Committee reviews one-year conditions for Badger Bob LLC pavilion, hears parking and noise complaints

The Walworth County Zoning Committee on March 20 reviewed a one-year conditional-use review for Badger Bob LLC, the property owner of a pavilion used for live music and expanded outdoor food and beverage service.

County planner Kate (last name not specified) told the committee that staff received phone calls and letters alleging parking violations and some noise complaints during the past year. Site visits documented vehicles parked in the sight-visibility triangle adjacent to the road; staff said there was one event with multiple cars parked on Johnson Road and that photos are in the file.

The committee discussed two conditions added at the time of original approval: a 12-month period for the owner to either remove noncompliant parking stalls or apply for a variance (condition 18), and a one-year allowance for live music (condition 20) that expires at the meeting date. Staff said the owner has told county staff he will remove noncompliant parking or pursue a zoning permit to show compliant parking, and that the owner is likely to request an amendment or time extension if he wishes to continue live music.

Applicant Bob Johnson (owner) addressed the committee and said he has not received neighbor complaints directly and that he will ask bands to lower volume when asked. Christina Green, representing the applicant, said she believes complaints originate from a single neighbor and that town board members have reported they have no issue with the operation. Christina also said the operator installed a tarp behind the tent to help block sound.

Committee members asked whether live-music hours had been exceeded; staff said they had received no written complaints about hours and that, on the record, single-person performers generally played from about 5:00 p.m. to 8–8:30 p.m., and larger bands typically started early afternoon and were finished by approximately 5–6 p.m. Staff emphasized that off-site parking is allowed only with committee approval and if the parking is within 400 feet and approved through the ordinance process.

There was no formal enforcement action taken at the meeting. Staff said it would inform the owner that an amendment or extension is required if live music is to continue beyond the one-year condition, and that staff is progressing on a county ordinance amendment addressing outdoor music and events. Nick (county staff) said he expects the draft ordinance will be circulated to interested parties (including the Tavern League) in March, come to the committee as a draft in April, hold a public hearing in May, and—if adopted locally—go to the county board in July, subject to committee direction.

The committee’s discussion focused on compliance steps, how off-site parking approvals work under the county ordinance, and the timeline for the outdoor-music ordinance amendment; no vote or formal penalty was taken at the meeting.