Committee approves 39.86-acre rezone in Draper for hobby-farm use

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved a rezoning request from Matthew Stefanski to change 39.86 acres in the Town of Draper from Forestry-1 to Agricultural-2.

Staff reported that the applicant seeks the change to allow a hobby-farm operation with horses and up to four beef cattle; the Agricultural-2 district allows those uses. Jay (zoning administrator) said the property formerly had agricultural use and that nearby parcels include A-2 zoning, which informed the recommendation that the request not be considered spot zoning.

Stefanski told the committee he and family members have owned portions of the nearby land for decades and that they have already erected accessory structures under existing permits. "We're hoping that you guys consider, you know, what we're trying to do. We're trying to better the area, but we're also gonna retire here," Stefanski told the committee.

The Town of Draper unanimously recommended approval. Committee member Tweed Schumann moved to approve the rezone with findings of fact; the motion carried on roll call with all members voting yes.

The rezoning changes the parcel's zoning classification but does not authorize structures beyond existing land-use permit requirements; any new construction will require permitted approvals and compliance with county conservation and setback requirements.