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Stifled in Waupaca

I am pastor Radiant Fellowship church in Waupaca. Recently we put in a radio controlled car/truck (RC) track in our yard. This would be free to the community and provide a place for adults and kids to run their electric cars and trucks. Our project consisted of a taking up some grass to reveal dirt and adding a couple of mounds of dirt for jumps and turns. Again, this was done on our own church property.

On April 30, 2021 a “notice of potential violation of zoning code” was issued to the church. Long story short, we would have to apply for a conditional land usage permit. Because the track was already in, the permit fees would be doubled per the city of Waupaca zoning administrator. This endeavor to provide a safe place for RC enthusiasts to use their electric cars would now set us back $1,000.

After speaking with the city administrator, it was agreed that we could send in just $350. I would have to appear at the July city council meeting as well to discuss this in a public setting. This would be done so the immediate neighbors could weigh in on the topic due to the fact a neighbor complained about it. We complied and got the permit turned in along with the fee.

Fast forward to June 17 when I received another email from our zoning administrator. There were a few points I needed to add to the permit application. However, now I was being told…

“In addition to the Conditional Use Permit, a Site Plan Permit will be required. I have attached the Application for Site Plan Review-Residential to this email. You need not submit the site plan application at this time. However, final approval of any Conditional Use Permit will be contingent upon approval of the site plan.

“Finally, please be advised under Chapter 17.810(4) of the zoning ordinance, application fees are doubled ‘if the work, use, or activity is commenced prior to the issuance of a permit required under this Chapter.’ This will apply to the Application for Conditional Use Permit and Application for Site Plan Review.”

Keep in mind a short time earlier the city developer said we could just send in the $350. Sadly, this all has been too much for us to spend our resources on especially since we were told we would have to hire a land surveyor. The reason for this per our zoning administrator was “A Plat of Survey prepared by a registered land surveyor showing all of the information required under Chapter 236 Wis. Stats., the mean and historic high water lines and floodlands on or within 40 feet of the subject premises and existing structures, paving, and landscaping.”

Seems like an awful lot of work for a simple dirt track for people to play with their RC cars on. I am not surprised though by this. Two years ago we replaced the artwork on our sign to give it a fresh look. We did nothing to the structure just replaced the faded art and we were fined $100 for that. It’s hard not to feel stifled in Waupaca.

The concerned neighbor and our city officials can rest at ease though. No longer will this race track presence offend anyone. As you drive by please enjoy your view free from the sound of children/families playing and laughing together. They are safely back inside now, watching television or being on their devices. Enjoy the unobstructed view of our church backyard. We will try to keep it up to code.

Bob Adams
Lead Pastor of Radiant Fellowship

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