Sawyer County zoning committee readies solar-energy ordinance; board approves rezoning 26-006 in Round Lake

Sawyer County zoning staff told the county board April 21 that a proposed solar-energy ordinance addressing utility-scale solar facilities will return to the board next month and asked supervisors to review the draft as soon as it is circulated.

Jay Kuzowski, Sawyer County zoning and conservation administrator, said the draft does not regulate accessory or residential systems under about 50 kilowatts (roughly fewer than 25 panels) and is focused on larger arrays intended primarily for energy generation. He told supervisors that the draft had undergone multiple revisions, had achieved more than 50% town approval, and that if the board does not adopt the ordinance next month the county may need to extend a current moratorium on new facilities.

Separately, the board approved rezoning application 26-006 from James Sukup and Sydney Rickheim in the Town of Round Lake. Staff reported the 5.28-acre parcel would have approximately 3.49 acres rezoned from Agricultural One to Residential Recreational One (RR1) so the owner may pursue different lot-split configurations. The zoning committee recommended the rezoning 5–0; the board approved the motion.

Kuzowski urged supervisors to read the ordinance draft when it arrives and to send town-specific feedback if wording raises questions; he emphasized one town that opposed the draft provided no suggested language changes, complicating staff efforts to incorporate targeted edits.

The zoning committee also noted it has a pending conditional use permit and additional reszone applications that may come before the board in future months.