The board of adjustment is a key quasi-judicial body responsible for reviewing and deciding on variance requests, special exception requests, and appeals related to the county’s zoning and land use code. The announcement, dated March 13, 2026, highlights opportunities for community members to contribute to fair and balanced enforcement of local regulations in this rural southwestern Wisconsin county.

Vacancies and Terms

The county currently has the following openings:

•  1 regular member vacancy

•  2 alternate member vacancies

All positions carry a three-year term. Alternates participate in hearings when needed (such as when a regular member is absent or has a conflict of interest) and play a vital role in ensuring the board can always achieve a quorum for decisions.

Under Wisconsin Statutes §59.694, which governs county boards of adjustment in counties with populations under 750,000 (Grant County’s population is approximately 52,000 based on recent estimates), board members and alternates must reside in the county but outside incorporated cities or villages. Additionally, no more than one member may reside in the same town. This requirement promotes geographic diversity and prevents over-representation from any single township. Grant County includes numerous towns such as Beetown, Bloomington, Boscobel, Cassville, Castle Rock, Clifton, Ellenboro, Fennimore, Harrison, Hazel Green, Hickory Grove, and others—applicants from these areas are particularly encouraged, provided they meet the one-per-town limit.

Role and Responsibilities

The Board of Adjustment serves as an independent appellate body, separate from the county’s planning and zoning committee. It hears cases where property owners seek relief from strict zoning rules, such as:

•  Variances — Exceptions to dimensional standards (e.g., setbacks, lot sizes) when strict compliance would cause unnecessary hardship due to unique property conditions.

•  Special exceptions — Uses allowed under the ordinance only upon meeting specific criteria.

•  Appeals — Challenges to administrative decisions made by zoning officials.

Decisions must align with state law and county ordinances, balancing property rights with community interests like preserving agricultural land, protecting natural resources, and maintaining orderly development. In a county like Grant, where agriculture, rural residential use, and occasional commercial or industrial proposals are common, these cases often involve nuanced trade-offs—such as allowing a homeowner to build closer to a property line due to topographic constraints or reviewing requests for non-farm structures in farmland preservation zones.

The board typically meets as needed, with activity varying based on application volume. Last year, it convened only twice, reflecting the relatively low frequency of such requests in this area. This makes the commitment manageable for volunteers with other responsibilities.

Compensation and Support

Members receive:

•  Per diem for each meeting attended (specific rate not detailed in the announcement but standard for county boards).

•  Mileage reimbursement for travel to meetings, typically held in Lancaster, the county seat.

These provisions help offset costs for rural residents who may travel significant distances.

Application Process and Eligibility

Interested individuals must reside in one of Grant County’s towns (not in cities like Platteville, Lancaster, Boscobel, Fennimore, or Cuba City, or villages). To apply, submit a letter of interest that includes brief background information, such as relevant experience in land use, community involvement, or professional background (though no specific expertise is required—many members serve as dedicated citizens).

Applications should be sent to either:

•  Conservation, Sanitation & Zoning Department

•  Grant County Human Resources Department

For questions or additional details, contact Keith Lane, CSZ Department Administrator, at (608) 723-6080. Lane oversees the department handling zoning matters and can provide insights into current board activities or expectations.

Selected applicants will be appointed by the Grant County Board, ensuring alignment with broader county governance.

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