Board OKs home-based business and sets sign setback for State Road 22 property

The Marquette County Board of Adjustment on July 31 approved a special exception to operate a home-based business at N1727 State Road 22 and imposed conditions on a separate sign setback variance for the same property.

Applicant Michael Fischer requested a special exception under Section 70.26(D)(10) of the Marquette County Code of Ordinances to operate a home-based business at the property. The Chair summarized the application and property video; Fischer answered questions about equipment storage and concerns that dirt or debris might be stored on site. Neighbor Mara Wieners spoke in support; no one spoke against the request. Member Fred Wollenburg abstained from the special-exception vote, citing his connections to Town of Buffalo decision-making. The board approved the special exception 2-0 with one abstention.

Fischer also sought a variance under Section 70.17(B)(1) to place a sign nearer the Class A highway than normally allowed. The applicant confirmed the proposed sign dimensions would be 3 feet by 6 feet. The board discussed sign size and location relative to a tree line near the road. Wollenburg moved to reduce the sign to half the proposed size; that motion received no second and died. Member Lance Achterberg moved that the sign not be placed inside the road right-of-way and be no closer than 40 feet to the road centerline; Chair Mary Walters seconded. The board approved the amended condition 3-0 and recorded that the smaller, setback sign would not impair motorists’ sight lines.

The board’s actions permit Fischer to operate the home-based business under the special-exception conditions and to install a sign so long as it is outside the public right-of-way and set back at least 40 feet from the centerline of the highway. The record shows neighborhood support and no opposing testimony during both hearings.