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Waupaca County board approves driveway variance for Morgan McDonald
Summary
The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing Morgan McDonald to expand a driveway within a vegetative buffer and shoreland setback on property in the Town of Mukwa, citing emergency-access considerations and unique site limitations despite staff recommendation to deny.
The Waupaca County Board of Adjustment voted July 24, 2025, to approve a variance that lets Morgan McDonald expand a driveway within the vegetative buffer and shoreland setback along Ostrander Road in the Town of Mukwa.
Chair A. Richardson opened the hearing at 9:33 a.m. and applicants and neighbors testified. Morgan McDonald, the property owner, read his responses to the three variance criteria and submitted a letter from the New London Fire Department fire chief in support. Candace Bauer, Land Use/Code Enforcement Specialist, read the staff report recommending denial and answered board questions about the on-site inspection.
The board applied the three statutory variance tests. On the unnecessary-hardship test, the board recorded divided views. On the unique-physical-limitations test, the board found that access to the property requires crossing a ditch and that straightening the driveway would address safety concerns; the board described those site access factors as unique property limitations. The board also concluded the proposed change would not harm public interests or the spirit of the shoreland regulations.
B. Abba moved to approve the variance; Vice-Chair G. Marx seconded. The board’s final roll-call vote on the variance order was A. Richardson yes; G. Marx yes; P. Leder yes; M. Strebe yes; B. Abba yes.
The board closed the public hearing at 10:59 a.m. and recorded the approval as an order on the basis of the findings of fact and conclusions of law on the record.
