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Committee asks staff to propose permitting up to three seasonal ‘glamping’ sites without a conditional‑use permit
Summary
Planning staff proposed defining and permitting small‑scale glamping/camping (up to three seasonal sites) as a permitted use to reduce the conditional‑use burden; the committee asked staff to return with a drafted proposal and standards coordinated with state sanitation rules.
Planning staff asked the committee Sept. 3 whether to treat small‑scale glamping — elevated or semi‑permanent camping platforms often marketed as “glamping” — as a permitted seasonal use when limited to three sites, instead of requiring a conditional‑use (special exception) review.
Staff said the county currently treats campgrounds and similar uses under state administrative rules and its zoning ordinance; larger or commercial campgrounds require a special exception and must meet state standards. Staff proposed defining glamping and allowing up to three sites as a permitted use so landowners could operate a small number of sites without the expense and delay of a conditional‑use process, while larger sites would still require the full review and public comment associated with a special exception.
Discussion highlights Committee members asked about sanitation, floodplain and safety implications and were reassured that state rules (staff referenced the state administrative code cited in packet materials as “ADCAP 79”) and public health licensing would still apply. Staff recounted a recent conditional‑use process in the Town of Weston where an applicant seeking only three sites instead sought five and ultimately received approval for up to eight sites after conditions and public comment; staff cited that example to show how the conditional‑use pathway can expand site allowances beyond a small threshold.
Committee direction Members expressed openness to a permitted small‑scale definition but asked staff to return with a draft definition, proposed site standards (seasonality, setbacks, signage, access, sanitation compliance) and an implementation plan that aligns with state sanitation requirements. Staff also noted mapped floodplain information in Dunn County would be used to screen potential locations.
Ending Staff will produce a proposed ordinance change and standards for committee review; the committee emphasized public outreach and ensuring public health and floodplain safeguards before adopting any permitted‑use allowance.
