Committee approves conditional use for small schoolhouse in Richwood Township amid hunting safety questions

The Richland County Natural Resources Committee approved a conditional‑use permit to allow an Amish schoolhouse on a 49‑acre parcel in Richwood Township, after committee members reviewed hunting‑buffer concerns raised by a neighboring landowner.

County staff said the parcel is owned by John Gingrich and described the proposed school grounds as approximately 150 by 160 feet; the petitioners said the building would be located near the middle of that area. A neighbor contacted the county with a question stemming from Wisconsin hunting statutes that restrict hunting within 1,700 feet of school grounds; the neighbor owns a 0.5‑acre parcel that provides access to larger landholdings in Crawford County and worried that the school might limit their hunting use.

County staff measured the access parcel and reported the furthest point on that property is about 1,685 feet from the proposed school location. Staff also noted the statutory hunting buffer applies when school grounds are marked with signs; if no signs are posted the buffer is not enforceable in the same way. Committee members asked the petitioners for details about whether the school would include outdoor play areas or posted boundaries; the petitioners replied the school grounds would be modest in size and did not indicate plans for signage beyond what state law might require.

Staff confirmed that institutional uses such as schools can be permitted as conditional uses in Ag‑zoned areas if the location and design meet district standards. The committee discussed child safety considerations and site placement before taking a voice vote to approve the conditional use.

County staff said they would follow up with the petitioners to clarify the exact boundary of school grounds and any signage plans so neighbors understand how the state hunting statute may apply in practice.