Zoning committee approves WayPro’s amended golf‑course permit with limits on short‑term rentals

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved an amendment transferring an existing conditional use permit for a private golf facility to new owners WayPro LLC and allowing limited use by up to four tourist rooming/home (TRH) rental properties. Devin Dohler, a representative for the applicant, said the property is a small, three‑green facility designed to be played as nine holes from multiple tee boxes and is intended for limited groups. He told the committee the site has parking for roughly half a dozen vehicles, a gated entrance, a 20‑by‑24 cart barn and a 14‑by‑20 clubhouse; staffing and a superintendent maintain the course. Jay, the zoning administrator, summarized the staff position and the town of Hayward’s action. The town board approved the amendment 3–2 with conditions that the CUP be tied to the new owner, up to four TRH properties be permitted to use the course, addresses be kept on file, and access be limited to daylight hours. Jay proposed the county add similar conditions and require the covenants and other attachments be kept on file. Public commenters raised groundwater and pesticide concerns. Linda Zilmer, an Edgewater property owner and a person with licensed pesticide applicator training, urged stricter groundwater safeguards and suggested monitoring wells or periodic private‑well testing for nearby owners. The applicant said fertilizer and pesticide use would be limited compared with large commercial courses and that the course superintendent has 40 years’ experience; he also agreed to install security cameras and to follow best management practices. Rebecca, the county corporation counsel, reminded the committee that any finding related to public health must rest on substantial evidence and that the applicant already agreed to comply with state standards for pesticide use. The committee heard that existing town planning commissioners who live in the neighborhood had no reported well problems. The committee approved the amendment with these conditions: transfer CUP to WayPro LLC (new owners Brian and Holly Slater), limit access to up to four identified TRH properties (addresses to be kept on file), restrict hours to daylight only, install a security camera system to monitor use, comply with federal/state/county laws and best management practices for golf facilities, and record covenants. A roll call showed the motion passed unanimously.