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Board of Appeals approves variance for Moss shed near Highway 48 amid safety and tree‑loss concerns
Summary
The Sawyer County Board of Appeals approved an after‑the‑fact variance for Bradley Moss’s shed—sited about 69.5 feet from the center line of State Highway 48—by a 4–1 vote after hearing testimony about site constraints, turning radius needs and tree preservation.
The Sawyer County Board of Appeals voted 4–1 to approve an after‑the‑fact variance allowing a 12.5 by 24 foot metal shed to remain about 69.5 feet from the center line of State Highway 48.
Bradley Moss, who identified himself as the property owner, told the board he uses an easement across a neighbor’s driveway to avoid backing onto the highway and said moving the shed would require removing ‘‘very large trees’’ that are an asset to the property. ‘‘I drove semi for 35 years,’’ Moss said when explaining why he needs the current turning radius to safely bring trailers onto his lot.
Staff said an April 29 on‑site inspection and a prior citation prompted the variance request; the court stayed citation proceedings pending the board decision. Staff also told the board the lot has very limited buildable area because of overlapping setbacks to the highway, rear lot line, sewer systems and wetlands. The board discussed alternatives—moving the shed, swapping trailer parking spots—and whether granting an after‑the‑fact variance would set a precedent for future property owners.
A motion to approve the application ‘‘as presented’’ was made and seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff instructed the Mosses to visit the zoning office to obtain the necessary permit and said the county’s corporation counsel would confer about the outstanding citation and next steps.
