Oneida County panel approves conditional use permit for contractor storage yard in Cassian

The Oneida County Planning and Development Committee unanimously approved a conditional use permit on Feb. 18 allowing applicant and proposed owner Josh Hunt to operate a contractor storage yard and professional roofing and chimney materials business at 4243 Back Country Road in the Town of Cassian.

Planning Director Karl Jennrich and Land Use Specialist Scott Ridderbusch presented the application, noting that public notice was posted on the Oneida County bulletin board on Jan. 29, 2026 and published in the Northwoods River News on Feb. 3 and Feb. 10; a proof of publication, an affidavit of mailing, and a mailing list are in the file. Staff recommended seven conditions if the committee finds the applicant meets the permit requirements, including limits on use, sign and parking compliance with county ordinances, downcast shielding for any lighting, screened dumpsters, required permits for construction, and designated outdoor storage areas per the site plan.

Vice Chair Dan Hess opened the public portion of the hearing; the applicant, Josh Hunt, spoke. The record also contains one written public comment and correspondence from the Town of Cassian. After discussion the committee approved "Item #6 on today’s agenda with the conditions as listed" on a motion by Bob Almekinder, seconded by Mitchell Ives. The minutes record that "with all members present voting 'Aye,' the motion carried."

The approved conditions require the nature and extent of the use to remain as described in the application, compliance with Oneida County sign and off-street parking regulations, shielding for any lighting, screening of waste containers, required town/county/state permits for any construction (and state-approved plans if applicable), and limiting outdoor storage to the areas shown on the submitted site plan. The record indicates staff will proceed with permit issuance consistent with those conditions.

The committee also recorded public comments by Eric Rempala, Steve Zunker and Eric Borchardt; the meeting minutes note their participation but do not include verbatim remarks in the file. The committee adjourned at 1:53 p.m.