The following information is provided to clear up some common misconceptions about particular zoning issues in Sawyer County. These are issues that result in problems for property owners due to their lack of understanding of certain zoning requirements within the County.
Land Use Permits: A Land Use Permit is required for the placement of, or construction of , or alteration of, or addition to any structure whereby the placement contains greater than 100 square feet; the structure to be constructed contains more than 100 square feet; or the addition or alteration results in an increase of more than 100 square feet. Essentially, if the construction activities will result in a structure or an addition to an existing structure greater than 100 square feet, a Land Use Permit is required. Land Use Permits are also required for new commercial uses, the relocation of structures, the placement of satellite dishes, and filling and grading and other certain land uses.
Effective September 15, 2005 additions greater than 50 square feet that are to be added onto nonconforming principal structures (i.e., cabins, homes, or other dwellings located between 40' and 75' from the ordinary high-water mark of navigable waters), also require the issue of a Land Use Permit. The purpose of this permit is to track that building's square footage.
Clearing, excavation and digging activities are permitted prior to the issue of a Land Use Permit. However, construction activities (i.e., slabs, footings, foundations, framing etc.) are not authorized prior to the issue of the permit. NOTE: Excavating and digging may not be permitted prior to the issue of a Town’s Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) permit. The Town’s UDC inspector/inspection agency must be contacted prior to commencing with these activities.
Property Inspections: The office provides property inspection service at the rate of $50.00 per inspection. Typical on-site services performed are to flag setbacks (i.e., from wetlands, navigable waters, lot lines - side, front and rear) for construction activities, advise property owners on the feasibility of applying for zone district changes, conditional use permits and variances and assist in determining if a site is buildable based on setbacks and other zoning/sanitation criteria. Property owners are responsible for knowing the locaiton of property lot lines.
Shoreland Clearing Limitations: The Zoning Ordinance is very specific as to the requirements for removing trees and vegetation within the "shorelands." Shorelands include those areas within one thousand (1,000) feet of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable lakes, ponds and flowages; and three hundred (300) feet of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable streams and rivers; or to three hundred (300) feet of the landward side of the floodplain whichever is greater.
Uses Within Zone Districts: All unincorporated areas of Sawyer County have been divided into zone districts. Each district has specific "permitted uses" and "conditional uses." Permitted uses may be done as a matter of fact (i.e., gardening, signs - with a "Sign Permit," etc.) or they may require the issue of a Land Use Permit. Conditional uses require that public hearings be held prior to the issue of a "Conditional Use Permit." It is always prudent to verify the uses that pertain to a property's zone district prior to the commencement of any use.
Some Towns have adopted comprehensive land use plans that are the basis for a Town's future development. It is always prudent to contact your Town officials to determine if a proposed land use is compatible with the Town's land use plan.
Certain zone districts also have "special use" provisions. Special uses are not considered to have the same degree of impact as a "conditional use;" Special use applications must reviewed by both the respective Town Board and the Sawyer County Zoning Committee.