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Committee approves conditional use for small Amish schoolhouse after discussion of hunting restrictions
Summary
The Natural Resources Committee approved a conditional-use permit for an Amish schoolhouse on a 49-acre Richwood Township parcel but discussed concerns from a neighboring landowner about Wisconsin hunting statute restrictions within 1,700 feet of school grounds and the need for clarity on school grounds and signage.
The Richland County Natural Resources Committee approved a conditional-use permit Thursday for an Amish schoolhouse on a 49-acre parcel in Richwood Township, after members discussed safety and hunting restrictions raised by a neighboring property owner.
County staff noted a neighbor’s written concern pointing to Wisconsin statutes that prohibit hunting within 1,700 feet of school grounds; staff said the statute’s restriction applies when signage marks school grounds and that the precise definition of “school grounds” depends on the school’s planned layout and uses. A neighbor who owns a 0.5-acre parcel said most of her larger acreage lies across the county line in Crawford County and that, based on measurements shown at the meeting, some of her land falls within roughly 1,685 to 1,700 feet of the proposed school location.
The petitioners described the proposed school footprint as about 150 by 160 feet and said the building would be near the middle of a larger 49-acre parcel. Petitioners and staff told the committee they did not expect regular conflict with hunting on adjacent property, and staff noted that the statute’s restrictions hinge on posted signs identifying school grounds. A committee member said that safety for children would be a consideration in the conditional-use review.
After hearing from neighbors and petitioners and reviewing zoning guidance that institutional uses can be permitted in the district as conditional uses, the committee voted to approve the CUP. Committee members asked staff to document the rationale and to provide a short explanation to the concerned neighbors after the meeting so they understand whether their hunting rights are affected and whether signage will be posted.
Committee discussion emphasized that the county must evaluate whether the school’s proposed activities or play areas expand the definition of school grounds, which would determine the 1,700-foot restriction under state law. The petitioners did not plan to post school-zone signage unless required.
The committee approved the CUP on a voice vote and directed staff to follow up with written clarification for nearby landowners.
