Zoning committee approves four conditional-use amendments and a sign modification; motions pass by voice vote

The Walworth County Zoning Committee on Feb. 20 approved a set of conditional-use amendments and a sign modification by voice vote. The committee handled four separate items with brief staff reports and limited discussion; all motions carried with no recorded dissent.

Storage container (Section 25, Delavan Township). The committee amended a conditional-use approval to permit a storage container to hold tables and chairs for an on-site public assembly venue. The amendment was described as allowing a 20-foot-by-40-foot container in the staff memo, but staff later clarified the plan submitted shows an 8-by-40 container and the committee approved language amended to the correct dimension. Planning staff explained the county treats such containers as accessory structures and issues permits similar to typical sheds where zoning standards are met. Motion to approve: moved by Jim Van Dreiser, seconded by (Joanne) (voice vote recorded as "Aye"); motion carried.

Lake Geneva Foundation covered porch (Section 1, Linn Township). The committee approved an amendment to allow a covered porch addition to a youth recreation center. The requested structure was described as a proposed 30-by-44 covered porch attached to the existing building. Committee member Joanne Lisonbee recused herself from this item. Motion to approve: moved by Jim (last name as in record), seconded by Bud; motion carried.

Girl Scouts sign modification (Section 24, LaGrange Township). The Girl Scouts requested a sign larger than the 9-square-foot limit in the zone; staff recommended approval as submitted. The proposed sign would sit about 5 feet from the road right-of-way. Motion to approve: moved by Grabowski, seconded by Loughtenberg; motion carried.

School district addition (Reixendice School District, Section 16, Linn Township). The committee approved an amendment to allow approximately 6,100 net additional square feet for a cafeteria/commons and band/music area attached to the existing school building as shown in the submitted plans. Motion to approve: moved by Konke, seconded by Oppenberg; motion carried.

All items were presented by county planning staff as noncontroversial. Several committee members asked procedural questions about permits for storage containers and typical exemptions for very small accessory structures (under 100 square feet) used in campgrounds. No public speakers opposed the items, and no amendments were recorded for these motions.

Votes and approvals were taken by voice; the meeting minutes record motions as carrying after the committee chair called for voice votes.