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Beaverdam Board of Appeals approves 480‑sq‑ft unit at Beaverdam Country Club in 3–1 vote
Summary
The Town of Beaverdam Board of Appeals voted 3–1 on March 19, 2025, to grant D.E.C.K. Camp, LLC a variance to build a 480‑square‑foot single‑family unit at the Beaverdam Country Club property, below the town's 1,400‑square‑foot minimum; the approval was tied to the unit's use with the club, and opponents warned it could set an undesirable precedent.
The Town of Beaverdam Board of Appeals voted 3–1 on March 19, 2025, to grant D.E.C.K. Camp, LLC permission to construct a 480‑square‑foot single‑family residence at W8884 Sunset Drive, a parcel associated with the Beaverdam Country Club, despite the town's 1,400‑square‑foot minimum for single‑family dwellings.
Applicant representative Dax White said his family acquired the country club last April and has invested in repainting the building, clearing trees, replacing golf carts, restarting fish fries and marketing the clubhouse for weddings. White said the small unit is intended for short‑term stays by visitors — "two to three days maximum" — to allow travelers to stay near the course, not to serve as a permanent residence, and that the scale was chosen to minimize visual impact on neighboring properties.
Several neighbors spoke. Land Use Administrator Dan Prunuske reported the town had mailed 67 notices about the hearing and that fewer than five members of the public attended. Ken Schmidt, who owns adjoining land, said he supported the variance and believes White is acting in the community's interest. By contrast, Planning Commission member Earl Voigt argued the request "goes against the town's ordinance" and warned that granting a variance could encourage others to seek smaller homes.
Board members debated precedent and appearance. Al Mannel and Chairman Howard Bohl said they were sympathetic to the applicant's investment in the course but wanted the board's decision worded to reduce the risk of future similar requests. Liz Kern opposed the variance, emphasizing that the town's ordinances exist to set minimum standards. The board asked whether a caretaker's quarters could be used; Dan Prunuske said caretaker provisions apply to commercial lots and were not an available workaround for this residential zoning.
Dan Prunuske also clarified that the town's golf courses are zoned R1 (residential) and operate under conditional use permits to function as golf courses. Town Board Chairman Joe Kern said he had no major objections but was cautious about the size; Town Supervisor Dean Hughes said he initially opposed the idea but had been swayed by the applicant's presentation.
A motion by Alan (Al) Mannel, seconded by Jesse Hankes, to grant approval for D.E.C.K. Camp, LLC to construct the 480‑square‑foot single‑family residence "in affiliation with the business of the Beaverdam Country Club" passed with Mannel, Hankes and Bohl in favor and Kern opposed (3–1). The board adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Next steps: the approval was recorded by motion on March 19 and the board did not specify additional follow‑up reporting requirements during the meeting.
