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Sheboygan plan commission conditionally approves membership-only food club at long-vacant downtown building
Summary
The Sheboygan Plan Commission approved allowing a building owner to proceed with a membership-only, crypto-focused food club at a long-vacant downtown site subject to standard staff conditions and required permits, while staff warned that changes of use and any on-site medical or kitchen services will trigger state and local regulatory reviews.
The Sheboygan Plan Commission on Monday voted to allow a building owner to move forward with plans for a membership-only food club in a long-vacant downtown building, subject to the staff conditions listed in the meeting packet and any required permits. The applicant, Sean Offa, said membership fees will start at $500 a year and that the venue will not admit off-the-street patrons.
Offa, who identified himself as the owner of the building, told the commission, “There won't be any public patrons walking into our building. You'll have to buy a membership, which those start at $500 a year.” He described the concept as a private ‘‘crypto-focused’’ food club that would spotlight Wisconsin farmers and host occasional public philanthropic events.
City staff and the City Attorney cautioned that the applicant's plan raises several regulatory issues that must be resolved before the business can open. The City Attorney said, “Gaming is strictly regulated by the state of Wisconsin,” and warned that medical services and other regulated activities will require additional review. Staff clarified that the painted/etched area on the building façade is not a structural sign and that any new signage would require a sign permit. Lanae (staff) explained the fees the applicant received related to an overhanging marquee that encroaches on the public sidewalk, not the painted façade area alone.
Commissioners also discussed building-use and occupancy rules. Planning staff (Elise) confirmed that a property vacant for 12 months or more can lose a prior use and that a change of use typically requires an occupancy permit and inspections of commercial kitchens, HVAC and plumbing. The City Attorney cautioned that constructing or adapting a commercial kitchen will require substantial work and associated inspections.
Commissioner Joe noted that any approval would be conditional: if a motion is made, it would allow the applicant to proceed "subject to all of the staff conditions that are listed in the agenda." The commission moved and seconded an approval; the motion passed with 'aye' votes and one objection recorded. The transcript records the vote as "Aye" with one objection and the chair casting an aye vote; precise numeric tallies were not specified in the meeting record.
Next steps for the applicant include coordinating with staff on required permits (sign permit, occupancy inspections, health/food-service permits if applicable) and returning to staff or the commission if the scope of activities changes. City staff offered to meet with the applicant offline to clarify code requirements, financing options, and the permitting timeline.
The commission proceeded to other items on the agenda after the vote.
