Zoning committee conditionally approves final plat for Preserve Phase 5 pending stormwater approval

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee conditionally approved the final subdivision plat for the Preserve Phase 5 in the Town of Hayward, a proposal that would create 21 lots (each larger than five acres) and four outlots. Approval is conditional on the county receiving final stormwater management plan approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and on recording the same covenants used in prior phases.

Zoning staff reported that the preliminary plat had been approved on May 16, 2025, and that final plat materials were submitted within the required time frame. The subdivider completed a wetland delineation; staff said the stormwater plan for this phase has been submitted and staff expected DNR review or approval to be imminent. The county will not record the final plat with the Register of Deeds until the stormwater plan is approved.

Developer Jeremy Hill said the stormwater permits for four of the five phases have been approved and that Phase 5’s stormwater permit is approved as well; he addressed a written objection from a neighbor by noting the neighbor has substantial acreage to continue hunting and recreation.

Public comment included concerns about fragmentation of forest land and downstream effects of residential subdivision; Linda Zilmer said continued five-acre splits across the county create pressure for additional conservation easements and change the character of the county.

Committee member Steve Cariannon moved to conditionally approve the final plat pending receipt of the final stormwater management plan and subject to the previously required conditions (wetland delineation on file, covenants recorded). The motion carried on roll call with all members voting yes.

The final plat cannot be recorded until the DNR’s stormwater approval is on file; staff said they will verify approvals before signing the plat and that covenants will be recorded against the properties.