Elk Mound plan commission approves extraterritorial application, lot rezoning
By Cara L. Dempski
ELK MOUND — The Elk Mound plan commission met last week to approve an extraterritorial certified survey map application and rezoning application.
The July 19 meeting started with discussion of an extraterritorial CSM application from Jackson McMahon, who wants to erect a building addition on land owned by his father, Paul McMahon, west of the village.
Since the lot is within one and one-half miles of Elk Mound’s village limits, the CSM requires approval by both the Town of Elk Mound and the village. The application received unanimous support for recommendation to the village board.
McMahon plans to use the existing shed and addition as a workspace. The land in question occupies approximately 2.5 acres on the western edge of the lot just south of 530th Avenue.
The plan commission then moved on to a discussion regarding rezoning 104 Taylor Street lots 12 and 13 from R1 to R2. Property owner Tim Riley explained his request to the commission.
“The lots are oriented the long way, which gives the impression the front yard runs along South Holly Avenue,” Riley said. “But that’s not the case. The front is actually off Taylor Street.”
The home in question is part of a two-lot parcel with a division line running east to west, which means there is a north lot and a south lot. Part of Riley’s goal was to reorient the lot line to run north and south for east and west lots.
The change would allow potential buyers to build a second dwelling on the property.
“One of the concerns I have as the new owner, is I want to be able to have the zoning that would allow that to happen,” Riley explained.
He went on to say he was not sure how the lots were created, but the two lots could not be created as they exist today due to current dimension requirements stipulated in village ordinance.
The property owner also noted the two lots have been merged already to be taxed as one lot, even though, as Terry Stamm pointed out, the tax bills still read as though lots 12 and 13 are separate.
Village clerk Pat Hahn clarified Riley’s lot is, in fact, one lot, even though it was originally platted in 1877 as two.
Riley said he is simply trying to clean up the zoning on the lot. He purchased the home, which has been empty for nearly 20 years according to his statement during the meeting, with the goal of fixing it up and then reselling it.
Residents of a home on Taylor Street attended the meeting to provide input regarding the rezoning of the space. They seemed in favor of the parcel remaining as it is, saying the home would make a good space for a large family, and offers plenty of lawn for children to play outdoors.
