Introduction to the 2023-2043 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map Project

 

1. What is a Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map?  It is a roadmap for government officials to follow in the future based on what residents today want the future to look like.

 

2. Why does the Town of Clover need one? All land parcels in the Town are zoned.  Bayfield County by agreement with the Town is the zoning authority.  Land use decisions by Bayfield County for the Town of Clover are to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.  These land use decisions begin with a property owner seeking a Special Use or Conditional Use Permit to change the current use of the land in a way that is regulated by the zoning code.  Common examples are opening a business in a non-commercial area, operating a short-term rental, having an RV on undeveloped property, and building a residence on certain agricultural and forestry zoned acreage.  Less common examples might include opening a dog kennel, a game farm, or opening a storage facility in a non-commercial area.

 

Zoning changes are relatively rare and must be consistent with the Future Land Use Map.

 

3. What does a Comprehensive Plan Cover?  Just about everything.  Our Plan will focus on our Coastal Resources—12 miles of shoreline, the Bark Bay Slough, the boat launch, and the Bark and Cranberry Rivers.  Whether the Town supports or discourages short-term rentals will be in the Plan, for example, as well.

 

4. Who enforces the Plan?  As mentioned earlier, the County handles zoning decisions for the Town.  However, public opinion is important, and in controversy, the residents enforce the Plan through expression of support for what the Plan says.

 

5. Who writes and approves the Plan? That is why there is an introductory meeting on July 23.  Anyone can participate in writing the Plan by expressing opinions, providing facts, and arguing for a particular point of view.  The volunteers of the Plan Committee will write the Plan.  The appointed Plan Commission is responsible for submitting the Plan to the Town Board of Supervisors.  The Plan is put in force by means of a Town ordinance.

 

6. How can I participate? Complete a “volunteer” form available on July 23 or contact any member of the Town Plan Commission.

 

July 2022