Plan Commission forwards 780 Bowling Lane subdivision and two zoning ordinances to council

The Waupaca Plan Commission, meeting with Commissioner Henry Velacher presiding in Mayor Brian Smith’s absence, voted unanimously to recommend city council approval of a certified survey map dividing 780 Bowling Lane into two lots and to forward two proposed ordinances for council review.

Planning staff told the commission the split would leave Lot 1 as a 2.0629-acre parcel that contains the Waupaca Small Animal clinic and create a vacant Lot 2 intended for future sale or development. Staff said Lot 2 does not currently meet B5 or I1 district dimensional standards and that a separate rezoning application to R3 (multifamily residential) is pending before the plan commission in June. Staff also flagged that utilities are not currently available at the site; the clinic uses a private well and septic system.

Owner Brandon Trebatowski told the commission county GIS and tax records listed the parcel at 24.89 acres while a recent survey measured 14.947 acres, and asked the commission to note that discrepancy before the council considers the matter. After discussion and confirmation from staff that the commission’s role was to forward a recommendation, a motion to recommend the certified survey map passed by unanimous voice vote.

On two ordinance items, planning staff presented a proposal (O5-26-2026) to amend the building and zoning code to exempt small prefabricated residential sheds up to 150 square feet from residential building permits while retaining required zoning checks and allowing the residential building inspector to grant waivers. Staff said the threshold reflects practices observed in comparable communities. Commissioners asked about the waiver process and the basis for the 150-square-foot threshold; staff said local practices ranged from 50 to 200 square feet and 150 was chosen as a middle ground. The commission voted to recommend the ordinance to council.

The commission also recommended forwarding O6-26, an amendment that renames the undefined “indoor maintenance and service” category to “consumer maintenance and repair service,” provides a corresponding definition for clarity, and creates a use category to allow construction-related businesses in selected districts (including the B6 Interchange zone and industrial districts). Commissioners discussed mixed-use examples and existing allowances for upper-floor residential; after a motion and second the commission voted unanimously to forward the ordinance to council.

All three items will now be scheduled for council public hearings or further council consideration; the commission recorded its recommendations and closed the items.