Ordinance Amendment to approve a map amendment (rezoning) of lands in the Town of Sumpter from an Agriculture to a Recreational Commercial Zoning District filed upon Otter Creek Barn LLC, property owner.

Background: Otter Creek Barn LLC owns property in the SW ¼, NE ¼, and SE ¼, NW ¼, Section 15, T10N, R6E, Town of Sumpter, and has requested a map amendment (rezoning) of property legally described pursuant to petition 01-2025 from Agriculture to Recreational Commercial zoning.  The intent of the map amendment (rezoning) is to allow the property owners to redevelop a vacant barn to operate an indoor recreation facility, outdoor recreation facility, and eating establishment with alcohol, liquor, or malt beverages.

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §59.69(5) Sauk County has the authority to develop, adopt, and amend a zoning ordinance.  At a public hearing held by the Land Resources and Extension (LRE) Committee on March 25, 2025; the LRE Committee made findings pursuant to Sauk County Code of Ordinance §7.150(9) and recommended approval of the map amendment.

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §66.1001 Wisconsin Statutes, any program or action of a local governmental unit that affects land use shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan.  The Sauk County Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors in 2009, defines managing and focusing “on efficient land use patterns that promotes redevelopment of under-utilized lands. It sets limits on outward growth, incorporates permanent land preservation techniques, and achieves livable communities.”  Upon evaluation of the request, the Land Resources and Extension Committee found that the rezone request to the Recreational Commercial Zoning District maintains this objective.