County denies accessory-structure conditional use after town denial; applicant said he lacked notice

The Sawyer County Zoning Committee voted Oct. 18 to deny conditional use permit 24-18, an after-the-fact request to allow a 165-square-foot accessory structure placed on a trailer frame on vacant land, citing substantial evidence requirements and a prior town denial.

Town of Bass Lake minutes and findings — read into the record by staff — concluded the structure did not qualify for conditional use, was nonconforming because of size, risked negative impacts to surrounding residential development and did not comply with town or county ordinances. The town’s action was a central factor in the county discussion.

Applicant Robert Miles told the committee he had not been at the town meeting, said he did not receive the notice and explained he placed the structure on a steel trailer believing it to be a mobile unit. Staff and County counsel advised that without town approval the county’s approval would not produce the necessary local authorizations and recommended that the applicant consult the town about reconsideration options.

After a roll-call discussion about whether the county had substantial evidence to deny or approve, Miss Wilson moved to deny the application using the town’s stated findings as basis. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

Staff explained the enforcement path if the structure remains and the applicant does not build a principal dwelling within three years: an order for correction, removal deadlines and potential forfeitures if a court upholds the county’s order.