Bayfield County Zoning Code Update

Bayfield County has hired the consultant HKGi to carry out an update to its current zoning and land division codes. This modernization will involve reorganizing the contents to establish a user-friendly format that utilizes tables, graphics, and clear and concise language to make reading and understanding the code easier. The rewrite will ensure that code language is consistent throughout the document to eliminate conflicts and confusion that have arisen over the decades.

It will also focus on efforts to streamline permitting processes, reducing time for permit issuance and allowing staff to provide efficient and timely responses to applications in compliance and coordination with the County Board of Supervisors.

The need for more housing options will be addressed through changes in regulations that result in increased flexibility and density allowances.

Finally, the code should be supportive of development that incorporates sustainable and resilient design and construction.

Please help inform the early stages of this project by taking a few minutes to answer any or all of the questions below.

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* 1. Are there specific zoning topics or policies you would like to see discussed as part of the code modernization project?

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* 2. What would you like to see or promote in terms of development in Bayfield County over the next 10 years? How do you feel that should be facilitated or supported?

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* 3. What parts of the zoning or land division codes do you come into contact with most often? In what capacity?

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* 4. What concerns do you have about the zoning code as it relates to building and development in Bayfield County?

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* 5. In terms of coordination between towns and the county regarding permit applications for development, what is currently working well?

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* 6. What aspects of the relationship between towns and the county need to be improved?

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* 7. if you have concerns about permit timelines, please check any of the following that you support to expedite permit issuance:

Allow for more administrative permit review only, with minimum zoning standards, versus special and conditional permit review.

Utilize easily understandable language so the public does not have to rely on and wait for staff interpretation.

Other (please specify).

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* 8. What role should the zoning code play in promoting consistency between the county's Comprehensive Plan and the plans created by the towns?

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* 9. Reducing barriers to housing development in order to increase housing options in the county is a goal of the code rewrite. Please check any of the following zoning regulation changes that you support to increase housing supply;

Second residence or accessory dwelling unit approval through administrative review only, with minimum zoning standards.

Reduced lot sizes.

Reduced open space requirements for multiple family and duplex developments.

Updated zoning district map and rezoned tracts of land to allow for residential development if the future land use map supports it.

Creation of a mixed use zoning district that allows residential use approval through administrative review only, with minimum zoning standards.

Other (please specify).

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* 10. In what ways could the zoning code better support sustainable and resilient development?

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* 11. Is there anything else you want to share about this project as it gets underway?

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* 12. If you would like to be able to be reached if there are follow-up questions about your responses, please provide your email:

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* 13. Which of the options below best describe your relationship with the zoning code?

Builder/developer

Realtor

Surveyor

Attorney

County Board district supervisor

Planning and Zoning Committee member

County staff

Town representative

Other (please specify).