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1. Who can appeal an administrative decision?

Any aggrieved party may appeal an administrative decision. Aggrieved parties include the owner of the affected property; neighbors and residents or other property owners if the decision affects the use of their own property; or any officer, department, board or municipality affected by the decision.

2. What is the procedure?

- The aggrieved party (applicant/appellant) completes an Administrative Appeal Application and submits it to the Zoning Office with the required application fee ($500 for appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Office staff and $500 for appeals of decisions made by the Sawyer County Zoning Committee ). Note: The application must be submitted to the Zoning Office no later than 30 days after the decision to be appealed has been made. - A notice of the Sawyer County Board of Appeals public hearing is published in the local newspaper. - The Sawyer County Board of Appeals conducts a public hearing and takes testimony from the applicant/appellant, Zoning Office staff and other parties as determined by the Board’s Chairman. - The Board makes a decision based on the testimony and evidence presented.

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1. What records can I access?

We are currently in the process of back scanning older documents, so check with our office for an update. We have all Certified Survey Maps, Condo Plats and Subdivisions Plats scanned.

2. Do I need any special equipment?

The following are required:

- Operating systems must be Windows 2000, Windows XP or above
- Internet connection
- Internet Explorer 6 or above
- Video and monitor capable of at lease a 1024x768 resolution
- 16-bit color
- If a proxy server or firewall is used, settings or ports must match the counties. The Laredo software will communicate with the County’s system over several channels called “TCP Ports.” Your network administrator may need to allow the following incoming and outgoing ports from your firewall: 4601, 4700 and 6000.

3. What is the cost?

Cost is outlined in your Internet Access Agreement (PDF).

4. Who do I contact for more information?

Visit our Contact Page.

5. How is access to Laredo obtained?

Access is obtain by completing the Laredo Agreement and the Internet Access Contract and returning them to the Sawyer County Register of deeds, and at that time a username and password will be setup for you. These agreements can be downloaded from the Laredo Landing Page.

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1. What maintenance/repairs may a homeowner do to a septic system?

A homeowner may make "minor" repairs to their septic system which do not require the services of a plumber nor a permit. These repairs are:
- Replacement or repair of manhole risers and covers
- Replacement or repair of distribution boxes ("D-Box")
- Replacement of septic tank baffles

All repairs must be completed in accordance with SPS 83, Private Sewage Systems.

2. Can homeowners do their own interior plumbing?

Please contact your township UDC inspector. SPS 387, Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program (Commonly referred to as the - "Wisconsin Fund Program"). County participates in the Wisconsin Fund Program a financial assistance program to reimburse eligible property owners a portion of the cost of replacing or rehabilitating failing septic systems. Contact the Zoning Office for program eligibility requirements.

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1. Why do we regulate land uses within the shorelands?

Sawyer County regulates land uses within the shorelands because:
- Wisconsin Statute 59.692 Zoning of Shorelands on Navigable Waters, states that each county shall adopt a zoning ordinance regulating all shorelands in its unincorporated area.
- Sawyer County recognizes an even greater responsibility to prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building site locations and land uses and to preserve shoreline cover and natural beauty. The lakes, rivers, streams and flowages of Sawyer County are invaluable and irreplaceable natural resources. Their protection is mandated not only by law (the Public Trust Doctrine) but also by common sense.
- Uncontrolled use of the shorelands and pollution of the navigable waters of Sawyer County would adversely affect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare and impair the tax base. The legislature of Wisconsin has delegated responsibility to the counties to further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions; prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building sites, placement of structures and land uses; and to preserve shore cover and natural beauty. This responsibility is hereby recognized by Sawyer County, Wisconsin.

2. How do we regulate land uses within the shorelands?

The regulation of land uses within the shorelands is accomplished through the County’s “Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.” This is not a separate zoning ordinance, but rather it is integrated into the Sawyer County Zoning Ordinance as Section 4.4 Shoreland Regulations.

3. What is regulated by the County’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance?

The Shoreland Zoning Ordinance regulates many activities that could have an adverse impact on water quality and habitat if abused. Among the most critical regulated activities are:
- Minimum building and structure setbacks from navigable waters and wetlands.
- Minimum setbacks minimize disturbance of the shoreline, reduce the opportunity for runoff into the waterway and screen structure from the waterway.

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1. Where do I pay my property taxes?

• Current year taxes paid before January 31 are payable to the local municipal treasurer as shown on your tax bill. 
• Current year taxes after January 31 are to be paid to the Sawyer County Treasurer.
• Delinquent property taxes are payable to the Sawyer County Treasurer.

2. When is my property tax payment due?

Property tax bills are mailed by the town, city, or village treasurer in December.

First installment payment or payment in full of taxes is due to the town, city, or village treasurer by January 31.  The Sawyer County Treasurer cannot accept current year tax payments due by January 31.

Payment of the second installment of taxes is due to the Sawyer County Treasurer by July 31.

3. What if I miss the January 31 deadline?

If the first installment is not paid by January 31, the entire unpaid balance becomes delinquent (voiding all installment options) and is subject to interest effective February 1 at a rate of 1% per month and penalty of 0.25% per month until it is paid in full. (sec. 74.47, Wis. Stats.)

4. How does the Treasurer determine if a real estate tax payment is considered timely?

Per State Statute 74.69(1): Property tax payments are considered timely if:
•    They are in a properly addressed envelope.
•    They are postmarked on or before the respective due dates, with postage prepaid.
•    They are received by the proper official within 5 working days of the due date.
We urge taxpayers to mail payments several days early to avoid postal delay.

5. Can you forgive some of the interest on my delinquent taxes?

No, state law sets interest and penalties on delinquent tax amounts. There are no allowances to make any adjustments in those laws.

6. My payments are delinquent. May I make weekly or monthly payments on them?

Yes. We encourage taxpayers to make regular payments to assist in getting delinquent taxes paid in full. We will always mail back a receipt and updated statement showing your new balance due after each payment.

7. Why didn't I get a copy of my tax bill?

Have you advised of any changes in your mailing address before November 15th?  

Mailing address changes can be completed online.  Submit change of address.  

Tax bills are mailed to property owners in December. If you have not received your bill, please contact the treasurer of your local municipality or print your statement online.  You are responsible to pay your property taxes in a timely manner, whether or not you have received your tax bill. Failure to receive a property tax bill does not relieve taxpayers of their obligation to pay their taxes by the due date, nor does it negate interest charges that may accrue.

Click on the links for instructions regarding how to access and print a tax bill or tax statement and tax receipt in Sawyer County's Tax and Assessment system (Novus).

8. What if I escrow my taxes through my mortgage company?

You are ultimately responsible for the payment of your property taxes. You should verify that your taxes were paid through the escrow.

9. Do I qualify to receive the Lottery and Gaming Credit?

The lottery and gaming credit are direct property tax relief to qualifying taxpayers in the form of a credit on their property tax bill. You may claim a lottery and gaming credit if, on January 1, you are a Wisconsin resident, you are a recorded owner of the property, and the property is your primary residence. You can have only one primary residence.  Rental or other properties do not qualify for lottery credit.
To apply for the Lottery and Gaming Credit, fill out the Lottery Credit Form and mail to the Sawyer County Treasurer.