Strong support for NR 115
tempered by business relief

By Kurt Krueger
News-Review Editor

Legislators heard strong support for the state’s revised shoreland zoning codes at a hearing in Three Lakes last Thursday, but even many proponents suggested relief for business districts in unincorporated areas.

Though Vilas and Oneida counties are worlds apart on zoning these days, even Vilas officials who support NR 115 say extending impervious surface restrictions to 1,000 feet of lakes and 300 feet of rivers and streams will create some big hardships.

The code would restrict hard surfaces that promote stormwater runoff to 15% of the square footage on a lot without mitigation, and up to 30% with mitigation.

Dawn Schmidt, zoning administrator in Vilas, said the change from 300 feet to 1,000 feet for impervious restrictions will create a lot of nonconformity.

“That’s a lot for the counties to swallow. Trying to enforce those limits out to 1,000 feet will pose a great imposition on counties and property owners,” said Schmidt.

She testified that the revised minimum standards mirror 85% to 90% of the county’s existing ordinance.

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