Winnebago County staff outlines shoreland mapping progress as towns choose zoning options

Planning staff provided the committee with a town-by-town status update on shoreland zoning and mapping after changes to chapter 27. The staff summary listed 11 towns and the pathway each has chosen: some towns are pursuing option 1 (establishing town zoning in shoreland areas) while others have requested the county adopt general zoning for shoreland areas under option 2.

The staff presenter said mapping work is nearly complete and that several towns (Clayton, Poygan, Rushford, Utica, Winneton and others) expect submittals to come to the committee and the County Board in March. "We do anticipate forwarding their submittal to this committee and the county board in March," the presenter said about Clayton; the Town of Poygan was noted as holding a public hearing on an amended ordinance the following Monday.

Committee members raised procedural questions about whether the county could treat one town differently than another. Staff cited Wis. Stat. 59.69(5)(c) and explained that the statute allows a town to choose whether the county's general zoning applies to all or part of the town; staff said effective dates are procedural and that the county had provided letters to towns in December describing options and steps. Staff said any town amendments and maps that reference ordinances must be forwarded to the County Board for adoption.

Members expressed concern about calendar timing and whether all materials would be ready for the March 17 County Board meeting. Staff said they are working with towns to finalize maps and warned that some towns may need extra time; the committee agreed staff should continue outreach and present complete submittals to the committee when ready.

No formal vote was taken on shoreland policy at this meeting; the update was informational and staff will return with formal submittals for towns as they complete the process.