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Committee approves sawmill conditional‑use permit with limits after town objections
Summary
Saint Croix County approved a conditional‑use permit for a sawmill at 3105 50th Avenue in the town of Katy after adding conditions on permitting, truck trips, hours, sawdust containment, screening and periodic review; town supervisors had urged denial over past noncompliance.
The Community Development Committee approved, Oct. 16, a conditional‑use permit allowing a sawmill operation at 3105 50th Avenue in the town of Katy, subject to multiple conditions intended to limit impacts and ensure regulatory compliance.
Staff described the proposed use as forest products processing (dry processes such as sawing) and noted the use is listed in the county’s use table as allowable by CUP in the R‑1, AG and certain industrial districts. Town of Katy officials and residents urged denial, citing prior noncompliance with permits and court orders and concerns about road weight limits and truck impacts. Tom Jim Mickle and Bob Connerman, town supervisors, said the town had litigated past violations and wanted stronger assurances.
County staff reported recent progress: applicants and community elders met with county staff, two sanitary permit applications were submitted and applicants indicated willingness to comply with conditions. The committee required conditions including securing all necessary local, state and federal permits before operations begin; limiting truck trips (the decision included a numerical cap in findings); hours of operation and a maximum of three operating days per week; measures to contain or manage sawdust (sheds or chopper boxes); annual fire inspection; screening for inventory areas; prohibitions on loading/unloading on town roads; and a two‑year reevaluation option.
After committee discussion and amendment of conditions, members moved to approve CUP 2025‑0035; the motion carried and staff will confirm compliance with building and sanitary requirements before any sawing begins.
