Oneida County panel approves conditional use permits for horticulture retail and vehicle sales

RHINELANDER, Wis. — The Oneida County Planning and Development Committee unanimously approved two conditional use permits on June 10.

The committee granted a permit to Aaron Panke to operate retail sales of horticulture and agricultural items on a vacant parcel in the Town of Crescent after staff read notice and a written report into the record. Planning staff recommended standard conditions including compliance with Oneida County sign regulations, off-street parking requirements, screening for dumpsters, downcast lighting if installed, health department approval for any food or beverage service, required zoning permits for greenhouses or other structures, and limits on outdoor sales to designated areas. The committee amended staff recommendations to allow a portable toilet for the first season and to give the applicant one year to obtain a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) privy permit. The motion to approve the amended permit carried with all members present voting Aye (4-0).

The committee also approved a conditional use permit for NBT Properties LLC, owned by Nick Trapp, to display and sell cars at a developed commercial multi-tenant property at 8714 and 8724 STH 47 in the Town of Minocqua. Staff read town correspondence and noted required conditions including compliance with Oneida County sign and parking rules, no parking in the Highway 47 right-of-way without Wisconsin Department of Transportation approval, submission of a Wisconsin DMV permit, POWTS requirements for associated pet grooming operations, and a prohibition on flea markets under this CUP. The committee added a condition making the permit subject to an existing Conditional Use Permit (CUP #0501577) and the prohibition on flea markets; the motion to approve as amended passed unanimously (4-0).

All first references to county staff and committee members include role titles: Karl Jennrich, Oneida County Planning & Zoning Director, presented both items and Scott Ridderbusch, Land Use Specialist, read the written reports; Chair Scott Holewinski presided over the meeting. Motions to approve both permits were made and seconded by committee members and recorded as unanimous Aye votes.

The committee’s approvals impose conditions intended to ensure zoning compliance, site control of outdoor displays, and necessary health and wastewater approvals before full operation. Where the committee granted a one-year window for a POWTS/privy permit, the approval is explicit: the permit must be obtained within one year of the approval date.