TOWN-COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
COUNTY OF WINNEBAGO, WISCONSIN*
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 6, 1979
AMENDED April 2005
*A Comprehensive revision of the following County ordinances:
Zoning Ordinance, as amended 9/4/70
Shoreland Ordinance, dated 7/24/68
Airport Zoning Ordinance, dated 7/20/76
Prepared under the jurisdiction of the Winnebago County Planning and Zoning Committee.
Prepared by Winnebago County Planning Office
Jerry L. Bougie, County Planner
Robert E. Braun, Zoning Administrator
WINNEBAGO COUNTY
TOWN/COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
INDEX
BASIC ZONING ORDINANCE Page
Section 17.01 - INTRODUCTION
(1) Authority...... ……………………………………………… 1
(2) Purpose...... ……………………………………………. 1
(3) Intent...... ………………………………………………. 1
(4) Abrogation and Greater Restrictions...... ………………………………… 1
(5) Interpretation...... …………………………………………… . 1
(6) Severability and Nonliability...... ……………………………………… 1
(7) Repeal and Effective Date...... …………………………………….. 1
(8) Maps...... … 2 (9) Title...... ………………………………………………... 2
Section 17.02 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
(1) Jurisdiction...... ……………………………………………. 3
(2) Compliance...... …………………………………………. 3
(3) Zoning Permit...... ………………………………………… 4
(4) Certificate of Compliance...... ……………………………………. 6
(5) Site Restrictions...... ………………………………………… 6
(6) Surface Water Drainage...... …………………………………… 7
(7) Use Restrictions...... ………………………………………. 10
(8) Sanitary Regulations...... ……………………………………… 12
(9) Reduction or Joint Use...... …………………………………….. 12 (10) Violations...... …………………………………………… 12
(11) Penalties...... ……………………………………………. 13
(12) Fees...... …………………………………………….. 14
Section 17.03 - ZONING DISTRICTS
(1) Residential District Interpretation...... ………………………………….. 15
(2) Residential Conditional Uses...... …………………………………. 15
(3) Residential Accessory Uses...... …………………………………. 15
(4) Business Districts Interpretation...... ………………………………….. 18
(5) Business Conditional Uses...... …………………………………. 18
(6) Business Accessory Uses...... …………………………………. 19
(7) Public and Semi-Public District Interpretation…………………………… 20
(8) Agricultural Districts Interpretation...... ………………………………….. 20
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(9) Agricultural Conditional Uses...... …………………………………. 20
(10) Agricultural Accessory Uses...... ………………………………… 21
(11) Industrial Districts Interpretation...... ………………………………….. 21
(12) Industrial Conditional Uses...... …………………………………… 22
(13) Industrial Accessory Use...... ………………………………….. 22
(14) Flood Plain-Shoreland Districts...... ………………………………… 23
(15) Warning and Disclaimer of Liability...... ……………………………….. 23
(16) Airport Zoning Area...... ……………………………………… 23 (17) Warning and Disclaimer of Liability...... ……………………………….. 23
Section 17.04 - R-1 RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
(Nonsubdivided)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………… 25 (2) Principal Uses...... ………………………………………... 25
(3) Basic District Standards...... ……………………………………. 25
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………… 25
(5) Accessory Uses...... ……………………………………... 26
Section 17.05 - R-2 SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
(SUBDIVIDED)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………… 27
(2) Principal Uses...... ………………………………………… 27
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………… 27
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………… 27
Section 17.06 - R-3 TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………… 30
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………….. 30
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………… 30
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………… 30
Section 17.07 - R-4 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………….. 31
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 31
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 31
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 31
Section 17.08 - R-5 PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (SEWERED)
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………… 32
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 32
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(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………. 32
(4) Approval...... ……………………………………….. 32
(5) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 34
Section 17.09 - MH-1 MOBILE HOME DISTRICT (Subdivided,
sewered or unsewered)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 35
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 35
(3) Special Mobile Home Provisions...... …………………………….. 35
(4) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 35
Section 17.10 - G-1 GARAGE LOT DISTRICT (Floating)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 37
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 37
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 37
(4) Approval of Building Site and Operational Plans.……………………….. 38
Section 17.11 - B-1 LOCAL SERVICE DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………….. 39
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 39
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………. 39
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 40
Section 17.12 - B-2 COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 41
(2) Principal Uses...... ………………………………………. 41
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 42
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 42
(5) Approval of Building, Site and Operational Plans.………………………. 42
Section 17.13 - B-3 GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 44
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 44
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 45
(4) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 45
(5) Approval of Building Site and Operational Plans..………………………. 46
(6) Adult Entertainment Overlay District (AEO)...... ………………………… 47
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Section 17.13-A - B-4 BUSINESS PARK DISTRICT (SEWERED ONLY)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 53
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 53
(3) Accessory Uses...... …………………………………… 53
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 57
(5) General Regulations...... ………………………………….. 57 (6) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 58 (7) Basis For Approval...... …………………………………… 60
Section 17.13-B - B-5 PLANNED COMMERCIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
(SEWERED ONLY)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 62
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 62
(3) Application...... ……………………………………….. 62
(4) Accessory Uses...... ……………………………………. 63 (5) Landscaping...... ……………………………………… 67
(6) Review and Approval...... …………………………………. 67
(7) Expiration Plans...... …………………………………….. 67
(8) Approval of Building, Site and Operation Use.....……………………….. 68
(9) General Regulations...... …………………………………... 68
(10) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 68
(11) Basis for Approval...... …………………………………….. 70
Section 17.14- P-1 INSTITUTIONAL & RECREATIONAL PARK DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 72
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 72
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 72
(4) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 72 (5) Accessory Uses...... …………………………………… 73
Section 17.15 - A-1 AGRI-BUSINESS DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 74
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 74
(3) Special Agri-Business Provisions...... …………………………….. 75
(4) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………. 75
(5) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 75
(6) Accessory Uses...... …………………………………… 75
Section 17.16 - A-2 GENERAL FARMING DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 76
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(2) Determination of Intent...... ………………………………….. 76
(3) Principal Use--Farm...... …………………………………… 76
(4) Principal Use--Hobby Farm...... ………………………………. 76
(5) Principal Use--Residential Agricultural...... ……………………………. 76
(6) Basic District Standards--Farm ...... ………………………………. 76
(7) Basic District Standards--Hobby Farm ...... ………………………….. 77
(8) Basic District Standards--Residential Agricultural……………………….. 77
(9) Garage Standards...... …………………………………... 77
(10) Conditional Uses...... ……………………………………. 77
(11) Accessory Uses...... ……………………………………. 78
Section 17.17 - M-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 79
(2) Principal Uses...... ……………………………………… 79
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………….. 79
(4) Approval of Building Site and Operational Plans..……………………….. 80
(5) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 80
Section 17.18 - M-2 HEAVY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………….. 81
(2) Principal Uses...... ………………………………………. 81
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………… 81
(4) Approval of Building Site and Operational Plans..……………………….. 81
(5) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 81
Section 17.19 - MINERAL EXTRACTION PROVISION
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………….. 85
(2) Permits...... …………………………………………. 85
(3) Standards...... ……………………………………….. 85
(4) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 87
(5) Plan of Operation...... …………………………………….. 87
(6) Plan of Reclamation...... …………………………………… 87
(7) Definitions...... ………………………………………… 87
Section 17.20 - SHORELAND DISTRICT (OVERLAY)
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………….. 90
(2) Principal Uses...... ……….………………………………. 90
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………… 90
(4) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 93
(5) Approval of Building, Site and Operational Plans……………………….. 94
(6) Accessory Uses...... ……………………………………. 94
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(7) Notice and Decision...... ……………………………………. 94
(8) Nonconforming Uses and Structures...... …………………………... 94
Section 17.21 - F.P. FLOODPLAIN ZONING DISTRICT...... …………… 95
Section 17.22 - WETLAND DISTRICT (OVERLAY)
(1) Purpose...... ……………………………………… 137
(2) Designation...... ……………………………………… 137
(3) Permitted Uses...... ……………………………………. 138 (4) Prohibited Uses...... ……………………………………. 140
(5) Rezoning...... ………………………………………. 140
Section 17.23 - SURFACE WATER DRAINAGEWAY DISTRICT
(1) Intent...... …………………………………………. 141
(2) Principal Uses...... …………………………………….. 141
(3) Basic District Standards...... ………………………………… 141
(4) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………… 141
Section 17.24 - AIRPORT ZONING DISTRICT AREA (AIR) (OVERLAY)
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………… 142
(2) Applicability...... ……………………………………….. 142
(3) Boundaries...... ……………………………………… 142
(4) Overlay Zones Described...... ………………………………. 142
(5) Special Airport Provisions...... ………………………………… 143
(6) Uses and Standards...... …………………………………. 145
Section 17.25 - CONDITIONAL USES
(1) Application and Notice of Hearing...... …………………………….. 146
(2) Review and Approval...... ………………………………… 147
(3) Decision and Expiration of Use...... ……………………………… 149
(4) Approval of Building, Site and Operational Plans………………………. 149
(5) Revocation of Permit……………………………………………………… 150
Section 17.26 - TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGULATIONS
(1) Traffic Visibility...... ……………………………………….. 152
(2) Loading Requirements...... ………………………………… 152
(3) Parking Requirements...... ………………………………… 152 (4) Number of Parking Spaces Required...... ………………………… 152
(5) Driveways...... ………………………………………. 153
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Section 17.27 - MODIFICATIONS
(1) Heights...... ………………………………………. 154
(2) Yards...... ………………………………………. 154
(3) Additions...... ………………………………………. 155
(4) Average Street and Shore Yards...... …………………………… 155
(5) Noise...... ………………………………………… 155
Section 17.28 - SIGNS
(1) Purpose...... ……………………………………… 156
(2) Permit Required...... …………………………………… 156
(3) Signs Excepted...... ……………………………………. 156
(4) Business Signs Permitted (On-Premises)...... ….…………………….. 157 (5) Off-Premises Signs...... …………………………………... 158
(6) Non-Conforming Signs...... ……………………………….. 159
(7) Parking Signs...... …………………………………….. 159
(8) Facing...... ………………………………………… 159
(9) Shape and Illumination...... …………………………………. 159
(10) Dilapitated, Unmaintained and Abandoned Signs...…………………… 160
(11) Distance Standards...... ………………………………….. 160
Section 17.29 - NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES AND LOTS
(NON-SHORELAND AREAS)
(1) Existing Nonconforming Uses and Structures...... ……………………… 161
(2) Abolishment or Replacement...... …………………………….. 161 (3) Changes and Substitutions...... ………………………………. 162
Section 17.30 - EXISTING DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (FLOATING)
(1) Statement of Intent...... …………………………………… 163
(2) Principal Uses...... …………………………………….. 163
(3) Basic District Standards...... …………………………………. 163
Section 17.31 - EROSION CONTROL & STORMWATER……………... 165
Section 17.32 - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
(1) Establishment...... …………………………………….. 194
(2) Membership...... ……………………………………. 194
(3) Organization...... ……………………………………… 194
(4) Powers...... ……………………………………….. 195
(5) Appeals and Applications...... ……………………………….. 196
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(6) Hearings...... ………………………………………. 197
(7) Findings...... ……………………………………….. 197
(8) Decision...... ……………………………………….. 198
(9) Review By Court of Record...... ……………………………… 198
Section 17.33 - CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS
(1) Authority...... ………………………………………… 199
(2) Initiation...... ………………………………………….. 199
(3) Petitions...... ………………………………………… 199
(4) Procedures...... ………………………………………. 200
(5) Hearings...... ……………………………………….. 200
(6) Town Board...... …………………………………….. 200
(7) Recommendations...... ………………………………… 201
(8) Protest...... ………………………………………… 201
(9) Enactment...... ……………………………………… 202
(10) Standard for Rezoning In A-1 Agri-Business District…………………… 202
(11) Rezoning A Wetland District...... ………………………………. 203
Section 17.34 - MICROWAVE RADIO PATH DISTRICT (OVERLAY)
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 205
(2) Boundaries and Standards of District...... …………………………… 205
(3) Uses in Underlying Zones...... ………………………………. 206
Section 17.35 - WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
(1) Statement of Intent...... ……………………………………. 207
(2) Definitions...... ………………………………………… 207
(3) Applicability...... ………………………………………… 208
(4) General Provisions...... …………………………………….208
(5) Permitted Uses...... ……………………………………... 209
(6) Conditional Uses...... …………………………………….. 210
(7) Permitting Requirements...... ………………………………… 210
(8) Removal of Abandoned Antennas & Towers...... …………………….. 212
Section 17.36 - HISTORIC STRUCTURES/ SITES
(1) Statement of Intent………………………………………………………… 214
(2) Determination of Historical Structure Status ……………………………. 214
(3) Allowed Useage……………………………………………………………. 214
Section 17.37 - DEFINITIONS...... ………………………….. 216
APPENDIX A...... ……………………………………….. 229
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APPENDIX B...... ………………………………………… 230
APPENDIX C...... ……………………………………….. 232
EXAMPLES: Floodplain
-Floodplain
-Floodplain Construction -Residential
-Shallow Depth Long Duration Floodway
Yards
Setbacks
-Typical Lot Setbacks
-Typical Lot Setbacks –corner & water
-Setback Averaging
Fences
Sanitary Setbacks
Height
Microwave Radio Paths
-Microwave Path 1
-Microwave Path 2
-Microwave Path 3
Pond determination –Public or Private
General Vegetative Requirements
TOWN/COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE 17.01
17.01 INTRODUCTION
(1) AUTHORITY. This Section of the Code, hereinafter called "Section," is adopted under the authority granted by Sections 59.97, 59.971, 59.99, 87.30, 114.135, 114.136 and 144.26 of the Wisconsin Statutes and amendments thereto. The County Board of Supervisors of the County of Winnebago, Wisconsin, do ordain as follows:
(2) PURPOSE. The purpose of this Section is to promote the health, safety, morals, beauty, aesthetics, and general welfare of the people of this County.
(3) INTENT. The general intent of this Section is to produce a uniform zoning format for all towns within the County.
(4) ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS. It is not intended by this Section to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any existing easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties, or it intended by this Section to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair or interfere with any existing provisions of law or ordinance or rules, regulations or permit previously adopted or issued, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating to the use of buildings or premises. However, wherever this Section imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this Section shall control. Furthermore, the Shoreland/Flood Plain/Wetland and Airport Zoning provisions of this Ordinance shall be construed as being supplementary to the regulations imposed on the same lands by any underlying zoning ordinance. When Shoreland/Flood Plain/Wetland and Airport Zoning provisions conflict with applicable underlying zoning ordinance provisions, the more restrictive combinations of such regulations shall govern.
(5) INTERPRETATION. The provisions of this Section shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted to promote the health, safety, morals, beauty, aesthetics and general welfare of the County of Winnebago, Wisconsin, and shall be liberally construed in favor of the Section.
(6) SEVERABILITY AND NONLIABILITY. If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this Section is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Ordinance shall not be affected thereby.
(7) REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) The existing County Zoning Ordinance is hereby repealed in its entirety in any Town on the date of the adoption by that Town's Board of Supervisors of this Ordinance, if such adoption occurs within twelve (12) months of the adoption of this Ordinance by the County Board.
(b) Adoption of the comprehensive revision is by County Board resolution. The County Board by a single ordinance, shall repeal the existing County zoning and reenact the comprehensive revision.
(c) "Comprehensive Revision" means the complete rewriting of the existing Winnebago County Zoning Ordinance, as amended, effective September 4, 1970. It includes maps indicating the boundaries of all the districts established by this comprehensive revision which maps are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference. The comprehensive revision shall provide that said existing County Zoning Ordinance shall remain in effect in a Town for a period of up to one (1) year after the comprehensive revision is adopted by the County Board, or until this comprehensive revision is approved by the Town Board, whichever period is shorter. If a Town Board fails to approve the comprehensive revision within said one (1) year period, the Town shall be without a zoning ordinance and without a zoning map.
(8) MAPS. Where any map is referred to in this ordinance and said map is a digital compilation within the Winnebago County Geographic Information System (WINGS), said digital map shall be the regulatory map for purposes of enforcement of this ordinance.
(9) TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as, referred to, or cited as, the TOWN/COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, COUNTY OF WINNEBAGO, WISCONSIN.
TOWN/COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE 17.02
17.02 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(1) JURISDICTION. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all structures, land, water and air within unincorporated areas of Winnebago County, Wisconsin.
(2) COMPLIANCE.
(a) Unless otherwise excepted in other sections of this Ordinance, no structure, land--except for farmland or for normal filling, grading, etc.--or water including manmade impoundments shall hereafter be developed and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved,* reconstructed, enlarged, extended, converted, or structurally altered without a Zoning Permit, except one (1) minor structure per lot, and without full compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance and all other applicable town, county, and state regulations. The Zoning Administrator, with the aid of the Town Building Inspector shall accept all applications, issue or deny all Zoning Permits, investigate all complaints, give notice of violations, and enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. Such permit shall be posted in a prominent place on the premises prior to and during the terms of the permit.