Questions & Answers
Some Questions Link to Documents in
PDF format
Conservation
Q.
I think I have Gypsy Moths. What should I do?
A.
There are a number of bristly, or tufted,
caterpillars that are often mistaken for the gypsy moth. The gypsy moth
caterpillar can be identified by five pairs of blue dots followed by six
pairs of red dots down the length of back. The head is yellow and the entire
body is covered with long hairs. By the end of June they are 1" - 2" long.
They do not build silk tents.
Management includes applying barrier bands around trees in April-May,
applying burlap collection bands June-July, and pesticide treatments such as
Bacillus thuringiensis (BTK) applied on young caterpillars mid May-early
June when they are about 1/2" long or Golden Pest Spray Oil on the egg
masses in late fall or winter. For more information or to report an
infestation contact Chrissy Regester, UW-Extension Horticulture Educator at
christine.regester@ces.uwex.edu or (262)-741-4951, for photos and more
information visit
http://gypsymoth.wi.gov/
Q.
What trees do gypsy moths prefer to feed on?
A.
They favor all oak trees, apple, basswood, big-tooth and quaking aspen,
gray, paper, and river birches, box elder, larch (or tamarack), mountain
ash, lombardy poplar, willow, all pines (expect scotch), all spruces,
hemlock, chestnut. They also favor alder, crabapple, hawthorn, hazelnut, hop
hornbeam (or ironwood), serviceberry, sumacs, and witch hazel.
Q.
I want to build a pond. Do I
need a County Permit?
A.
Yes, a County Zoning Permit
and a County-approved Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Plan and Permit
is required for any pond construction project in Walworth County. Pond
Construction must meet County Conservation Standards and County Zoning
Standards.
County Pond Standards specifically
restrict the construction of location and dimension of ponds in wetlands. If
a pond is permitted in a wetland, it can not impair the functional values of
the existing wetland. Only shallow wildlife ponds can be constructed in
wetlands. Other standards apply for any pond construction in wetlands.
A permit or plan approval must also
be obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for pond
construction connected to or near other bodies of water or in wetlands.
DNR Ponds Link
Sanitation
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Planning
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Q. What are the procedures for obtaining a
rezone or conditional use?
A.
Click for answer ->
INFORMATION ON REZONE AND
CONDITIONAL USE PROCEDURES
Q. How exactly does the process for a rezone or
conditional use proceed?
A.
Click for answer ->
REZONE AND CONDITIONAL USE PROCESS FLOWCHART
Zoning
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Q. What Ordinances do
Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management regulate?
A.
Zoning Ordinance, Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, Sanitary Ordinance,
Subdivision Ordinance, Erosion Control and Storm Water Management Ordinance,
Non-metallic Mining Ordinance, Telecommunication Tower Ordinance, Animal
Waste Management Ordinance, and Citation Ordinance.
Q.
When is a Zoning Permit required?
A. A
zoning permit is required for any construction, addition or alteration of
any structure, within the County’s jurisdiction, including but not limited
to sheds, carports, decks, patios, porches, dormers, towers, new or
replacement retaining walls, entrance pillars and gates, shoreyard stairs
and landings, and shoreland vegetation removal or grading. A structure
is defined as anything constructed or erected. Single Family
Residences or other principle structures on a parcel, additions, roof
alterations, accessory structures (greater than 100 square feet in size),
and signs are included. In addition, in the shoreyard (75' from a lake or
stream) permits are required for patio's, retaining walls, boathouses,
stairways, and tree and brush removal. Please contact our office for
an explanation of these regulations relative to these types of uses with the
County’s zoning jurisdiction.
Q. What if I am only replacing what is
there?
A.
A Zoning Permit is required even if the structure exists and
the person is replacing it.
Q. What is the process
for applying for a zoning permit?
A. A
zoning permit application form must be completely filled out and a plat of
survey (prepared by a registered land surveyor showing all existing and
proposed structures) shall be attached to the permit application, including
the required fee (Zoning Fees). Any
construction started without permit approval will be charged a double fee.
Additional supporting materials may be required for certain projects such as
building plans, grading plans, existing and proposed contours, etc. Zoning
permits are valid for two (2) years. If your zoning permit is denied, the
applicant has 30 days to appeal the denial to the Walworth County Board of
Adjustment (Variance
Application). Depending on the request, additional reviews of the
proposed project may be required by the
Walworth County
Zoning Agency,
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the
Army Corps of
Engineers,
Wisconsin Department
of Transportation,
(SEWRPC) Southeastern
Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, etc.
Permit process outline:
1. Apply for Zoning Permit and any other
applicable County Permit (i.e., Erosion Control Permit,
Sanitary Permits, Address Request).
2. The Code Enforcement Officer reviews the
permit.
3. The permit is either issued or denied.
a.
If the permit is issued, the property owner must obtain a Building Permit
through the
appropriate Township Building Inspector.
b. If the permit is denied, the owner may either
amend their plan to meet with the Ordinance
provisions and submit the new plan for reconsideration; or apply for a
variance.
4. Construction may commence.
5. The Zoning Permit will require one
of the following:
a.
an updated plat of survey within 30 days of backfilling the foundation,
b.
an inspection of the project upon backfilling,
c.
or the submittal of a waiver form
It is important to read the permit card and comply with any condition of
approval. Please remember; it is ultimately the property owner's
responsibility to comply with any conditions of the permit as issued!
6. Submit the required survey, waiver, or
call for an inspection.
Q. Is a permit required for a fence?
A. No, a
permit is not required from Walworth County, provided the fence does not
exceed 6 feet in the street, side, and rear yards, or 4 feet in the shore
yard. A fence is required to be located at least 2 feet from the right of
way and is not permitted to be greater than 2 ½ feet in height in the vision
triangle of an intersection. (Fence
Regulation Diagram) A fence
in the shoreyard is not permitted to be a barrier to wildlife. Please
contact the appropriate Code Enforcement Officer for further guidance and
explanation of these regulations.
Q. Do I need a permit from
the Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department for my
construction, land disturbance or vegetation removal project?
A. Yes.
Many construction and related activities require some type of permit from
the Zoning, Sanitation and Land Conservation Division if the property is
located with the County’s zoning jurisdiction (see
jurisdiction explanation below) Please contact our office for an
explanation of these regulations relative to these types of uses with the
County’s zoning jurisdiction.
Q.
Why does the County require an inspection or an
updated survey be submitted even though the Building Inspector inspects the
construction?
A.
The Walworth County Zoning and Shoreland Zoning Ordinances
regulate land use and setbacks from property lines to structures. The
Building Inspector at the Township level reviews and inspects construction
relative to compliance with the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
Simply stated, the Zoning office and the Building Inspector regulate two
distinctly different regulations, therefore, different conditions of
approval are required.
Q.
How do I find out what zoning district my
property is zoned?
A.
There are several options to choose from:
1.
Visit our website and utilize the Interactive Mapping System
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Interactive Mapping Link
2.
A code enforcement officer may be able to assist you over the phone if
enough property information is
provided. At a minimum, the tax key
number is required.
3. Come into the office and look on the
aerial maps. They have the zoning
and shoreland marked on them.
4.
Make an appointment with a code enforcement officer.
5.
If you need the zoning in writing, there is a form to be completed and
a
$50.00 fee charged.
If your property is within the County’s zoning jurisdiction ("Jurisdiction"
explanation below), it has been designated by a particular zoning district.
Each district outlines the zoning requirements (ex. Permitted uses,
conditional uses, setback requirements, lot area and width requirements,
etc) that are applicable to each zoning district. There are 30 different
zoning districts in Walworth County ranging from Agricultural, Residential,
Conservation, Park, Business, and Industrial. You will need to have the tax
key number of the property to determine the location of the property thereby
determining the zoning district designation. Maps are available in our
office to assist in determining the zoning classification on your property.
Call our office (262) 741-4972 for assistance.
Q. What areas are in the
County’s zoning jurisdiction?
A.
Walworth County currently has county wide zoning jurisdiction, including
those Shoreland and/or Floodplain areas (1000 feet from a lake and/or 300
feet from any other navigable body of water or floodplain whichever is
greater). The County’s zoning jurisdiction does not include cities or
villages. You should contact the appropriate
municipality for their zoning requirements.
Q. What Walworth County
permits will I need to construct a single family residence?
A. A
zoning permit application, which regulates
where the residence is placed on the property. A sanitary permit, which
regulates where, what type and size of septic system is being installed on
the property. An erosion control permit,
which regulates what land will be disturbed, for how long and how will it be
stabilized during construction. The Walworth County Land Use and Resource
Management Department reviews and issues all three permits together to
assure fewer problems in the construction process. Once the County permits
are issued the applicant shall contact the appropriate Town for the
applicable Town Building Permit.
Town Building Inspectors
Q. When is the office open?
A. The
Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management Department has office hours
Monday though Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Q. Do I need an appointment to
apply for a permit?
A.
Permit applications can be submitted in person or by mail. If the applicant
would prefer a zoning staff member’s time to look at the permit prior to
submittal, appointments are recommended, but walk-in hours are also
available. The phone number for the Walworth County Land Use and Resource
Management Department is (262) 741-4972.
Q. Where is the Land Use
and Resource Management Department located?
A. NOTE: See
HOME PAGE
The office is located at he Government Center (old Courthouse)
100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. The reception area is at
the top of the central stairway on the second floor.
Q. Where can I obtain my
tax key number?
A. Your
tax key number can be found in the upper right corner of your Real Estate
Tax Bill.
Q. Where can I find the
legal description of my property?
A. The
legal description can be found on a copy of the plat of survey for the
property, or a less descriptive legal description can be found on a copy of
your property tax bill.
Q. Do I need a permit to
cut/remove trees on my property?
A. Yes,
the County has regulations regarding tree/vegetation that can be removed and
how much vegetation can be cut in the Shoreland and Floodplain
jurisdictional areas, (1,000 feet from a lake, pond or flowage, and/or 300
feet from any other navigable body of water or in its floodplain whichever
is greater). Please contact our office for a determination as to whether or
not any of the above regulations apply to your property prior
to removing any vegetation on your property.
Q. Can I store unlicensed
and/or inoperable vehicles on my property?
A. No,
the Walworth County Code of Ordinances strictly prohibits the storage of
more than one (1) unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicle on properties within
the County’s zoning jurisdiction. Please contact our office for an
explanation of these regulations relative to these types of uses with the
County’s zoning jurisdiction.
Q. Do I need a permit to
operate a home occupation from my residential property?
A. Yes,
Walworth County requires conditional use review and approval. (Conditional
Use form) Please contact our office for a detailed explanation of these
regulations prior to commencing a home occupation or professional home
office.
Q. Is more than one dwelling
unit allowed on a property?
A. In
general, more than one dwelling unit on a property is not permitted. The
zoning ordinances provide for this type of use under limited circumstances
based on the zoning district the property is located in. Please contact our
office for an explanation of these specific regulations.
Q. Can I have an In-law unit
or a Guest House on my property?
A. In
general, more than one dwelling unit on a property is not permitted. The
zoning ordinances provided for conditional use review of planned residential
developments in certain zoning districts based on minimum lot area
requirements. Please contact our office for an explanation of these specific
regulations.
Q. Can I have a mobile home
on my property?
A. The
mobile home would have to have at least 22’ x 22’ minimum core living area
and be placed on an enclosed foundation to be permitted in an area that
would permit a single family residence. Please contact our office for an
explanation of these regulations relative to these types of uses with the
County’s zoning jurisdiction.
Q. Does the County issue
permits for piers and other structures placed on the bed of a water body?
A. No,
the County does not issue permits for private piers. Contact the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources at (262) 574-2100 and/or the Town for any
permit requirements. The Commercial use of a pier may require Walworth
County review and approval.
Q. Can I have a boathouse
on my property?
A. The
Shoreland Zoning Ordinance permits boathouses provided it is not a wet
boathouse, shall not be located on lands having a slope of 12 percent or
greater, shall be located to as to minimize earth disturbing activities and
shoreland vegetation removal, shall be designed exclusively for the storage
of watercraft and related marine equipment and shall not be used for human
habitation or commercial purposes. A boathouse with rooms above or within,
used for purposes other than the storage of watercraft and related marine
equipment, shall not be deemed to be a boathouse. Fireplaces, patio doors,
plumbing, heating, cooking facilities, or any features inconsistent with the
use of the structure exclusively as a boathouse are not permitted in or on
boathouses. The highest point of the roof elevation of the boathouse shall
not be more than 14 feet in height measured from the lowest finished grade
along the structure to the highest roofline of the structure, including the
roofs of architectural projections. The boathouse shall not exceed 400
square feet in horizontal area covered, and shall not be closer than three
feet to any side lot line. Railings are not permitted on top of the
boathouse, nor shall roofs be designed to provide general outdoor living
space, i.e. as a deck. Only one boathouse is permitted on a lot.
Q. How many accessory
structures can I have on my property?
A.
Walworth County zoning does not limit the number of accessory structures but
limits the total square footage of all accessory structures on a parcel. The
square footage limitations are based on lot area. Please contact our office
for an explanation of these regulations.
Q. I have a vacant piece of
land. Can I construct an accessory structure, without a residence, on the
parcel?
A. No.
Only Agricultural zoned land can have agricultural related structures on a
parcel without a residence. Please contact our office for further
explanation of these regulations.
Q. Can I have horses on my
property?
A.
Walworth County Zoning permits horses on lands zoned A-1, A-2, A-3, A-5, and
C-2. Any building that has animals in them is required to be 100 feet from
all property lines. Please contact our office for further explanation of
these regulations.
Q. What if I have a sub-standard
lot or structure?
A. If
you have a lot or structure that is sub-standard, please contact our office
for an explanation of the regulations that may apply to your particular
situation.
Q. What if I have a legal
non-conforming structure?
A. If
you have a structure that is legal non-conforming, please contact our office
for an explanation of the regulations that may apply to your particular
situation.
Q. Who do I contact for
regulations governing land divisions (subdivisions and certified survey
maps)?
A.
Walworth County has plat review authority for land divisions in Walworth
County. The County also administers the Walworth County Subdivision Control
Ordinances. Please contact our office for an explanation of these
regulations and the County’s subdivision review authority prior to
commencing any land division.
Q.
I want to build a pond. Do I
need a County Permit?
A.
Yes, a County Zoning Permit
and a County-approved Land Disturbance and Erosion Control Plan and Permit
is required for any pond construction project in Walworth County. Pond
Construction must meet County Conservation Standards and County Zoning
Standards.
County Pond Standards specifically
restrict the construction of location and dimension of ponds in wetlands. If
a pond is permitted in a wetland, it can not impair the functional values of
the existing wetland. Only shallow wildlife ponds can be constructed in
wetlands. Other standards apply for any pond construction in wetlands.
A permit or plan approval must also
be obtained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for pond
construction connected to or near other bodies of water or in wetlands.
DNR Ponds Link
Important Note:
The County also regulates commercial, industrial, signage,
telecommunication towers and quarry operations as well as public and
institutional uses. Please contact our office for an explanation of these
regulations relative to these types of uses with the County’s zoning
jurisdiction.
The above information relates to the County’s zoning ordinances only.
Please check with your local Town to determine if there are other
regulations that may apply.
Municipalities
In the event it is determined that there is a violation of the Walworth
County Code of Ordinances, the property owner will be required to correct
the violation or face the penalties outlined in the ordinances, including
the issuance of citations. Citations may be issued for each violation of the
ordinance and each day a violation exists is a separate violation.
There are also other procedures that are not covered in this
section. If you have a questions about something not covered herein, please
feel free to contact us.
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