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Zoning committee approves draft 'camping cabin' language and sends it to towns for feedback
Summary
The zoning committee voted to send a proposed amendment adopting the state definition of 'camping cabin' (400 sq. ft., water/sewer allowed, one‑story limit, no loft) to town governments for review, rejecting an explicit percentage cap on park models in licensed campgrounds.
The Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted to forward draft ordinance language—based largely on the state model definition—for “camping cabins” to town governments for review.
Under the language the committee approved to send to the towns, a camping cabin would be allowed in licensed campgrounds and may include water, sewer and gas connections; a cabin would be limited to one story (no loft). The draft follows the state’s 400‑square‑foot guideline rather than a smaller local maximum and does not reintroduce a 30% cap on park‑model units in licensed campgrounds.
The committee debated whether to adopt a percentage cap on park models or camping cabins (some members and town representatives suggested a cap would preserve transient camping stock). After discussion the committee approved the Option A language and to circulate it to towns for their comment. A roll call showed a majority in favor; two committee members voted no.
Why it matters: The change would modernize Sawyer County’s camping rules to allow camping cabins with utilities under a state‑aligned definition, giving campground owners flexibility to offer small rental cabins. Committee discussion emphasized the need to balance market competitiveness with preserving transient campsites.
