Zoning board approves setback, vision‑triangle variance for Johnson accessory building in Town of Nelson

The Buffalo County Zoning Board of Adjustment on July 10 approved a setback and vision‑triangle variance that will allow Barry and Tiffany Johnson to construct a 40‑by‑70‑foot accessory building on a commercial parcel at S1052 Chippewa Road in the Town of Nelson. The motion passed unanimously.

Board discussion emphasized compliance with Department of Transportation setback requirements and potential safety impacts in the road vision triangle. Zoning staff and board members debated site constraints including drainage, access, and building placement; the board added a condition requiring the applicants to shift the proposed footprint 10 feet south to mitigate sight‑line concerns. No members of the public spoke on this item, and no public comments were recorded in the hearing minutes.

The motion to approve Variance 2026-2 was made by board member Barry Drazkowski and seconded by Randy Schreiner; the minutes record the vote as "all in favor." The approval is subject to the standard zoning staff conditions recorded in the file and the additional southward footprint relocation. The board did not record any separate amendments to the staff conditions in the minutes.

Next steps are administrative: zoning staff will document the conditions and notify the applicants of any plan review or permit steps required before construction. The minutes do not specify an appeal period or timeline for implementation.