Stephenson County OKs special use permit to convert Florence Road church into short‑term rental
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Summary
The county approved a special use permit allowing applicants from Wisconsin to convert a Florence Road church to a short‑term rental; discussion focused on adjacent‑owner notice and whether signage should be used to inform the public.
Bo and Renata Lee, applicants from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, were granted a special use permit to convert a church on Florence Road into a short‑term rental after county staff said no adjacent landowners formally objected.
County zoning staff clarified that approving the special use for the church would not change neighboring properties’ zoning. A staff member told the committee, “No. It’s not. They get a little confused,” when asked whether one permit would rezone adjacent properties.
Committee members expressed concern about the reach and effectiveness of the county’s notification process. One member noted the county notified six adjacent property owners for the hearing and observed that in a small settlement like Florence Station that may not reach half the town. Several commissioners suggested placing a sign on the property to alert passersby that a zoning action is pending; staff said posting signs is not required by state law and that other counties which tried signage reported it drew commenters who were not adjacent landowners and whose objections carried no legal weight.
A motion to approve the special use passed by voice vote. The committee record shows the motion was seconded and carried with all present voting in favor.