Ward County approves multiple plats and denies special-use permit for wedding venue after fire inspection

The Ward County Commission approved a series of subdivision and outlot plats and denied a special-use permit for an unheated building that applicants proposed to use for weddings. Beth Pietsch, Planning Administrator, presented plats and permits during the Aug. 5, 2025, meeting. The commission approved plats for Travis and Paula Bohl (Lake Life North 4th Addition Lot 1), Marvin Heller (outlot 1, Berthold Twp.), Jeff Moen (outlot 1, Foxholm Twp.), Casey Tompkins (outlot 5, Surrey Twp.), and John Carlson (outlot 29, Rice Lake Twp.) on motions that passed by unanimous roll call. Jerome and Paula Helseth applied for a special-use permit to host seasonal weddings (June–September) in a building on N½SW Sec 12-153-81, Sawyer Township; the Sawyer Fire Department provided a safety report listing a significant number of non-compliant items. The building lacks running water and sewer, is not heated, and the building inspector indicated an occupancy limit of 186. The commission, on a motion by Comm. Olson seconded by Comm. Rostad, denied the Helseths’ special-use permit until the building is brought into compliance with the fire inspection. Planning staff had noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval of plats based on findings of fact and staff recommendations; the Helseth special-use recommendation was conditional pending fire-safety compliance, occupancy determination, and annual reporting of events and insurance. The actions recorded were formal approvals and a denial; the transcript does not show a subsequent appeal or a specific remediation timeline for compliance. Commissioners voting yes on the recorded motions were Comm. Rostad, Comm. Merritt, Comm. Olson, Comm. Schuler, and Chair Fjeldahl.