Planning panel approves Martinez family request to keep two horses despite neighbor objections
June 03, 2026 | Adams County, Wisconsin
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Adams County Planning and Zoning Committee on a June agenda approved a conditional-use request to allow up to two horses at 779 County Road Z in the Town of Monroe, resolving a neighborhood objection but adding no special conditions.
Dusty, planning staff, introduced the Martinez application under section 40534(C) of the county zoning ordinance and described the parcel and materials the applicants submitted. Staff also reported that the Adams County Highway Department had no concerns and that the Town of Monroe did not object.
William Stefani, a nearby resident who identified himself as living at 783 County Road Z, sent correspondence and objected, saying smaller parcels historically could not host horses. “It’s supposed to be 5 acres or more,” Stefani wrote, adding concerns about property values, animals and ongoing noise from dogs. He identified himself as a longtime taxpayer and described his family’s ownership dating to the 1960s.
Applicant Samantha Martinez, who identified herself as the adjacent resident and co-owner, answered committee questions and said the family had already removed a mistakenly acquired rooster, would keep chickens secured and had sited animals away from property lines. “We are doing what we can to keep them quiet,” Martinez said, and offered to keep poultry locked up if necessary.
A motion to approve the conditional-use was made by committee member Chuck and seconded by committee member Larry. The committee conducted a roll-call vote and approved the request; staff announced the application was granted and the applicants thanked the committee.
Why it matters: The decision allows a household in Monroe to keep horses on a parcel smaller than some neighbors expect, a point that drew local opposition. The committee’s action relied in part on local town nonobjection and routine agency checks rather than conditions imposed by the county panel. The committee did not specify additional monitoring requirements at the hearing.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the Martinez applicants were granted the permit by the panel.
Dusty, planning staff, introduced the Martinez application under section 40534(C) of the county zoning ordinance and described the parcel and materials the applicants submitted. Staff also reported that the Adams County Highway Department had no concerns and that the Town of Monroe did not object.
William Stefani, a nearby resident who identified himself as living at 783 County Road Z, sent correspondence and objected, saying smaller parcels historically could not host horses. “It’s supposed to be 5 acres or more,” Stefani wrote, adding concerns about property values, animals and ongoing noise from dogs. He identified himself as a longtime taxpayer and described his family’s ownership dating to the 1960s.
Applicant Samantha Martinez, who identified herself as the adjacent resident and co-owner, answered committee questions and said the family had already removed a mistakenly acquired rooster, would keep chickens secured and had sited animals away from property lines. “We are doing what we can to keep them quiet,” Martinez said, and offered to keep poultry locked up if necessary.
A motion to approve the conditional-use was made by committee member Chuck and seconded by committee member Larry. The committee conducted a roll-call vote and approved the request; staff announced the application was granted and the applicants thanked the committee.
Why it matters: The decision allows a household in Monroe to keep horses on a parcel smaller than some neighbors expect, a point that drew local opposition. The committee’s action relied in part on local town nonobjection and routine agency checks rather than conditions imposed by the county panel. The committee did not specify additional monitoring requirements at the hearing.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the Martinez applicants were granted the permit by the panel.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
