to complete a colocation feasibility analysis now that a new nearby tower exists.
The committee’s motion cited substantial evidence for denial: (1) the town board had denied the CUP, (2) the applicant’s search‑ring and colocation analysis did not account for the nearby 400‑foot tower, and (3) concerns about lighting/visual impacts were added to the motion as part of the committee’s findings. The motion also waived the standard one‑year refiling restriction so the applicant could reapply sooner if it addressed the issues. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all five voting members recorded as yes.
What the decision does — and does not — do: it denies the present CUP application. The denial was based on procedural and evidentiary gaps in the application and on the town’s denial; it is not a ruling on technical radio coverage or on RF health claims. Committee members and counsel noted that state law limits the county’s regulatory reach on health issues and that statutory protections require the applicant to provide a sworn colocation statement if it contests feasibility findings.
Next steps: the applicant may refile after completing the colocation feasibility work and addressing the town’s concerns. The county can require more information in any reapplication and will not sign off on a tower permit until the committee’s evidentiary concerns are resolved.
","Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted to deny a conditional use permit for a proposed 250-foot telecommunication tower in the town of Edgewater, citing the town's prior denial, incomplete colocation analysis and public concerns about lighting and process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Zoning committee adopts temporary 9‑month moratorium on solar and battery storage siting to draft county ordinance

Committee conditionally approves Preserve phases 3 and 4; final recording contingent on DNR stormwater approval

Committee conditionally accepts Sugarbush Phase 2 preliminary plat for four new lots

Zoning committee approves WayPro’s amended golf‑course permit with limits on short‑term rentals

Zoning committee denies 250-foot Edgewater cellphone tower after town rejection, colocation gaps