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Zoning committee backs Option A for camping‑cabin rules and will send draft to towns
Summary
After public comment from campground owners and the ad‑hoc review group, the committee voted to send Option A — which adopts the state camping‑cabin definition (up to 400 sq ft), allows utilities and limits height to one story — to town governments for review. The committee rejected re‑imposing a 30% park‑model cap.
The Sawyer County zoning committee voted March 21 to send a draft ordinance change (Option A) to town governments that would revise the county’s camping‑cabin rules.
Option A adopts the state definition of camping cabins (allowing up to 400 square feet), removes the county’s existing prohibition on water, sewer and gas connections, and keeps a one‑story maximum (no lofts). The committee voted to send Option A to towns for review rather than reinserting a 30% cap on park‑model units; the roll call recorded a 3‑2 vote in favor.
Campground operators and owners spoke during public comment. Don Robinson, owner of Lake Chippewa Campground, said campgrounds have evolved and the cabins help small families and lower‑income visitors access overnight stays. “Campgrounds are not like what they used to be… Campgrounds today are like modern resorts,” Robinson said, adding the cabins provide steady winter revenue and help owners retain year‑round staff. His daughter, Kathy Robinson, said the cabins—about 250 square feet on her property—keep campgrounds competitive and affordable.
Town and citizen commenters urged caution. Linda Zilmer, who has cemetery and community roles, suggested the county ad‑hoc committee discuss definitions and consider shoreland density effects before final adoption. Several committee members said they wanted towns to review the draft.
A motion to approve Option A and send the draft to towns passed on roll call: Marshall Savitsky, Dale Magnuson and Steve Cariannon voted yes; Kaye Wilson and Ron Buchholz voted no (3‑2). The zoning administrator said staff will forward the draft to town clerks for comment and return the topic for future committee consideration after town feedback.
The draft does not change site counts: the total number of permitted campground sites remains the controlling limit; the change affects how owners may configure those sites.
