Barksdale could go its own zoning way

Barksdale residents frustrated with what some see as the county’s lengthy and burdensome zoning regulations are trying to create their own zoning department.

Town Chairman John Nyara said residents have complained that they can’t get projects completed during the short Northwoods building season because the county’s process is so drawn out.

“You start applying for permits in March. All of a sudden it’s October and you haven’t gotten the permits,” Nyara said.

The town last year asked residents in a referendum if they wanted to reject Bayfield County zoning, but Nyara believes residents didn’t fully understand what was being asked. So after an informational campaign, the town again is asking residents in an April advisory vote if Barksdale should create its own zoning ordinances and procedures.

“(The vote) doesn’t mean we’re voting one way or the other. It just gives the town board clarification,” Nyara said.

He and others hope the vote at least brings attention to their complaints about the county’s delays.

“I’ve dealt with the county on the basis of zoning (in the past), and I wasn’t really happy,” Nyara said.

He said the town at one point wanted to rebuild it ice-skating rink shelter, and applied for permits to do so. Getting approvals took three or four months, he said.

“When the county (approved) the building in July, I asked them, ‘Why can’t I start building?’ They said I had to have the permit in hand. By the end of August, I still haven’t gotten my permit,” he said.

By the time he finally got the permit and finished constructing the new building, it was already December.

“It shouldn’t have to take that long,” he said.

If the main mission is to get the county’s attention, it may already be mission accomplished. Bayfield County Administrator Mark Abeles Allison said he’s aware of the delays and difficulties and has worked to improve the zoning and permitted process.

“Our main concern this year was a transition in department leadership. We lost two of our most senior individuals. After talking with town officials, we have made great strides over the last couple months,” he said.

He and Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Director Ruth Hulstrom have been listening to Barksdale residents and have tried to address the concerns they raised, Abeles-Allison said. To streamline the zoning process, new software is in the works that will allow the department to use one central system rather than three cobbled-together systems.

Regardless, the referendum remains on the April 2 ballot.

If Barksdale were to go its own way, Nyara isn’t exactly sure how it would work. The town’s comprehensive plan commission could take over zoning ordinances, he said. Commission members would be paid $50 per-meeting, Nyara said. The changes wouldn’t go into effect until 2025.

Even if it created its own zoning rules and department, the town wouldn’t be completely free from county rules regarding zoning involving lakeshores, floodplains, wetlands, sanitary systems and land divisions, he added.