Waupaca County Board denies shoreland setback variance for Hahn property

The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 on Sept. 23 to deny a variance request from Bradley W. and Kimberlyn L. Hahn Revocable Trust that would have allowed an existing porch at N1412 West Stratton Road in the Town of Dayton to be enclosed within the shoreland setback.

The petition, for a proposed addition on a 0.35-acre parcel, was the subject of an on-site inspection by the Board and staff Sept. 23. Zoning Clerk Becky Landre read the list of notified parties; applicant Kimberlyn Hahn appeared in person, was sworn, and read a written statement answering the application’s three questions. No in-person testimony was offered in favor or in opposition when the chair called for public comment.

Land Use/Code Enforcement Specialist Candace Bauer read the staff report, which recommended denial. In deliberations the Board applied the standard variance tests. Members said the home can be expanded while meeting setback requirements and found no unique physical property limitations that would prevent compliance. The Board concluded granting the variance would undermine the ordinance’s intent and public interest.

On the motion to deny, moved by P. Leder and seconded by D. Stevenson, the Board voted by roll call: Chair A. Richardson, yes; D. Stevenson, yes; P. Leder, yes; E. Abrahamson, yes; B. Abba, yes. The Board ordered the variance denied. The public hearing was closed at 10:11 a.m.

No letters opposing or supporting the petition were reported at the hearing other than a neighbor letter and correspondence read into the record by the clerk and staff; a Shoreland Zoning Program Coordinator from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also sent a letter that was read into the record. The Board did not identify further follow-up actions at the meeting.