Yes, in some cases. Depending on the zoning district, a property may include more than one use. For example, multi-tenant buildings in commercial districts often contain several different uses. Properties may also include a principal use along with accessory uses, if allowed, such as a home with a detached garage and a home occupation.
Yes. Zoning districts can be added, removed, or updated over time. In addition, the zoning classification of a specific property can be changed from one zoning district to another. All of these changes require a formal code amendment process, which includes a public hearing. For more information, please visit the Permit Center page and select Code Amendment.
In a zoning code, a land use describes how a property or building is used or intended to be used. Each land use is assigned a name and a short description that explains the typical activities included in that use.
For organization, land uses are grouped into categories (such as residential, commercial, or industrial) to make them easier to navigate. These groupings, along with the use table, help determine where each use is allowed and what additional standards or approvals may apply.
A zoning district is a designated area on the zoning map that has a specific set of rules for how land can be used and developed.
Base zoning is the primary district assigned to a property. Overlay zoning adds additional rules on top of the base district for specific areas or purposes.
Different base zoning districts reflect the variety of places and development patterns within the Village. Not all areas are intended for the same types or intensity of use, so separate districts help match regulations to the character and purpose of each area. Some districts focus on a limited range of uses (like residential), while others are designed to accommodate a broader mix of compatible uses.
For example, some districts are intended for neighborhoods, while others support commercial activity, industry, or mixed-use development. Each district includes standards that guide what can be built and how it should be designed and arranged.
Having different districts helps ensure that development fits its surroundings, supports community goals, and allows for a range of uses and building types across the Village.
A land use that is designated as being permitted by right does not require a public meeting to determine if the use can occur within a given zoning district. A land use permitted by right still must comply with all other applicable provisions in the Village's zoning code.
Each property is assigned a zoning district, which determines what land uses are allowed. Some uses are permitted by right, while others may require additional review and approval, such as a conditional use. You can use the zoning map to find your property’s district and the use table to see what land uses are allowed in that district.
If a land use isn’t listed, it generally means it’s not allowed. In some cases, an unlisted use may be very similar to an allowed use and could be reviewed and approved as that use. If the listing of land uses don’t include your proposed use and it can’t be interpreted as similar, you may apply to amend the regulations. For more information, please visit the Permit Center page.
Supplemental standards are additional rules that apply to specific land uses. While a use may be allowed in a zoning district, these standards provide more detailed requirements for how that use operates or fits on a property. They apply whether the use is allowed by right or requires public review (such as a conditional use).
These standards may address things like location restrictions, spacing requirements, hours of operation, design features, or performance measures. Their purpose is to ensure that certain uses are compatible with surrounding properties and align with the intent of the zoning code.
A zoning map is part of the zoning code and shows the boundaries and locations of all zoning districts in the community. The official copy of the zoning map is kept by the Village Clerk because it is part of the zoning code and the municipal code.
A principal use is the main use of a property—the primary activity or purpose for which the land or building is used, such as a single-family home, retail store, or factory.
An accessory use is a secondary use that is clearly incidental and subordinate to the principal use. It supports or is related to the main use and is typically smaller in scale. Examples include a detached garage, storage shed, or a home occupation associated with a residence.
Some land uses require a public review before they can be approved. This typically includes conditional uses, certain community living arrangements, new telecommunication towers, and large wind energy systems.
Public review usually involves a public hearing and an evaluation by staff and decision-makers to determine whether the proposed use is appropriate for the property and compatible with surrounding uses. The review may also result in conditions being placed on the project to address potential impacts.
The Village cannot recommend any particular surveyor. We do however maintain a list consultants and offer it as a public service. Check it out HERE. You can browse the list or use the filter to find those providing the services you may need.
Municipalities are given the authority in state statutes to create tax increment financing (TIF) district in certain circumstances to help finance public expenditures needed to spur economic development within the district. The Village of East Troy currently has one active TIF district.
While TIF districts do not specifically relate to zoning, TIF districts are included on this website because they potentially could relate to the land development process and what get's developed and how.
A zoning map is part of the zoning regulations and shows where the various zoning districts are located. The land uses that are permitted will vary from district to district. This is also true for development standards including minimum lot size, lot coverage, and setback requirements. The purpose of establishing zoning designations within a community is to ensure that neighboring land uses are compatible with one another. For example, residential uses are generally not compatible with industrial uses. The various zoning districts are depicted on the Interactive Map.
The municipal code is a compilation of various ordinances adopted by the Village Board. The municipal code for the Village of East Troy is posted on its eCode360 site.
Consistent with state law and the Village's zoning code, we need to send out notices to surrounding property owners for certain kinds of development applications that are submitted for review. You can however sign up to receive email alerts for all development applications that may be of interest. Go to the eAlerts page and subscribe by submitting your email address and the search circle. You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time.
A comprehensive plan is a document that describes past and current conditions, but more importantly looks to the future. It includes a vision for how the Village will look and function in the future. Not only does it paint a picture of the future, it provides a roadmap on how that vision can be achieved. A zoning code is one of the tools the Village uses to guide the physical development of the Village. The Village Board adopted the initial plan on June 1, 2009 and a complete update on March 16, 2020.
A zoning map, adopted as part of the zoning code, shows where the various zoning districts are located. Go to the Interactive Map. There you can click on a parcel or search by address, parcel number, or owner name.
A legal description describes where a property is located, and metal rods, placed in the ground by a registered surveyor, identify certain points along the perimeter of the property. Locating property boundary lines can be a challenge though, especially for lots that have not been recently surveyed. Survey markers may not have ever been established, or if placed in the ground, they can be inadvertently removed or become buried. If you are not able to find one or more survey markers and need to know precisely where a boundary line is located, you will need to hire a registered surveyor.
Application fees are set by the Village Board to reflect the level of review required. In a few instances, the cost to submit an application for review also requires the payment of professional charge back fees. All of the application fees are listed on a fee schedule. For your convenience, the current application fees are shown on the Procedures page for each of the application types.
Covenants or deed restrictions are limitations often imposed by the person creating a subdivision. As such, they are a private agreement by and between those parties who own property covered by the covenants. They are not enforced by the Village or any other governmental entity that is not specifically mentioned as being a party to the restrictions. Those persons owning property covered by the covenants have the right to enforce covenants. In some instances, a property owner wishing to enforce the terms of a covenant may need to hire legal counsel to resolve covenant issues.
A structure is a broad term encompassing most manmade features or objects that occupy space on or below the ground surface. A building is therefore a type of structure. Go to the Definitions page to view the complete definitions.
State law gives municipalities the authority to adopt zoning regulations that seek to protect the public health, saftey, and welfare by regulating the use of land. A zoning code typically consists of text and a zoning map. The zoning map depicts where the various zoning districts are located and the text establishes the requirements for existing and future land use development activities.
Building permit applications should be given to the Village's building inspector during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm) or mailed to: Village of East Troy, Attn: Building Inspector; 2015 Energy Drive; East Troy, WI 53120.
