Village of East Troy

Zoning (16)

Administrative Appeal
Description: Recognizing that there may be situations where a property owner or another party believes that the Zoning Administrator made an error in administering the zoning code, the state legislature established a mechanism to allow the Zoning Board of Appeals to review alleged administrative errors.

Initiation: Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Zoning Administrator may file an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals consistent with s. 510-152 of the zoning code.

Decision-maker(s): Zoning Board of Appeals

Application fee: $200

Submittal deadline: within 45 days of decision being appealed

Review process:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
3. Public notice. The Zoning Administrator publishes a public notice in the local newspaper; two times in different weeks.
4. Property owner notice. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to those owning property within 300 feet of the subject property (at least 10 days before the hearing).
5. Notice to specified municipalities. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the clerk of any municipality within 1,000 feet of the Village’s municipal boundary (at least 10 days before the hearing).
6. Notice to specified airports. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the owner/operator of an airport when such airport is within 3 miles of the Village’s municipal boundary (at least 10 days before the hearing).
7. Notice to DNR. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the regional office of the DNR if the appeal relates to floodplain regulations or shoreland-wetland regulations (at least 10 days before the hearing).
8. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
9. Public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals conducts a public hearing within 45 days of the date the application is deemed complete.
10. Decision. Within 60 days of the date the application is deemed complete, the Zoning Board of Appeals makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) affirm the decision of the Zoning Administrator, (2) affirm the decision of the Zoning Administrator in part and overturn in part, or (3) overturn the decision of the Zoning Administrator.
11. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the decision document as approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
12. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
13. Distribution of decision to others. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the regional office of the DNR if the appeal relates to floodplain regulations or shoreland-wetland regulations (within 10 days of the decision).
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to s. 510-152 of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Application Materials

Administrative Appeal application

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Architectural Review

Description: The Village has established basic design guidelines to regulate the design and materials used for the exterior of buildings and structures within the Village so as to attain a degree of uniformity in exterior appearance and quality of materials, and thus maintain and enhance the attractiveness and values of property in the community. applicable regulations are found in s. 510-90 of the zoning code. If a project is located in the Downtown Design Overlay District, standards in Article XI of the zoning code apply.

Initiation: The owner of the property may submit an application for architectural review.

Decision-maker(s): Renovation of the exterior appearance - Zoning Administrator; Change the appearance or modification - Plan Commission

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Submittal deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

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Application Materials

Site Plan application

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Certificate of Occupancy
Description: A certificate of occupancy is required to ensure completed development complies with the approved site plan and the requirements of the zoning code. A certificate of occupancy shall be required for any of the following:
1. Occupancy and use of a building or structure hereafter erected or structurally altered.
2. New occupancy and use of an existing building when the new use is of a different land use classification.
3. Occupancy and use of vacant land.
4. New use of vacant land when the new use is of a different land use classification.
5. Any change in the tenant or use of a noncomforming use. No change of tenant or use shall take place until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Building Inspector.
Initiation: The owner of the property may submit an application for certificate of occupancy.

Decision-maker(s): Zoning Administrator

Application fee: $75

Submittal deadline: None - applications can be submitted daily
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Code Amendment
Description: From time to time, it may be necessary or desirable to amend the text of the zoning code and the zoning map. Procedures and requirements are found in s. 510-154 and 510-155 of the zoning code.

Initiation: Any of the following may submit an application to amend the zoning code: a member of the general public; a recommendation by the Plan Commission to the Village Board; or by action of the Village Board.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: $250, plus any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

Review process:
1. Pre-submittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent may meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures, applicable sections of the Village’s comprehensive plan, and the proposed project.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
3. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
4. Public notice. The Zoning Administrator publishes a public notice in the local newspaper; two times in different weeks.
5. Property owner notice. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to those owning property within 300 feet of the subject property to be rezoned if the amendment was submitted by the property owner (at least 10 days before the hearing).
6. Notice to specified municipalities. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the clerk of any municipality within 1,000 feet of the Village’s municipal boundary if the application is for a text amendment or if the application is to change the zoning designation of a property located within 1,000 feet of the Village’s municipal boundary (at least 10 days before the hearing).
7. Notice to specified airports. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the owner/operator of an airport when such airport is within 3 miles of the Village’s municipal boundary (at least 10 days before the hearing).
8. Notice to DNR. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the regional office of the DNR if the amendment relates to floodplain regulations (at least 10 days before the hearing).
9. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Plan Commission and Village Board, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
10. Plan Commission public hearing. The Plan Commission conducts a public hearing within 45 days of the date the application is deemed complete.
11. Plan Commission recommendation. The Plan Commission makes a recommendation to the Village Board within 60 days of the date the application is deemed complete. If the Plan Commission does not make a recommendation within the above-mentioned 60-day period, the Village Board shall then hold a period within 30 days after the expiration of the 60-day period.
12. Preparation of draft ordinance. The Zoning Administrator prepares a draft ordinance if the Plan Commission supports the amendment.
13. Village Board decision. The Village Board makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) approve the amendment, (2) approve the amendment with conditions, or (3) deny the amendment. If the Village Board wishes to make significant changes in the proposed amendment as recommended by the Plan Commission, the Village Board needs to conduct a new public hearing with appropriate public notice. If a proposed amendment would modify the zoning map, a ¾ vote of all members of the Village Board is required when the Plan Commission does not recommend approval. If an airport owner/operator protests the amendment or if there is a protest of qualified property owners, a ¾ vote of all members of the Village Board is required.
14. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares a decision document as approved by the Village Board.
15. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
16. Notification to DNR. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the regional office of the DNR if the amendment relates to floodplain regulations or shoreland-wetland regulations (within 10 days of decision).
17. Revision to zoning map. If an application to amend the zoning map is approved, a new zoning map is prepared.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to above referenced sections of he zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Application Materials

Code Amendment application

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Code Interpretation
Description: From time to time, there may be instances where a person may have a question concerning a provision of the zoning code or the application of a provision of this code. To ensure this code is consistently interpreted, a mechanism is needed to issue written interpretations. Procedures and requirements are found in s. 510-151 of the zoning code.

Initiation: Any of the following may submit an application for a code interpretation: the owner(s) of the subject property; a recommendation of the Plan Commission to the Village Board; by action of the Village Board; or by request of the Zoning Administrator.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission recommendation to Village Board for final decision

Application fee: none

Submittal deadline: None - applications can be submitted daily

Review process:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
3. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Plan Commission, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
4. Plan Commission recommendation. The Plan Commission makes a recommendation to the Village Board within 45 days of the date when the application is deemed complete.
5. Draft decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares a draft decision document based on the recommendation of the Plan Commission.
6. Village Board decision. The Village Board makes a decision based on the decision criteria enumerated in s. 510-151(F) of the zoning code.
7. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the final decision document as approved by the Village Board.
8. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
9. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the interpretation is retained as a public record.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to the above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Conditional Use
Description: Although each zoning district is primarily intended for a predominant type of land use, there are a number of uses that may be appropriate under certain conditions. These are referred to as “conditional uses.” Section 510-157 of the zoning code describes the requirements and procedures for reviewing a conditional use, including an amendment of an approved conditional use.

Initiation: The owner of the subject property may submit an application for the establishment of a conditional use.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: $200 and $50 for permit renewal, plus any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Submittal deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

Review process:
1. Pre-submittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent may meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures, applicable sections of the Village’s comprehensive plan, and the proposed project.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
3. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
4. Distribution of staff as appropriate. The Zoning Administrator sends copies of the application to Village staff and departments as appropriate, including the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department, engineer, and building inspector.
5. Public notice. The Zoning Administrator publishes a public notice in the local newspaper; two times in different weeks.
6. Notice to specified municipalities. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the clerk of any municipality if the project is located within 1,000 feet of the Village’s municipal boundary (at least 10 days before the hearing).
7. Notice to DNR. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the regional office of the DNR if the project is in a floodplain or shoreland-wetland zoning district (at least 10 days before the hearing).
8. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Plan Commission and Village Board, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
9. Public hearing and recommendation. The Plan Commission conducts a public hearing within 45 days of the date the application is deemed complete and makes a recommendation to the Village Board within 60 days of the date when the application is deemed complete.
10. Draft decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares a draft resolution based on the recommendation of the Plan Commission.
11. Village Board decision. The Village Board makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) approve the conditional use, (2) approve the conditional use with conditions, or (3) deny the conditional use. If the Village Board wishes to make significant changes in the proposed conditional use as recommended by the Plan Commission, the Village Board needs to conduct a new public hearing with appropriate public notice.
12. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the resolution as approved by the Village Board.
13. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
14. Notification to DNR. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the regional office of the DNR if the project is located in a floodplain zoning district or shoreland-wetland zoning district (within 10 days of decision).
15. Recording of decision. Decision document recorded at the Walworth County register of deeds office, except for temporary uses.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Application Materials

Conditional Use application

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Downtown Design - New

Description: Within the downtown design overlay district the following are subject to review and approval: demolition of an existing buidling, new construction, additions to an existing building, and any change to the site. Design standards are found in s. 510-77 of the zoning code and the procedural requirements are in s. 510-78.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
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Downtown Design - Renovation

Description: An existing buidling in the downtown design overlay district may be rennovated with a change in the appearance (i.e., new colors, finishes, and/or materials) subject to the procedures and requirements in the zoning code. Design standards are found in s. 510-77 of the zoning code and the procedural requirements are in s. 510-78.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
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Planned Development District - Final Development Plan

Description: A planned development overlay district may be created to accommodate development projects that do not fit the standards established for the various zoning districts. A district is created in two steps: general development plan and precise implementation plan.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
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Planned Development District - General Development Plan

Description: A planned development overlay district may be created to accommodate development projects that do not fit the standards established for the various zoning districts. A district is created in two steps: general development plan and precise implementation plan.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: $200, plus any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
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Registration of a Nonconforming Use
Description: There may be now or in the future certain uses of land that do not comply with the existing zoning regulations, but which were legally established. These uses are referred to as “legal nonconforming uses,” and consistent with the provisions of Article IX are allowed to continue to operate. For this reason, it is necessary to document those uses that are considered legal nonconforming. Registration of a use as a legal nonconforming use establishes (1) when the use was first established; (2) that the use at the time of establishment complied with the Village’s zoning regulations in effect at the time, if any; (3) that the use has continued continuously, without cessation of more than 12 continuous months; and (4) the nature of the use when the use became nonconforming. The procedures and requirements in this section are intended to comply with § 60.61(5)(d), Wis. Stats.

Initiation: Any of the following may submit an application to register a specific land use as a legal nonconforming use: (1) a person having a financial interest in the subject property or in the use occurring on the property; (2) the zoning administrator; (3) the Plan Commission; or (4) the Village Board, or any member thereof.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: There is no up-front application fee, but professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application may be billed back

Submittal deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

Review process:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
3. Review date. When the zoning administrator determines the application is complete, he or she will schedule the review with the Plan Commission consistent with its meeting calendar allowing for proper notice.
4. Public hearing notice. The zoning administrator will publish a class II public hearing notice.
5. Notice to property owner. If the applicant is not the property owner, the zoning administrator will send a notice to the property owner at least two weeks in advance of the public hearing.
6. Plan Commission meeting. Allowing for proper notice, the Plan Commission will consider the application at a regular or special meeting.
7. Recommendation. The Plan Commission will make a recommendation to the Village Board as set forth in this section. The Plan Commission may render its decision at the same meeting the matter was initially considered or at a subsequent meeting, but no later than 40 days after the date of the initial meeting unless the applicant agrees to an extension of a specified duration.
8. Village Board meeting. Allowing for proper notice, the Village Board will consider the application at a regular or special meeting.
9. Decision. After considering the Plan Commission's recommendation, the Village Board will make a final decision as set forth in this section.
10. Preparation of decision notice. Based on the action of the Village Board, the zoning administrator will prepare a written decision notice consistent with this section.
11. Applicant/property owner notification. Within a reasonable time following the Village Board's decision, the zoning administrator will provide a copy of the decision notice to the Village Board, Plan Commission, and others as may be appropriate. The original will be mailed to the property owner by regular mail.
12. Public record copy. A copy of the decision notice will be retained as a public record.
13. Inclusion in registry. If the application is approved, the zoning administrator will include the legal nonconforming use in the registry authorized in § 510-64A.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
This procedure was added to the zoning code in 2019 with adoption of Ordinance 2019-04.
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Sign Permit
Description: A sign permit is required prior to the establishment of a new sign, except for those specifically exempted in s. 510-134 of the zoning code.

Decision-maker(s):
Existing premises: Zoning Administrator
New premises: Plan Commission

Application fee: $75

Submittal deadline:
Zoning Adminstrator review: None - applications can be submitted daily
Plan Commission review: at least 20 days in advance of the Plan Commission meeting

Review process for existing premises:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant shall submit a completed application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Staff review. Within 30 days of submittal, the Zoning Administrator shall either approve or deny the application based on compliance with all zoning requirements.
3. Applicant notification. Within a reasonable time following his or her decision to approve or deny the application, the Zoning Administrator shall mail the decision notice to the applicant by regular mail.
4. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice is retained as a public record.
Review process for new premises:
1. Pre-submittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent may meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures, and the proposed project.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
3. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
4. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Plan Commission, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
5. Decision. The Plan Commission makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) approve the application, (2) approve the application with conditions, or (3) deny the application.
6. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the decision document as approved by the Plan Commission.
7. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
8. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice is retained as a public record.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to the above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Site Plan
Description: Because certain land uses have the potential to negatively affect properties in the area they must be reviewed with regard to the layout of such use and design of buildings of such use. See s. 510-160 of the zoning code for additional details.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission

Decision Criteria:
1. All standards of this Chapter and other applicable Village, state, and federal regulations are met.
2. The public health and safety is not endangered.
3. Adequate public facilities and utilities are provided.
4. Adequate control of stormwater and erosion are provided and the disruption of existing topography, drainage patterns, and vegetative cover is maintained insofar as is practical.
5. Appropriate traffic control and parking are provided.
6. Appropriate landscaping and open space areas are provided.
7. The appearance of structures maintains a consistency of design, materials, colors, and arrangement with nearby properties of similar use, which comply with the following general architectural guidelines:
(a) Exterior construction materials shall be consistent with Section 510-90.
(b) Exterior building design or appearance shall not be of such unorthodox or abnormal character in relation to its surroundings as to be unsightly or offensive to generally accepted taste and community standards.
(c) Exterior building design or appearance shall not be so identical with nearby buildings so as to create excessive monotony or drabness. A minimum of five basic home styles shall be provided in each residential subdivision.
(d) Exterior building design or appearance shall not be constructed or faced with an exterior material which is aesthetically incompatible with other nearby buildings or which presents an unattractive appearance to the public and from surrounding properties.
(e) Exterior building, sign, and lighting design or appearance shall not be sited on the property in a manner which would unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the natural beauty of the area.

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Submittal deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

Approval period: All buildings on an approved site plan not fully developed within 2 years of final Plan Commission approval shall expire, and no additional site plan development shall be permitted on undeveloped portions of the subject property. The Plan Commission may extend this period, as requested by the applicant, through the site review process.

Review process:
1. Presubmittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent shall meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures, applicable sections of the Village’s comprehensive plan, and the proposed project.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
3. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials within 10 working days of reciept to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
4. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Plan Commission, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
5. Plan Commission decision. The Plan Commission makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) approve the site plan, (2) approve the site plan with conditions, or (3) deny the site plan.
6. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the decision document as approved by the Plan Commission.
7. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
8. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the interpretation is retained as a public record.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Application Materials

Site Plan application

You may also need:

Stormwater Management Agreement for a Single Parcel

Use this sample when you need to submit a stormwater management maintenance agreement. It describes what kind of maintenance is needed to keep a stormwater facility in good working order and who is responsible for doing the work.
Last updated: December 19, 2016

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Temporary Use Permit
Description: The land-use matrix in s. 510-38 of the zoning code identifies a number of land uses that are temporary in nature and in what zoning district they may be permitted. Section 510-158 of the zoning code describes the requirements and procedures for reviewing these temporary uses.

Decision-maker(s): This is an administrative decision by the Zoning Administrator

Application fee: $60

Submittal deadline: None - applications can be submitted daily

Review process:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant shall submit a completed application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Staff review. Within 30 days of submittal, the Zoning Administrator shall either approve or deny the application based on compliance with all zoning requirements.
3. Applicant notification. Within a reasonable time following his or her decision to approve or deny the application, the Zoning Administrator shall mail the decision notice to the applicant by regular mail.
4. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice is retained as a public record.
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Application Materials

Temporary Use application

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Variance
Description: Recognizing that there may be situations where a zoning regulation that if enforced would cause unnecessary hardship to individual landowners, the state legislature established a mechanism to allow a municipality to issue a variance in those instances where a minor deviation would be appropriate to alleviate such hardship without circumventing or undermining the intent of the zoning regulations. Section 510-161 of the zoning code describes the requirements and procedures for reviewing a variance application.

Decision-maker(s): Zoning Board of Appeals

Application fee: $200

Submittal deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm

Review process:
1. Pre-submittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent may meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures, applicable sections of the Village’s comprehensive plan, and the proposed project.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant submits an application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
3. Determination of completeness. The Zoning Administrator reviews the submitted materials to determine if the application is complete. If the application is not complete, the Zoning Administrator will notify the applicant of incomplete or missing requirements.
4. Public notice. The Zoning Administrator publishes a public notice in the local newspaper; two times in different weeks.
5. Property owner notice. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the public hearing notice to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property (at least 10 days before the hearing).
6. Special notice. The Zoning Administrator sends a notice to the clerk of any municipality if the project is located within 1,000 feet of the Village’s municipal boundary and to the regional office of the DNR if the variance relates to floodplain regulations (at least 10 days before the hearing).
7. Staff report. The Zoning Administrator prepares a staff report and provides a copy to each member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the applicant, and any other interested person upon request.
8. Public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals conducts a public hearing within 30 days after the application is deemed complete.
9. Decision. Within 30 days after holding the public hearing, the Zoning Board of Appeals makes a decision based on the decision criteria to (1) approve the variance, (2) approve the variance with conditions, or (3) deny the variance. If the variance relates to floodplain regulations or shoreland-wetland regulations, final action shall not be taken for 30 days or until the DNR has made its recommendation, whichever comes first.
10. Final decision document. The Zoning Administrator prepares the decision document as approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
11. Written decision sent to applicant. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the applicant.
12. Distribution of decision to others. The Zoning Administrator sends a copy of the decision to the regional office of the DNR if the variance relates to floodplain regulations or shoreland-wetland regulations (within 10 days of the decision).
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to the above referenced section of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
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Application Materials

Variance application

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Zoning Permit
Description: A zoning permit is required:
1. Before any structure is erected, affixed, moved, or structurally altered to increase its floor area.
2. Before any area of one acre or greater will be disturbed by excavation, grading, filling, or other earthmoving activities resulting in the loss or removal of protective ground cover or vegetation.
3. Before a land disturbing activity over more than 5,000 square feet is to occur on slopes greater than 12 percent.
4. Before any substantial alteration which would affect a change in use of an existing site or structure.
5. Before any use for which a conditional use permit has been granted under this Chapter commences operation.
6. Before the commencement of any structural modification or structural repair of an existing nonconforming structure, or to a structure housing a nonconforming use.
7. Before the establishment of any specific land use described for which a stormwater management plan, grading plan, and/or erosion control plan is required.
8. Before any other land disturbing activity occurs where the Zoning Administrator determines that high levels of erosion or runoff is likely unless an erosion control plan, stormwater management plan, or both is developed.
9. Any other instances that have been indicated in other parts of this Chapter.
Decision-maker(s): Zoning Administrator

Application fee:
Commercial - $125

Single-family and duplex - $100

Additions - $50
Remodeling - $50
In-ground swimming pools, decks, and garages - $35
Above-ground swimming pools and sheds - $25

Submittal deadline: None - applications can be submitted daily

Duration of permit: A zoning permit automatically expires (1) 4 months of the date of issuance if completed work does not equal 10 percent or more of the dollar amount of the permit or (2) 18 months of the date of issuance if the structure for which the permit is issued is less than 75 percent complete as measured by the dollar amount of the permit.

Review process:
1. Submittal of application materials. The applicant shall submit a completed application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee as may be established by the Village Board.
2. Staff review. Within 30 days of submittal, the Zoning Administrator (unless otherwise specified in the zoning code) shall either approve or deny the application based on compliance with all zoning requirements.
3. Applicant notification. Within a reasonable time following his or her decision to approve or deny the application, the Zoning Administrator shall mail the decision notice to the applicant by regular mail.
4. Posting on job site. If a zoning permit is approved, the applicant must post the permit in a conspicuous location on the site.
5. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice shall be retained as a public record.
Note: This description is intended to highlight the key steps in the review procedure, and may not include all of the details. Please refer to s. 510-156 of the zoning code for a complete description of the process and related requirements.
Submit application online

Application Materials

Zoning Permit application

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Land Division (5)

Affidavit of Correction

Description: An affidavit of correction is a legal instrument that is used to correct or otherwise modify a subdivision plat or certified survey map (CSM). The Village must approve any changes relating to areas dedicated to the public or any restrictions for the public benefit.

Decision-maker(s): The Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application.

Application deadline: The zoning administrator must determine the application is complete and ready for review at least 4 weeks before the Village Board meeting, which is typically held the first Monday of the month.
Submit application online

Application Materials

You may also need:

Guidance for Affidavit of Correction

Source: Wisconsin Platting Manual; Publication Number: DOA-7680P

Statistics
Certified Survey Map

Submit application online

Application Materials

Land Division

Statistics
Prior Review of Land Transfer
Description: Before adjoining property owners modify the location of a common lot line (as allowed by state law), the proposal must be reviewed by staff to make sure both of the parcels comply with all zoning standards.

Decision-maker(s): Zoning administrator, Plan Commission on appeal

Application fee: No application fee, but applicant is responsible for any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Submittal deadline: None - applications may be submitted daily

Review criteria: The review by the Zoning Administrator, and by the Plan Commission on appeal, shall be limited to considering whether the conveyance is in compliance with § 236.45(2)(am)3, Wis. Stats., and the applicable laws cited therein, including these regulations, the Village's zoning regulations, and other applicable laws and ordinances. Such conveyance can only be approved if the same number of lots exist prior to the conveyance as would exist after the conveyance. Such conveyance can only be approved if the resulting lots would all be both legal and conforming, even if any such lots are legal nonconforming prior to the conveyance, because the conveyance creates new lots which do not predate the ordinance and therefore have no legal nonconforming rights. Such conveyance must not be approved if the conveyance includes land that has a legal nonconforming use, because the legal nonconforming rights are limited to use of the preexisting lot. Such conveyance shall not be approved if any of the resulting lots and the existing improvements on the lots would be in violation of applicable open space requirements. Such conveyance shall not be approved if the conveyance would make an existing conforming structure illegal or nonconforming or would increase the extent of any preexisting legal nonconformity of an existing structure.

Review procedure
1. Presubmittal meeting. Before submitting an application, the applicant or the applicant's agent may meet with the Zoning Administrator to review applicable regulations and procedures and the proposed transfer.
2. Submittal of application materials. The applicant shall submit a completed application and other required materials to the Zoning Administrator along with the application fee set forth in the fee schedule adopted from time to time by the Village Board.
3. Staff review. Within 10 days of submittal, the Zoning Administrator shall either determine that the application is incomplete and notify the applicant, in writing, of any deficiencies or make a decision based on the decision criteria contained in this section to approve the application, approve the application with conditions, or deny the application. The Zoning Administrator shall take no further steps to process the application until the deficiencies are remedied. The incomplete application shall be retained as a public record.
4. Applicant notification. Within 15 days following his or her decision to approve or deny the application, the Zoning Administrator shall mail the decision notice to the applicant by regular mail.
5. Public record copy. A duplicate copy of the decision notice shall be retained as a public record.
Submit application online

Application Materials

Prior Review of Land Transfers

You may also need:

Fact Sheet for Land Transfer

Developed by the Village of East Troy
Version: July 10, 2020

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Subdivision Plat - Final

Description: A subdivision plat is used to create more than six parcels. Subdivison plats are reviewed in two steps: preliminary and final. A preliminary subdivision plat shows the proposed layout of the lots and any roads. If a preliminary plat is approved, the final plat is prepared consistent with all requirements in the Village's land division regulations and state law.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission recommendation and Village Board decision

Application fee: $75.00, plus $2.50 per lot and any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
Submit application online

Application Materials

Land Division

Statistics
Subdivision Plat - Preliminary

Description: A subdivision plat is used to create more than six parcels. Subdivison plats are reviewed in two steps: preliminary and final. A preliminary subdivision plat shows the proposed layout of the lots and any roads. If a preliminary plat is approved, the final plat is prepared consistent with all requirements in the Village's land division regulations and state law.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission recommendation and Village Board decision

Application fee: $150.00, plus $5.00 per lot and any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: Second Monday at 12:00 pm
Submit application online

Application Materials

Land Division

Statistics

Other (3)

Annexation
Description: Annexation is the process that transfers unincorporated territory from towns to a city or village. As set forth in state statutes, there are five different annexation methods. Of these, annexation by unanimous approval accounts for the vast majority of annexations statewide.
1. Annexation by Unanimous Approval (s. 66.0217 (2) Wis. Stats.)
2. Annexation by One-Half Approval (s. 66.0217 (3)(a) Wis. Stats.)
3. Annexation by Referendum (s. 66.0217 (3)(b) Wis. Stats.)
4. Annexation by City or Village Initiated Referendum (s. 66.0219 Wis. Stats.)
5. Annexation of Town Islands (s. 66.0221 Wis. Stats.)
6. Annexation of Territory Owned by a City or Village (s. 66.0223 Wis. Stats.)
Decision-maker(s): The Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: There is no application fee, but the applicant must pay any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application.

Application deadline: Contact the Village administrator for the timeline for submittal and review.
Submit application online

Application Materials

You may also need:

Annexations

Guidance document prepared by Wisconsin Department of Administration
Version: September 9, 2016

Checklist for Municipal Ordinances

Guidance document prepared by Wisconsin Department of Administration
Version: May 10, 2018

Flowchart for Annexation by Unanimous Consent

Prepared by Wisconsin Department of Administration
Version: no date

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Comprehensive Plan Amendment

Description: The comprehensive plan describes the Village's overall vision for growth and development. It may be amended from time to time to reflect new challenges or opportunities.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: None

Application deadline: 3 weeks prior to the Plan Commission meeting (normally held the second Monday of each month)
Submit application online

Statistics
Official Map

Description: The Village's official map depicts existing and planned public facilities, including roads. This map may be amended.

Decision-maker(s): Plan Commission makes a recommendation and the Village Board makes the final decision

Application fee: $100.00, plus any professional charge-back fees related to the review of the application

Application deadline: The zoning administrator must determine the application is complete and ready for review at least 4 weeks before the Plan Commission meeting, which is typically held the first Wednesday of the month.

Submit application online

Statistics

Village of East Troy

Zoning Code Portal | Procedures