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Zoning committee advances camping-cabin ordinance options, will send revised language to towns
Summary
After divergent town responses, the zoning committee voted to send a revised option (option F, allowing camping cabins and park models with specified limits and permitting slabs) back to towns for comment; the committee discussed size, height, foundations, and a proposed 30% cap.
The Sawyer County Zoning Committee on April 25 held a public hearing and discussion of proposed amendments to Appendix D of the county code to address camping cabins, park models and related definitions. After receiving mixed feedback from town boards, the committee decided to send a revised draft (“option F,” amended to permit slabs under park models and camping cabins) back to the towns for additional comment.
Why it matters: The proposed changes affect campground owners, neighboring property rights and shoreland density rules. Town boards returned mixed responses—some approved with conditions, others denied—so staff and committee members sought to clarify definitions and provide simpler, black-line language for towns to review.
What the committee debated: Staff presented four central choices: whether to use the state definition (400 sq ft) or the county’s prior 300 sq ft threshold; whether to allow gas/water/sewer connections; whether to cap camping cabins and/or park models at a 30% share of campground sites; and whether to allow foundations/slabs (towns wanted slabs but objected to permanent foundations). Town comments cited concerns about density, building standards, and the difference between a camping cabin on a skid and a permanent dwelling.
Public input and industry perspective: Campground owner Don Robinson and other campground representatives urged the county to allow small sleeping cabins with bathrooms (their stated goal is seasonal rental units, not permanent residences) and requested clear guidance for town boards. Willingness to adopt a slab (rather than a full foundation) was discussed as a practical solution to prevent animals from burrowing under units and to provide level, hygienic access for renters. County legal counsel, Rebecca Roker, cautioned about preemption where state codes (SPS and other chapters) regulate certain building and plumbing standards; she advised that the county can add definitions but must be mindful of preempted topics.
Decision and next steps: The committee voted to send option F—amended to permit slabs under camping cabins and park models and to remove the county prohibition on gas/water/sewer for cabins—to the towns for additional review. Staff agreed to send a clean (non-redline) copy for clarity and to collect town responses to present at the June meeting. Legal counsel said a final ordinance amendment would require a county public hearing prior to county-board action.
Ending: Committee members said they want a simpler package for town review and emphasized coordination with state building-code requirements. Staff will return with compiled town feedback and revised definitions for further action.
