Zoning agency forwards shoreland and floodplain ordinance amendments to County Board; one supervisor objects

The Walworth County Zoning Agency voted to forward three interrelated ordinance amendments — including updates to shoreland and floodplain provisions — to the County Board for final action.

A staff presentation and packet materials described the three items as interwoven; one change incorporates language related to 2019 Wisconsin Act 175 intended to increase flexibility for certain floodplain structures that meet flood protection elevations. A motion to forward items 1–3 passed on a voice vote; Joanne Lauffenberg stated she would vote no and explained she had researched statutory origins and had concerns some provisions could be challenged as unconstitutional if litigated.

Staff said codification and renumbering will follow the county codifier’s quarterly schedule and that a printed ordinance book will be produced after codification is complete. Supervisors were told that changes are largely organizational (numbering) with some targeted regulatory language and that the amendments aim to clarify and align county ordinances with state statutes and recent legislative changes.