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Land Use & Zoning

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1. What is the purpose of the Zoning Code?

A Zoning Code is a set of regulations that determine how land can be used in a specific area. Zoning Codes are typically established by county or local governments and are used to control the development and use of land within their jurisdiction. These codes can include provisions for things like the types of buildings and uses that are allowed, the density of development, the height of buildings, and the size of lots. They are designed to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community by regulating the use of land in ways that are consistent with the community's vision for its future.

For St. Croix County, the main purpose of the Zoning Code is to implement the County’s long-term planning policies. These are found in our Comprehensive Plan. As part of the plan, the land use chapter, and Generalized Future Local Land Use Map (vol. 1-11) establishes long-term policies for land use. The Zoning Code establishes development and land use metrics that implement the comprehensive plan, and zoning districts that align with the Generalized Future Local Land Use Map. The Zoning Code provides clear rules about what is expected of applicants in order to gain approval to develop land in the County.

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2. Does St. Croix County zoning apply to my property?

St. Croix County General Zoning applies to all towns and unincorporated areas, except the towns of Forest, Hudson, St. Joseph, and Troy. Incorporated territories (cities and villages), such as the city of New Richmond and the village of Baldwin, implement and enforce their own Zoning Codes.

Shoreland, Floodplain, Land Division, Lower St. Croix Riverway Overlay Districts, and Sanitary apply to all townships.

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3. What is my property zoning classification? Where can I find a zoning map?

You can find your property zoning on St. Croix County's Interactive Zoning Map. Under the Layer List menu, check the box for the “Zoning Chapter 15” layer. In the search box you can enter your property address or parcel ID number (without dashes) to find your property (Example parcel ID: 236-1974-50-003, enter 236197450003 into the search box). You will find your parcel ID on your tax bill.

Additionally, your property may be subject to Shoreland, Floodplain, or Lower St. Croix Riverway Overlay zoning regulations. Those layers can also be found on the interactive map under the Layer List menu.

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4. Where can I find the County’s Zoning Code?

The County’s Zoning Code is available online. Read our Zoning Code.

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5. What are the structure setbacks for my property?

A structure setback is a requirement in a Zoning Code that specifies the minimum distance that a building/structure must be set back from the property lines, structures, and natural features. Setback requirements are intended to provide space to ensure that structures are located in a way that is safe and visually appealing. They can also help to preserve natural features of the land, such as bodies of water, vegetation, slopes or wetlands, and to provide adequate light and air circulation around buildings. Setback requirements vary depending on the zoning district and the type of structure being constructed.

Once you have located your property on St. Croix County's Interactive Zoning Map and identified the zoning classification, you can find the general building setbacks under the corresponding Zoning District in Chapter 15 of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances. Setbacks may also be different if there are any other overlay zoning districts, such as Shoreland, Floodplain, or the Lower St. Croix Riverway. In addition, depending on the use of the proposed building, setback may also vary. Setback may also be recorded on the plat or certified survey map of the property.

Contact our Land Use Team with questions you have on setbacks for your property. If you have a question about zoning or setbacks email us at CDD@sccwi.gov with your name, contact information, property address or parcel ID number, and your question. We will contact you regarding your question.

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6. Where can I find my property documents, plat maps, certified survey maps, easements, deeds, and affidavits?

You can find your property documents using the links provided on the Register of Deeds webpage or go into the Register of Deeds Office at the St. Croix County Government Center.

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7. What can I build? What use is allowed in my zoning?

The Section 15.285 Use Table of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances provides a table of listed uses that are permitted within each zoning district. This table provides how each use is permitted in the different zoning districts, either Permitted by Right, requires a Land Use Permit, or Conditional Use Permit. 

Not all uses may be permitted or may require additional permitting if the subject property is in an overlay zoning district, such as Shoreland, Floodplain, or Lower St. Croix Riverway.

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8. Do I need a permit for the use or development of my property?

You are encouraged to contact our Land Use Team if you have questions about whether a permit is needed for the use and/or development of your property, as there may be many factors that require a permit.

Email us at CDD@sccwi.gov with your name, contact information, property address or parcel ID number, and your question. We will contact you regarding your question.

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9. How do I apply for a Land Use Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Rezoning, Setback Waiver, and Land Division?

To apply for a permit, variance, rezoning, waiver, or land division, please fill out and complete the appropriate application for your request. Once you have completed the application, contact CDD@sccwi.gov to schedule a pre-application meeting with our Land Use Team. 

If you have any questions about what application is required for your proposed project, contact us at CDD@sccwi.gov with your name, contact information, property address or parcel ID number, and your question. We will contact you regarding your question. 

Applications

• Land Use Permit Application (PDF)
• Conditional Use Application (PDF)
• Variance Application (PDF) 
• Rezoning Application (PDF)
• Waiver to Land Division Design Standards (PDF)
• Major Land Division Application (PDF)
• Minor Land Division Application CSM (PDF) 
• Sign Permit Application (PDF) 
• Administrative Appeal Application (PDF) 

 

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10. Is my property within a Shoreland, Riverway, or Floodplain Overlay District? What is the purpose of these Overlay Districts?

Shoreland Overlay District 

Your property is within the Shoreland Overlay district if it is within the following distances from the ordinary high water mark of navigable waters (whichever distance is greater):

1. One thousand (1,000) feet from a lake, pond, or flowage; and
2. Three hundred (300) feet from a river or stream or to the landward side of the floodplain.

To determine if your property is within a Shoreland Overlay District contact the us by email at CDD@sccwi.gov with your name, contact information, property address or parcel ID number, and question. We will contact you regarding your question. 

The purpose of the Shoreland Overlay District is to promote the public health, safety, convenience, and welfare, and promote and protect the public trust in navigable waters by:

1. Further the maintenance of safe and healthy conditions and preventing and controlling water pollution.
2. Protecting spawning grounds, fish, aquatic life, and wildlife habitat.
3. Controlling development, placement of structures, and land uses.
4. Preserving and restoring shoreland vegetation and natural scenic beauty.
5. Preventing flood damage.

 

Riverway Overlay District

You can find if your property is within the Riverway District on St. Croix County's Interactive Zoning Map. Under the Layer List menu, check the box for the “Riverway Zoning” layer.

The purpose of the Riverway Overlay District is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by:

1. Reducing the adverse effects of overcrowding and poorly planned shoreline and bluff area development.
2. Preventing soil erosion and pollution and contamination of surface water and groundwater.
3. Providing sufficient space on lots for sanitary facilities.
4. Minimizing flood damage.
5. Maintaining property values.
6. Preserving and maintaining the exceptional scenic, cultural, and natural characteristics of the water and related land of the Lower St. Croix Riverway in a manner consistent with the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542), the Federal Lower St. Croix River Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-560) and the Wisconsin Lower St. Croix River Act (Wisconsin Statute § 30.27).

Floodplain Overlay District

You can find if your property is within the Floodplain District on St. Croix County's Interactive Zoning Map. Under the Layer List menu, check the box for the “Flood Plain & Base Flood Elevation” layer.

This ordinance is intended to regulate floodplain development to:

1. Protect life, health, and property.
2. Minimize expenditures of public funds for flood control projects.
3. Minimize development in a floodplain which would obstruct flood flows and decrease the storage capacity of the floodplain.
4. Minimize rescue and relief efforts undertaken at the expense of the taxpayers.
5. Minimize business interruptions and other economic disruptions.
6. Minimize damage to public facilities in the floodplain.
7. Broaden the property tax base of the County by enhancing property values.
8. Discourage the victimization of unwary home and land buyers.
9. Minimize the occurrence of future flood blight areas in the floodplain.
10. Prevent increases in flood heights that could increase flood damage and result in conflicts between property owners.
11. Discourage development in a floodplain if there is any practicable alternative to locate the activity, use, or structure outside of the floodplain.

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11. I want to build/develop on my property and it’s within a Shoreland, Riverway, and/or Floodplain Overlay District, who should I contact?

Overlay districts have additional regulations that are likely to apply. If your property is within a Shoreland, Riverway, and/or Floodplain Overlay District, please contact our Land Use Team at CDD@sccwi.gov with your name, contact information, property address or parcel ID number, and your question.

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12. Where can I find my sanitation records? Has there been a soil test already been done on the property?

Scanned Property Files are available online. Select the records that you are searching (Example: Sanitary permits, or Soil Reports), select the Town, City, or Village where the property is located, select the Section (1-36) in which the property is located within the Town, finally select the Parcel ID Number of the property that is of interest to view the recorded files.

You can also view sanitary system maintenance records online. Enter your address and click “Find Now”, click on the Permit number (Example SAN- 1234). Then click the tab labeled “Maintenance” to view records.

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13. My sanitary system is failing, who should I contact?

If your sanitary system is believed to be failing, please contact a licensed plumber to evaluate the system. The plumber will work with the County to acquire any permits that may be required. 

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14. Why am I getting this postcard to have my septic pumped?

You are receiving a card because the Community Development Department has been given a mandate (June 2005) by the state of Wisconsin to accurately keep a record of the maintenance on all private wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) in St. Croix County. Before the 2005 mandate, the property owner(s) were responsible to keep the system maintained. The State law has been in effect since 1981.

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15. How many animals can I have on my property?

The number of animals you are allowed to have on your property varies by the type of animal, size, and location of your property. Each type of animal is assigned an Animal Unit (AU) (example: a horse is 2 AU’s). Please use the Animal Unit Calculation Worksheet to calculate the total number of AU’s. 

• No AU’s may be kept on lots or parcels less than 3 acres, nor on lots or parcels in a major subdivision unless provided for in the plat.
• For Chickens and Ducks, you are required to follow the standards in Section 15.335 of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances. 
• One AU per acre of land suitable for animal waste utilization is allowed without a permit on lots or parcels of 3 acres or more in size. 
  1. Land suitable for animal waste utilization excludes:
     • Wetlands or lands below the OHWM
     • Closed depressions
     • Slopes in excess of 25% 
     • Other areas that may be determined as sensitive and adversely affecting surface water or groundwater quality

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16. Does St. Croix County issue Building Permits?

No, each Town contracts their own Building Inspector that issues building permits. Please contact your Town to find the contact information for the Building Inspector. 

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17. My question wasn’t answered. Who can I ask?

If you still have questions, please contact the Community Development Department through email at CDD@sccwi.gov. Your email shall include the following:

• Your Name
• Contact information
• Property address and/or parcel ID Number
• Your specific question

We will contact you regarding your question. Once you have submitted your question to the above email address, please do not call any individual staff member, as this may create confusion and/or delay in the response to your initial question. 

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