FAQs • Bayfield County, WI • CivicEngage

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Planning & Zoning

What people generally refer to as a building permit is called a Land Use Permit in Bayfield County. All structures in floodplain areas shall require a land use permit.

A land use permit shall be required for any new residence, any building erected, relocated or structurally altered (excepting alterations which do not change the size or shape of a structure); any change in the use of the land; or where any use of the land is altered.

A land use permit shall be obtained prior to the initiation of construction or a change in land use. ** If adding an attached or detached Deck(s) a land use permit is required. ** No permit shall be issued if the applicant is in violation of the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, Flood Plain Ordinance, Shoreland-Wetlands Zoning Ordinance, or Subdivision Control Ordinance. Setback Compliance: Non-Habitable Structure Compliance

All structures shall meet prescribed setback standards for the zoning district in which they are located. All structures in shoreland or floodplain areas shall require a land use permit.

A non-shoreland residential land use permit shall not be required for a residential accessory structure (non-habitable) of less than two hundred (200) square feet in area (does not apply to additions or alterations of a structure), or for a private communication device, if not in a floodplain. A temporary structure of more than two hundred (200) square feet shall require a temporary permit.

2. Is or are there any structure(s) that do not require a permit?

A residential land use permit shall not be required for residential non-habitable (non-shoreland) structure of less than two hundred (200) square feet in area, or for a private communication device if not in a floodplain.

Shoreland properties (per Act 55) all structures require a permit. In the Shoreland Area, structure shall mean a principal structure or any accessory structure including a garage, shed, boathouse, sidewalk, walkway, patio, deck, retaining wall, porch or firepit.

Temporary structure(s) of more than two hundred (200) square feet shall require a temporary permit.

Landings with steps shall not require a land use permit provided the landing area does not exceed 40 square feet, however, if landing is enclosed or covered a land use permit is required.

3. If my building is on skids, do I need a permit?

Yes. Even though the building is not on a permanent foundation it is an erected building and therefore requires a permit.

4. Must I have the actual permit in hand before I can start doing what I have applied for?

Yes, once your application is approved you will be provided a permit that you post in plain view on the property for which the permit applies. Site preparation does not require a permit, except in shoreland areas and mapped wetland areas you must have a permit in hand before you can do any site preparation.

5. What attachments do I need to include with my permit application?

All land use applications must be accompanied with the appropriate fees and proof of ownership. A land use application is also required to have a copy of flex viewer, and a copy of the property statement, unless you are a new property owner; then a copy of your recorded deed is required. Special Use, Conditional Use, Rezone, and Board of Adjustment applications must have a copy of your tax statement and a copy of your recorded deed.

6. If I come to the planning and zoning office and complete my permit application will I be able to leave with my permit?

No. A site inspection is required before a permit can be issued.

7. How long does it take to get a permit?

As a general rule of thumb it takes approximately 2 1/2 -3 weeks to receive your land use permit unless you are also applying for a Class-A, a mitigation plan, and/or sanitary permit. With a Class-A, a mitigation plan, and/or sanitary permit application it may take an additional 2-3 weeks before you receive your permit. Any Special Use-Class B, Rezone, Conditional Use, and Board of Adjustment applications must go before the Planning and Zoning Committee or the Board of Adjustment and will take 6-8 weeks before you receive your permit.

8. Can I Run a Business or Change the Use on my Property?

Short Answer: Maybe. Conversion or Change of Use to any property requires additional permitting.

All parcels of land in Bayfield County are based on Zoning Districts.

In order to Run a Business, Change or Convert the Use of a Property; the Use must be allowed by our Classification List.

See our Ordinance Link, Title 13, Chapter 1, Article D, Section 13-1-62 (Classification of Uses) to verify if the Permissible Use is allowed to be permitted within the Zoning District.

9. Can I Change or Convert the Use of my Accessory Structure?

No, not without the proper permitting.

If you applied for an accessory structure or purchased a property with an existing structure; the structure may not be used for human habitation / sleeping purposes.

Any and all conditions placed at the time of permitting are required to be followed.

All structures must meet and maintain setbacks as permitted. If you wish to relocate or move structure; it requires permitting prior to placement.

Note: No pressurized water or plumbing fixtures allowed inside structure unless said structure is permitted by the Planning and Zoning Office to be connected to a code compliant POWTS/Sanitary System.

10. When I apply for a permit will someone actually inspect the site?

Yes. An Assistant Zoning Administrator will inspect the site to ensure that all setbacks are met and the site complies with the Zoning Ordinance.

11. What should I do to prepare the site for inspection?

Place stakes where your building, sanitary system, and well will be or are located, and also have all lots lines clearly marked if your activity is closer than 100 feet to the lot line.

12. Must I be present during the site inspection?

No, it is not necessary for you to be present.

13. I am in the process of buying property and would like the land use permit in my name. How do I go about doing this?

You must first obtain a recorded deed. Permits may only be issued in the name of the property owner. Note: A copy of the deed without the Register of Deeds recording in the upper right hand corner will not be accepted. A copy of the recorded deed is the only paperwork that will be accepted.

14. I am interested in purchasing or I recently purchased a parcel of land and would like to know if it is buildable, could I have an Inspector come out to the property and do an inspection?

You send a letter with your name, phone number and a check for $250 to the Planning and Zoning Department requesting an on-site inspection. An inspector will call you to set a day and a time to meet on the property.

15. Can my contractor / agent apply for my permit?

Yes. However; the application must be filled out showing the property owners name and signed by the property owner. If anyone other than the property owner signs the application, the property owner must write and sign a Letter of Authorization, authorizing the contractor / agent to apply for the permit.

16. Can I build in an Ag-1 or F-1 Zoning District?

Yes as long as you meet dimensional and setback requirements and receive Town Board Approval. In an Ag-1 zoning district you must obtain a Special Use Class-A permit to allow a residence not associated with a farming operation to be constructed. In a F-1 zoning districts you must also obtain a Special Use Class-A permit to allow a residence.

17. Do I need a permit to build on my farm?

Yes. There is no longer an exemption for farm buildings / structures.