Waupaca Plan Commission recommends rezoning of two Layton Road parcels to R‑1

The Waupaca Plan Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that the city council rezone two adjacent parcels at 749 and 755 Layton Road from a mix of resource‑conservation and R‑1 to fully R‑1 single‑family residential.

The recommendation follows a public hearing at which property owner James Grabowski and his brother, Mark Grabowski, explained they had purchased the lots about four years ago and intend to build single‑family homes consistent with neighborhood covenants. "We're just looking to build homes that fit with the covenants of the neighborhood, and keep the harmony of the neighborhood consistent," said Jim Grabowski, 755 Layton Road.

The commission's staff presentation said the current zoning maps include small slivers of resource‑conservation zoning that appear to be artifacts of older mapping technology rather than reflecting current on‑the‑ground limits. Staff noted that state Department of Natural Resources and wetland rules, along with the city's shoreline regulations, still govern building setbacks near the river.

Commissioners and the applicants discussed site constraints. James Grabowski said the lots are roughly 400 feet deep, with wetlands about 200 feet from the river's edge; he estimated roughly half of each property is wetlands and said the owners plan to build south of those wetland lines and to place wells away from protected areas. Aaron, a city staff member, told the commission the city's shoreline setback is 35 feet (compared with a 75‑foot county setback) and that other regulatory standards will still limit building near the river.

After asking questions about timing and permitting, commissioners moved to recommend approval to the council with standard zoning and building permit conditions. Commissioner Olson made the motion and Commissioner Angela Lesage seconded; the motion carried with all commissioners voting in favor. Staff said the item will be scheduled for city council consideration in June; because the plan commission held the public hearing, staff advised that a separate council public hearing will not be required.

The applicants said discovering the dual zoning had delayed their permitting process after Mark Grabowski submitted plans and encountered the RC designation. They told the commission they had already been working with DNR staff on wetlands and drainage matters and intend to follow all applicable environmental and setback rules.

The plan commission recommendation is advisory; the rezoning must be adopted by the Waupaca Common Council before any change in entitlement becomes effective.