Zoning Code | Permit Center

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The land development process, whether simple (adding a shed in the backyard) or complex, involves various types of reviews. Some projects may in fact require a series of different reviews.

The basic steps in the review process are described below. Scroll past that section to see a list of the different types of review procedures. If you are unsure about what reviews are required, contact us and tell us more about your project.


Get Forms
You can get the correct application forms by clicking on the procedure name below. A pdf of the application form will be posted there. You can download the pdf to your device.
 
Complete Application
Fill out the application form as it applies to your project. Depending on the nature of your project, you may need to work with a design professional, engineer, or professional surveyor. Make sure you prepare other supplemental materials that may be needed to fully describe the project.
 
Submit Application Materials
Once you have a complete application submittal, please submit it online. You'll need to fill out some basic information and also upload your application form and potentially other supplemental materials.
 
Payment
Most, but not all applications, have an application fee. The amount of the fee will obviously reflect the amount of effort that's needed to review and process the application. If there is a fee, it will be stated when you submit it online.
 
Completeness Check
Once we receive your application and the required application fee, we will review it to make sure it is complete and ready for formal review.
 
Review and Decision
After the application is deemed complete, the formal review process begins. Some types of reviews are handled administratively by staff. Other reviews are evaluated by the Plan Commission and/or the Town Board at a public meeting.
 
Follow Up
If an application is approved, there may be conditions that must be met before you can move to the next step in the process (like getting a building permit). The approval document you receive will list any conditions of approval.

 
Zoning
Administrative Appeal Any person can appeal an administrative decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Show Less Show More Building Plan Review Building plan review is required for institutional, commercial and industrial buildings to ensure applicable design standards are met to encourage high-quality development. Show Less Building plan review is required for institutional, commercial and industrial buildings to ensure applicable design standards... Show More Change in Topography As a general rule, a review is needed for work involving 250 cubic yards or more of earthwork. Show Less Show More Code Amendment The text of the zoning code and the zoning map may be amended. Show Less Show More Code Interpretation The zoning administrator is always ready to help people with their questions. If a person wants a formal determination for how a provision in the zoning code is applied in general terms or in a particular situation they can request a formal interpretation. Show Less The zoning administrator is always ready to help people with their questions. If a person wants a formal determination for ho... Show More Conditional Use Although each zoning district is primarily intended for a predominant type of land use, there are some uses that may be appropriate under certain conditions. These are referred to as “conditional uses” and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Show Less Although each zoning district is primarily intended for a predominant type of land use, there are some uses that may be appro... Show More Conversion of a Nonconforming Use A legal nonconforming use can be converted to another nonconforming use so long as it is less nonconforming. Show Less Show More Expansion of a Nonconforming Building A nonconforming building with a conforming use may be expanded in compliance with all requirements of the zoning code and with Town approval. Show Less A nonconforming building with a conforming use may be expanded in compliance with all requirements of the zoning code and wit... Show More Planned Development District - General Plan A general development plan is the first step in establishing a planned development district. Show Less Show More Planned Development District - Precise Plan A precise implementation plan is the second and final step in establishing a planned development district. Show Less Show More Registration of Nonconforming Use Land uses that do not comply with the existing zoning regulations, but which were legally established are referred to as “nonconforming uses.” Registration of a use as a nonconforming use provides documentary evidence establishing (i) when the use was first established; (ii) that the use was established consistent with the rules and regulations in effect at the time, if any; (iii) that the use has operated continuously, without cessation of more than 12 continuous months; and (iv) the nature of the use. Show Less Land uses that do not comply with the existing zoning regulations, but which were legally established are referred to as “non... Show More Rural Accessory Building Determination In an effort to keep the Town’s rural character, certain accessory buildings (e.g., barns, machine sheds) may be kept without being counted with regard to number of buildings or total floor area. Show Less In an effort to keep the Town’s rural character, certain accessory buildings (e.g., barns, machine sheds) may be kept without... Show More Site Plan, Plan of Operation Site plan / plan of operation review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. The overall design of the site is the primary focus - the relationship of buildings to the site and other features, the flow of pedestrians and traffic within the project and beyond the borders of the project. The primary focus of the plan of operation relates to how the business is conducted. Show Less Site plan / plan of operation review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. T... Show More Special Exception A special exception allows the use of a standard that is different than the generally applicable standard, but only in those instances where the code specifically allows a special exception. Show Less A special exception allows the use of a standard that is different than the generally applicable standard, but only in those ... Show More Special Use for Livestock Operations Show Less Show More Telecommunication Facilities - Class 1 Collocation or New Starting in 2013, new rules were adopted for telecommunication facilities. Show Less Show More Telecommunication Facilities - Class 2 Collocaton A Class 2 collocation does not involve a substantial modification. Show Less Show More Termination of Approval The property owner and the Town, in certain circumstances, can terminate an approval, such as a conditional use. Show Less Show More Variance A property owner can submit a variance application seeking approval to not follow one or more standard in the zoning code. Show Less Show More Zoning Permit A zoning permit is required of most kinds of projects. When a zoning permit is required, all other required reviews must occur first. Zoning permits are reviewed by the zoning administrator. Show Less A zoning permit is required of most kinds of projects. When a zoning permit is required, all other required reviews must occu... Show More
Land Division
Affidavit of Correction An affidavit of correction is a legal instrument that is used to correct or otherwise modify a subdivision plat or certified survey map (CSM). The Town must approve any changes relating to areas dedicated to the public or any restrictions for the public benefit. Show Less An affidavit of correction is a legal instrument that is used to correct or otherwise modify a subdivision plat or certified ... Show More Certified Survey Map A certified survey map (CSM) is a map that is generally used to create fewer than 5 lots. A CSM can also be used to merge two adjoining lots or modify adjoining lot lines. Show Less A certified survey map (CSM) is a map that is generally used to create fewer than 5 lots. A CSM can also be used to merge two... Show More Prior Review of Land Transfer Before adjoining property owners modify the location of a common lot line, staff must review the proposal to make sure both of the parcels comply with all zoning standards. Show Less Before adjoining property owners modify the location of a common lot line, staff must review the proposal to make sure both o... Show More Subdivision Plat - Final A final subdivision plat shows the proposed/approved layout of lots in a subdivision. Once recorded at the county's register of deeds office the lots are legally created. Show Less A final subdivision plat shows the proposed/approved layout of lots in a subdivision. Once recorded at the county's register ... Show More Subdivision Plat - Preliminary A preliminary subdivision plat is a map showing the layout of a proposed subdivision and other required information that is submitted for purposes of review and approval. Show Less A preliminary subdivision plat is a map showing the layout of a proposed subdivision and other required information that is s... Show More Subdivision Regulation Waiver Upon petition, the Town Board may waive certain requirements in the land division regulations (Chapter 480). Show Less Show More
Other
Comprehensive Plan Amendment The comprehensive plan describes the Town's overall vision for growth and development. It may be amended from time to time to reflect new challenges or opportunities. Show Less The comprehensive plan describes the Town's overall vision for growth and development. It may be amended from time to time to... Show More Development Agreement A development agreement is a contract between a developer and a municipality that describes the obligations of one or both parties regarding a private development project. Show Less A development agreement is a contract between a developer and a municipality that describes the obligations of one or both pa... Show More Sign Permit Show Less Show More Town Road Driveway Access Permit The Town must approve private driveways connecting to Town Roads Show Less Show More Work in Town Right-of-Way Show Less Show More