Sawyer County zoning committee approves conditional-use permit for Sand Lake tiki bar, 4–1

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted 4–1 to approve conditional use permit 24-15 for a proposed tiki-bar restaurant on Sand Lake, allowing owner-applicant Paige Heath to develop the waterfront site under a package of conditions intended to limit noise, nighttime lighting and capacity.

The committee approved the permit after staff described required setbacks and regulatory requirements and after more than a dozen residents spoke both for and against the project. The permit includes staff-recommended conditions read into the record: hours of operation limited to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday; seating capacity capped at 75 people; downward-facing, low-intensity exterior lighting; noise buffering measures (soundproofing/insulation and screening or fencing subject to shoreline setback rules); and a requirement that the permit be tied to the current owner so a new owner would need to reapply for a conditional use permit.

Paige Heath, who told the committee she plans to call the business "Rendevu," described the concept as a quiet, family-oriented lakeside spot. "It's not a party bar at all — it's accommodating all of the lake association," Heath said, adding she planned limited live music ("a one-man guitar artist"), inward-facing speakers and biodegradable serviceware. Heath told the committee she is buying the adjacent parcel to resolve parking and easement issues and said she will pursue required liquor and food-service licensing.

Opponents, concentrated in the immediate Rendevu Road neighborhood, raised concerns about late notice, traffic safety on the narrow Rendevu approach off busy state highways, increased boat and dock congestion, liability for private property owners, and septic capacity. "This is the first we have had knowledge of this — if this is approved we will not be buying that property," said Cindy Le (speaking with Scott Crosby), who told the committee she learned of the proposal the morning of closing on a nearby purchase and worried about property-value impacts. Neighbors also asked for clear plans for parking, dock slips and the wastewater system.

Staff and legal counsel told the committee that public-notice procedures were followed under county ordinance and state publication rules but acknowledged a communication gap between county mailings (which are sent to current property owners) and buyers who may not have yet been formally listed on title. Staff also confirmed that dock construction or wetland alterations would require separate DNR approvals.

Committee members repeatedly noted they were weighing neighborhood impacts against the county code allowance for recreation-oriented uses in the RR1 zone. Legal counsel advised the committee to place the staff conditions into the record and confirm applicant agreement before final vote; Heath indicated she accepted the listed conditions. The motion to approve — made and seconded with the conditions read into the record — carried on roll call, with four members voting in favor and one dissent.

The permit approval includes a requirement that the applicant comply with all applicable town, county, state and federal laws, and staff indicated additional, site-specific conditions (e.g., parking entirely on the property unless the town grants road parking, DNR dock approvals, stormwater and impervious-surface compliance) will be enforced through permit review and follow-up checks. The committee recorded the approval and instructed staff to incorporate the conditions into the formal decision document.