Board denies shoreline retaining-wall variance at W 5715 Park Drive

The Walworth County Board of Adjustment voted Aug. 13 to deny a variance requested by Roman and Vassal Voccek to place a retaining wall 26.7 feet from the ordinary high-water mark at W 5715 Park Drive; the ordinance requires a 75-foot setback.

Staff presented the petition and noted the Department of Natural Resources had opposed the variance in a letter. Board members reviewed engineering and landscape letters submitted by the applicants and debated whether the steep slope and soil conditions constituted a unique property limitation that would justify an exception. "According to the DNR letter, they said no to this variance," a board member said; another added that the retaining wall had not been permitted and "they just sort of did it."

Several board members characterized the issue as at least partly self-created because the boathouse itself had been permitted while the retaining wall had not been, and they questioned whether alternative construction (raising back walls, additional structure) could have reduced the need for the variance. After discussion the board made and seconded a motion to deny the variance and the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

The denial record at the hearing cites lack of uniqueness across neighboring lots and limited public-harm concerns, with staff noting that vegetation and later stabilization measures could address erosion risks.