Planning and Zoning Committee approves rezoning at 2151 Highway 13 to allow flea market expansion

The Adams County Planning and Zoning Committee voted to rezone roughly a half-acre of a parcel at 2151 Highway 13 from R-1 single-family residential to B-1 rural business, a change the applicant said would allow expansion of an existing flea market.

Committee staff member Dusty introduced the application, saying the request covers the southeast corner of the property — about the first 150–200 feet from Highway 13 — and that the Town of Adams board had approved the change. Dusty said the Wisconsin Department of Transportation commented that “no new access will be allowed for the remainder of the property.”

The request was scaled back from an earlier proposal that sought rezoning of the whole 27-acre parcel, Dusty said at the meeting. The applicant told the committee the current request focuses on the front corner of the property and that they intend to “clean up the property and continue to have the flea market for the community.”

Neighbors raised concerns about the potential for a salvage or junkyard and about contamination. A resident identified as David, who owns property at 819 West Sherman, told the committee he was worried about fluids from vehicles soaking into the ground and affecting the water supply. Anthony Dixon of 181 West Sherman submitted a written letter opposing a prior request and spoke during the hearing, saying he would prefer the land remain residential to support housing.

Dusty and other committee members clarified that under the county ordinance a salvage yard or junkyard is not a permitted use in B-1 and would require a conditional use permit and additional board review. Dusty said the applicant had previously withdrawn a conditional-use application and narrowed the rezoning area, and he noted that before any building permits could be issued the applicant would have to remedy code violations and remove unlicensed vehicles currently on the property.

Supporters at the hearing said the applicant has begun cleanup and that improving the corner visible from Highway 13 would help the town’s appearance. Roger Bartels, 2165 State Highway 13, told the committee that appearance “says a lot about the town” and described the planned corner cleanup as an improvement.

Randy moved to approve the rezoning; Larry seconded. The committee recorded a roll-call vote in which all named members voted yes. The committee approved the rezoning; Dusty told the group the matter must next appear before the full County Board on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.

The committee also noted the DOT restriction that no new access would be allowed onto the remainder of the property and the Town of Adams’ prior approval of the narrower request. The committee did not approve any conditional uses for salvage or junkyard activity at this meeting.