Planning commission recommends council approve Waupaca Foundry conditional use permit for offices at 600 Industrial Drive

The City of Waupaca Planning Commission on July 2 recommended the City Council approve a conditional use permit to allow offices at 600 Industrial Drive, a building owned by Waupaca Foundry and leased by Waupaca County while the county courthouse is remodeled.

At a short public hearing before the regular meeting, Ryan Brown, planning and zoning director for Waupaca County, said the courthouse renovation requires temporary office space and the county has leased the former Buyer’s Guide building. "I am in favor of this application," Brown said. He told the commission the county’s Department of Health Services staff and roughly 200 employees will use the space only for the duration of the courthouse project.

Staff told commissioners the property is in an I‑2 heavy industrial zoning district and city code requires a conditional use permit to locate office uses there. The record shows one person testified in favor and no one spoke in opposition. Commissioners noted the tenant was already occupying the building and that safety improvements to the parking and entry had been observed.

Commissioner Henry Velacher moved to recommend approval to the City Council; Justin Behrens seconded. During discussion one commissioner said he had considered abstaining because he works at the foundry; the roll call showed five votes in favor and one abstention. The commission’s recommendation will be scheduled for the next City Council meeting for final action.

The commission’s action is a recommendation only; the City Council has final authority to approve or deny the conditional use permit.