JC Satellite Shop

REQUESTED ACTION: Annexation Approval

BACKGROUND: The petitioner has submitted to the City a unanimous petition for direct annexation of 3.619 acres on the City’s north side. This undeveloped parcel of land is located north of the Interstate and south of Oasis Lane in the Town of Lake Mills immediately East of Topel Truck Center. The proposed annexation area abuts the City municipal boundary line on its western, nonrthern and eastern sides.

The property is within the City’s Sanitary Sewer Service Area and has municipal sewer available. The property is also within the City’s Urban Service Area, meaning that all development is eligible to receive the full range of services provided by the City.

The City of Lake Mills Comprehensive Plan (2008) notes that the City has extraterritorial zoning of the site as “Planned Business” and recommends that upon annexation the area is appropriate for “Planned Business” use. The Comprehensive Plan also states that the City will direct intensive commercial and industrial uses to locations near existing and planned arterial roads such as the Interstate Highway 94 corridor, the STH 89 corridor north of Interstate Highway 94, Tyranena Road, and CP Avenue; allow new uses in this future land use category only if annexed to the City and connected to City Sanitary Sewer, Water and other utilities; and the City will provide appropriate sites for additional commercial and industrial development near Interstate 94 and other major transportation corridors that maximize the benefit of the City’s location within the region and minimize the impact of traffic and other externalities on residential and natural resource areas of the community in accordance with recommendations of this Plan.

The County is proposing to construct a satellite shop to house trucks and miscellaneous equipment. The property is vacant currently located in the Town of Lake Mills. “Public Services” are permitted by Conditional Use in the Planned Business (PB) District. It appears that the parcel in question is suitable to land uses permitted in the PB District, as requested by the petitioner. The conditional use to allow the public services use and operations is consistent with the adjacent uses. There are a few areas that need additional information or clarification related to the site plans, but the project seems to meet approval criteria.

The State Office of Municipal Boundary Review is currently reviewing to determine if the proposed annexation is not against the public interest.

If the landowner does not request permanent zoning, the temporary zoning will remain the City’s equivalent of the underlying ETZ zoning district. The petition for permanent zoning must meet the required procedures for application, review and public notice as established by state law and local ordinances.

Staff recommends approval of the requested annexation.