Welcome to the Division of Zoning

The Division of Zoning is responsible for administering and enforcing ordinances, providing sanitary sewer information and installation inspections, and assigning rural addresses.

	Zoning Background Information
	Frequently Asked Questions:
	What is the difference between a Land Use Permit and a Building Permit?          When are Land Use Permits Required?           When are Building Permits Required?   Town Building Inspectors What steps must I take to build a house? Do I need a Driveway Permit before building? How do I get a Rural Address?

	Fee Schedules
	Floodplain Information
	Permits Issued – Current Year   Land Use    Sanitary
	Zoning District Maps

Contact Information

Background Information:

Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinance
In 1967, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopted a Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinance.  This ordinance regulates all unincorporated lands within 1000 feet of lakes, ponds or flowages and 300 feet from rivers and streams. This ordinance was last updated effective October 1, 2008.

Comprehensive Land Use Ordinance
In 1971, Polk County adopted the Comprehensive Land Use Ordinance, more commonly known as the Zoning Ordinance and was last updated effective June 1, 2007.  This ordinance has been adopted by the following towns: Alden, Apple River, Beaver, Black Brook, Clam Falls, Clayton, Clear Lake, Eureka, Georgetown, Johnstown, Lincoln, Lorain, Luck, McKinley, Milltown, Osceola and West Sweden.  Some towns like Farmington and St Croix Falls have their own Zoning Ordinances.  You should always check with your town for regulations as well.

Subdivision Ordinance
In 1996, Polk County adopted a Subdivision Ordinance.  It is in effect in all towns.  Please check with your town as they may have more restrictive provisions than the county requirements.  The Subdivision Ordinance was last updated effective July 1, 2005.

Telecommunication Towers, Antennas, and Related Facilities Ordinance
In 1999, Polk County adopted a Telecommunication Towers, Antennas, and Related Facilities Ordinance, more commonly known as a Cell-Tower Ordinance.  This ordinance was revised in December of 2003.

What is the difference between a Land Use Permit and Building Permit?

Land use permits and building permits are two separate permits.  Land use permits address zoning issues. Building permits address the State Uniform Dwelling Code.

Land Use permits are issued by the county in all towns within a Shoreland District and within most non-Shoreland Districts, except for the following towns: Farmington, St Croix Falls, Balsam Lake, Garfield, Bone Lake, Laketown, and Sterling. Building permits are issued by the Town Building Inspectors in all towns.

When are Land Use Permits Required?  

Land Use Permits address zoning ordinances.  They are issued by the county in all towns within a Shoreland District (within 300' of a river or stream or within 1,000' of a lake, pond or flowage) and are required within non-Shoreland Districts, except for the following towns: Farmington, St Croix Falls, Balsam Lake, Garfield, Bone Lake, Laketown, and Sterling.  

Land Use Permits are required before you build, move or structurally alter any structure and are also required before you add to an existing structure or replace an existing structure with a new structure.  A structure is defined as anything constructed or erected, intended for the protection, shelter, enclosure or support of persons or property at anytime of the year, including a fence or wall which substantially obstructs the view.

The Zoning Office is required to review each application to see if the proposed project is in compliance with the zoning ordinances.  Not all Land Use Permit Applications are treated the same.  Information required may vary based on the location and proposed structure.  On-site inspections may be required -- Please have your project staked out before submitting your application and allow 1-2 weeks to process.  Issued addressed may include but are not limited to the following:

• Is the project in the correct zoning district?  
• Does the structure meet all setbacks -- roads, lot lines and normal high water marks?
• Does the project require a special or conditional use permit?
• Does the project require state approval? 

When are Building Permits Required?

Building Permits address the State Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC).  They are issued by Town Building Inspectors and are required for "ALL NEW" one and two-family dwellings.  The state statutes require UDC enforcement as of January 1, 2005, in all towns.  Building permits may also be required for accessory structures.  Each town has different procedures so check with your town before starting any construction.  Below is a list of the Building Inspectors under contract with the various towns.

Building Inspectors

                                                                                                                         *residential & commercial

What Steps Must I Take to Build a House?

1.  Know your lot size and its boundaries
	In general, lots of 19 acres or less that are created as of July 1, 1996, need to be surveyed.  If your lot is not surveyed, it is recommended that you have it done.  A survey will help to eliminate any chance of error in locating your lot lines.
2.  Obtain a driveway permit, if necessary.
3. Determine what type of sanitary system you will need and obtain a sanitary permit.
	A.  On site System.  Have your lot tested by a Wisconsin certified soil tester.  This test will identify the area and type of private sanitary system you can have installed.  A Wisconsin licensed plumber will need to obtain a Sanitary Permit for the design and installation of the system.  Some systems require state approval and have a longer approval process.
	B.  Public Sewer.  A small percentage of lots will be served by a public sewer system.  Please obtain appropriate permit or connection form.
		Sanitary Districts
		Clayton (Magnor Lake) Sanitary District
		Wapogasset/Bear Trap Sanitary District 715.268.5276
		Village of Balsam Lake 715.485.3424
4.  Apply for a Land Use Permit.
	The owner or contractor may apply for the Land Use Permit at any time; however, the Land Use Permit will not be issued until the Sanitary Permit has been issued.  This application will be reviewed by the zoning staff to assure compliance to the zoning rules and regulations.  Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing.
5. Obtain necessary Uniform Dwelling Code Building Permit from your town.
	This may include an erosion control plan.

Do I Need a Driveway Permit before Building?

Driveway Permits are required for the following:
On All County Highways in all towns.  Phone: 715.485.8700

On All State Roads in all towns.  Phone: 715.392.7944

Town of Alden Town of Apple River Town of Beaver Town of Clayton Town of Clear Lake

715.248.7859 715.268.9275 715.986.4725 715.948.2965 715.948.2189

Town Office Town Clerk (Gloria Stokes) Town Clerk (Wendy Coleman) Carol  Wozniak Town Clerk (Janelle Johnson)

How Do I Get a Rural Address?

Rural addresses are typically assigned at the time the private sanitary system is inspected by the county, but can be requested at any time.  A measurement is made to determine the rural address number according to the Enhanced 911 system for Polk County.  The owner will receive notification by mail as to their new address.  The towns are responsible for sign installation.  This process may take a few months or so depending on weather conditions.  Homeowners may put up a temporary sign.

Land Information Committee

Board of Adjustment

Contact Information Zoning Administration 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130  Balsam Lake, Wisconsin  54810 Phone: 715.485.9279 Fax: 715.485.9246
Gary Spanel Zoning Administrator 715.485.9248 715.485.9246 Fax GaryS@co.polk.wi.us	Nancy Snouffer Assistant Zoning Administrator 715.485.9247 715.485.9246 Fax Nancy.Snouffer@co.polk.wi.us
Lori Bodenner Zoning Technician / Admin Assistant 715.485.9111 715.485.9246 Fax LoriB@co.polk.wi.us