Zoning committee approves amended CUP to allow up to four short‑term rentals to use private Hayward golf facility

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved an amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 18‑002 that transfers an existing private golf‑facility CUP to new owners WayPro LLC and allows up to four tourist rooming house (TRH) rental properties associated with the owner to use the private golf facility.

The property — previously approved in 2018 for a family practice golf area — was sold and the new owners sought an amendment to allow guests at up to eight rental properties to use the course; the town of Hayward voted to limit that number to four, and the applicant agreed. Zoning staff presented a revised staff report recommending conditions to match the town’s action and to include other safeguards.

The committee’s approval includes these conditions: the CUP will be tied to the current owner (WayPro LLC), access is limited to up to four TRH properties (owner must supply addresses to zoning staff), no public use beyond the approved rentals, hours limited to daylight hours only, compliance with town, county, state and federal laws (including best management practices for golf courses), and installation of a security camera system to monitor numbers on the course. The applicant agreed to the conditions during the hearing.

Staff noted the golf facility currently has three greens and multiple tee boxes configured to operate as a low‑capacity course; the applicant said the facility is designed for small groups (four to six players) and that the club is gated with parking and sanitation arranged for intermittent use. Public comment raised concerns about fertilizer and pesticide use near wells and surface waters; county counsel advised the committee that any health‑based denial would need to be supported by substantial evidence and that state pesticide and water protections apply.

The motion to approve carried on roll call.