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Zoning committee approves accessory-structure permit with no-habitable-space condition
Summary
The committee approved a conditional use permit allowing a 12-by-24-foot accessory structure on vacant land in Edgewater, with conditions that the structure not contain habitable space and that a primary dwelling permit be taken out and built within three years.
The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved Conditional Use Permit 25-044 to allow a 12-foot-by-24-foot, 16-foot-high accessory structure on vacant land in the Town of Edgewater, with the added condition that the shed contain no habitable space.
Staff said the permit is requested under Sawyer County Code of Ordinances, Appendix D, section 4.26 (parent 1), which authorizes accessory structures on vacant land when a principal structure will be built within a specified period. Jay (zoning administrator) noted the parcel’s steep topography and said the applicant has already obtained a land-use permit and completed driveway and soil testing. The permit includes an automatic condition that a land-use permit for a principal dwelling be applied for and built within three years.
Applicant Michael Olsen told the committee the shed will be relocated from another property and used for equipment and supplies while he prepares the site and builds a house; he said he has formed an LLC for property management and is considering a future short-term rental. Public commenter Linda Zilmer raised concerns about topography, water runoff and potential future subdivision or variances; she urged conditions restricting future splits and variances. Rebecca (county legal counsel) advised the committee that conditions must be supported by substantial evidence and recommended not conditioning approval on any future variance because that goes beyond the conditional-use analysis.
Committee member Kaye Wilson moved to approve the CUP with findings of fact (1, 2, 3, 13) and to add a condition that the accessory structure contain no habitable area and be used for storage only. Wilson’s motion was seconded and passed on roll call; all members voted yes.
The committee record lists potential conditions including compliance with all Sawyer County zoning and conservation requirements, setbacks, and all applicable town, county, state and federal laws. The committee and legal counsel emphasized that a property owner could later pursue a certified survey map and other by-right actions independent of this CUP; conditions attached to this CUP would apply only if the applicant accepts them as part of the permit.
