Ashwaubenon board approves PUD amendment to allow one short-term rental at Riverway Marina Clubhouse

The Village Board of Ashwaubenon voted to approve Ordinance 01-2-25 on Jan. 28, 2025, amending the planned unit development (PUD) overlay for the southern riverfront to permit transient residential use of the Riverway Marina clubhouse at 457 Marina Lane, parcel VA-132-4-1, conditioned on required building-code improvements and obtaining any necessary short‑term rental licenses from Brown County and the Village.

The amendment would allow a single short‑term rental unit within the clubhouse while leaving the underlying P Public Use zoning otherwise unchanged. Planning staff noted the PUD amendment limits the use to the clubhouse and requires the owners to work with a design professional to ensure building-code compliance before occupancy. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5–2; the Site Plan Review Committee provided no recommendation.

During a public hearing, Don Kettles, who said he closed on the property Jan. 3, 2025, described plans to operate one short‑term rental and to invest in the marina; he and co‑owner statements said they have experience managing commercial properties and offered letters of support from nearby businesses. Former owner Lori Beyer told the board the property has been vacant since before the pandemic, described investments made by prior owners, and said the marina brings seasonal visitors who patronize local restaurants and lodging. Neighbors and directly interested businesses at the hearing said they supported the application and said the use would complement surrounding commercial uses rather than displace residences.

Trustees asked about parking and winter operations; the applicants said the site can accommodate “2 to 3” parked vehicles on pavement off the road and noted the driveway provides handicap access to the trail. Board members noted the village’s winter parking ordinance prohibits on‑street parking during snow events, which could affect occupancy for larger groups in winter months. One trustee asked that owners ensure restroom or water access for people using the marina outside rental periods; owners said existing access would remain available.

Board debate reflected differing views on short‑term rental policy. Several trustees said the clubhouse is in a commercial area and the use would activate a currently vacant building; one board member said they supported approval. President Lynn Kardoskee said she would vote no, citing loss of local land‑use control when properties become short‑term rentals and concern that approval could be irrevocable; she was the lone recorded dissenter. The motion passed with the board conditioning approval on completion of any required building improvements and the owner obtaining licensing.

The owners must work with a design professional to complete required building-code work and secure any Brown County and Village short‑term rental licenses before operating the unit. The board record indicates letters of support from the OC, the Terrace at Marina Circle and Greenwood Development were provided to staff and included in the packet.

Votes at the meeting show the ordinance passed with the board recording four votes in favor and one opposed. The ordinance is numbered 01-2-25 in the Village transcript and will be incorporated into the PUD documentation for the southern riverfront.

Clarifying details noted at the hearing include an off‑street parking area that can accommodate about 2–3 cars, the site’s prior vacancy since before the COVID‑19 pandemic, and a referenced recent sale price cited in discussion (reported in the meeting as approximately $838,000). The owners and staff said any short‑term rental operation would need Brown County and village licensing and building‑code compliance before the unit is occupied.

The board’s action does not change any other P public‑use permissions for the parcel; it narrowly amends the PUD overlay to permit the specified transient residential use only.