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Commission offers conceptual support for Honey Root Haven wellness care farm, outlines zoning conditions
Summary
The commission gave conceptual direction to Rebecca Bissing for a proposed Honey Root Haven care farm on Racine Avenue, noting home-occupation limits (20% floor-area rule), restrictions on nonresident employees and animals, and the need to keep the site’s appearance agricultural rather than commercial. Staff and commissioners said a conditional-use/waiver package and specific operational details must return for formal approval.
The Muskego Plan Commission on Aug. 4 provided conceptual guidance to a petitioner seeking to operate Honey Root Haven, a care farm combining residential, small-scale farming and therapeutic client visits by appointment.
Planner/staff (S5) described the application as a "very unique use" and explained multiple zoning constraints: home-occupation rules limit nonresidents to one employee, a home-occupation ordinarily may occupy no more than 20% of assessed floor area, customers are not normally expected to come to a residence, and certain waivers (conditional-use grants) would be required for activities outside standard residential allowances. Staff listed other items that would need explicit conditions if the use proceeds, including parking, roadside-stand sales if products are sold, operation of farm machinery, signage and animal count limits.
Petitioner Rebecca Bissing (S1) introduced herself and described operating two special-needs clinics in Appleton under the name Innovative Growth and her intent to move back to Muskego to run a small care-farm, living on site and taking "1 to 2 clients" per day by appointment. She asked for guidance because she has an offer to purchase property and does not want to proceed without assurance the city would be amenable. Bissing said, "I'm a rule follower. That's why I'm here." Commissioners broadly expressed sympathy for the concept and signaled they were willing to give a conceptual go-ahead while emphasizing the city wants the use to read as agricultural rather than commercial.
Commissioners also warned that conditional-use waivers are not guaranteed and could be limited if surrounding development changes the rural character of the area. Staff and commissioners asked the petitioner to return with more specific operational details (animal counts, exact acreage, parking arrangements and a draft management plan) so staff can draft the formal conditional-use application and any required waivers.
Action: Provide conceptual support and direction for a conditional-use/home-occupation waiver package; staff to work with petitioner on specifics for formal application.
