Village of East Troy

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

There is no fee

Submittal Deadline

This application can be submitted anytime.

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Submit Application

Are you Ready?

Do you have a PDF of your completed application form and other required materials?

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If no, the application form is posted on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a determination of completeness?

When we receive a development application, staff will review the materials to make sure the application submittal is complete and ready for formal review. If an application submittal is not complete, staff will notify the applicant and describe the parts that are not complete.

A determination that an application is complete means the application is ready for formal review and does not suggest the applicant has provided sufficient information in all regards or preclude the reviewing authority from requesting additional information it deems appropriate.

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Can a decision of the Village Board be appealed?

Yes; appeals are made to the circuit court and generally must be filed with the court soon after the decision has been made.

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If I submit an application and it is not approved, can I get my application fee back?

Application fees are not refundable. They are intended to cover the costs necessary to review the application.

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What is a professional chargeback fee?

For development reviews, the Village charges the applicant for the time spent by the Village engineer, attorney, planner, or other professionals in reviewing their application. In that way, Village taxpayers aren't paying for the cost of development activities. Invoices are mailed to the applicant as the Village incurs such costs. The applicant agrees to these chargebacks when signing the application form under the Applicant Certification section. Please be sure you fully understand your responsibility for these fees and inquire with staff, if necessary, prior to submitting the application.

2025 Rates: Planner $144/hr, Engineer $160/hr, Attorney $190/hr.

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The review process for a development application includes a public hearing. What's that?

A public hearing is intended to allow the petitioner the opportunity to describe their proposed project and interested parties the opportunity to share their concerns with the reviewing authority. While all public comments are welcome, speakers should focus on those elements of the project that are within the review authority's scope of authority. Consistent with established policies, public comments may be limited in duration to make sure everyone can be heard.

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Primary Staff Contact

Orrin Sumwalt, Zoning Administrator

(414) 336-7915

[email protected]

About Reviewers

The following are involved in the review of this type of application.

The Plan Commission is a 7-member body established by the Village Board to review certain development projects and act on other matters. Depending on the type of the development proposal, the commission may be advisory to the Village Board or have the authority to make the final decision. Two members also serve on the Village Board; the remaining members are village residents who are appointed by the Village President and confirmed by the Village Board.

Planning staff provides technical support to the Village Board, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, developers, neighbors, and other interested parties to facilitate the development review process.

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Everyone involved in reviewing development projects help ensure they align with Village regulations and long-term planning goals to foster positive growth and development.

Below are the ways we notify the public when someone submits this type of application. (ID: 207)

Meeting Agendas Meeting agendas are considered a form of public notice because they provide advance information about the topics a public body will review and may take action on during a meeting.

ZoningHub The application and related documents are posted on the Village's ZoningHub site on the Pending Applications page. This digital posting ensures 24/7 public access to information and may include the petitioner's application, staff reports, dates for upcoming meetings, decision documents, and more.

In addition, we'll notify eAlert subscribers on the first day the application is first posted online. Sign up for eAlerts.

Zoning Code Portal | Permit Center | Code Interpretation