ZONING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ZONING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is zoning? Zoning is the classification of land into districts. The purpose of zoning is to regulate the use of land including the use, placement, size of buildings, yard requirements, landscaping, lighting, and parking.
How many zoning districts are there? There are two agricultural zoning categories: Agriculture (AG) and Rural Residential (RR), six residential zoning districts: Estate Residential-1(ER-1), Single-family Residential-3 (SR-3), Single-family Residential-4 (SR-4), Two-family Residential-6 (TR-6), Multi-family Residential-8 (MR-8), and Multi-family Residential-10 (MR-10), nine Nonresidential Zoning Districts: Neighborhoods Office (NO), Planned Office (PO), Neighborhood Business (NB), Planned Business (PB), General Business (GB), Central Business (CB), Planned Industrial (PI), General Industrial (GI), and Heavy Industrial (HI)
How can I find out what my property is zoned? The city zoning map can be found on HERE. The official zoning map, including the most recent updates, can be viewed at Mauston City Hall, 303 Mansion Street during normal business hours.
How can I find out what is in the City’s Zoning Ordinances? For the complete City of Mauston Zoning Ordinance click HERE. You may also obtain a hard copy which is available for viewing at Mauston City Hall, 303 Mansion Street, Mauston, WI. You may also contact the Zoning Administrator at 608-847-6676 with specific questions.
What can I do on my property? “Permitted Use” and “Conditional Use” tables specify whether a specific use is allowed in a specific zoning district. The Zoning Administrator can help you determine the specific use for your zoning district. You can also find the table on our website under Mauston Zoning Ordinances.
What is a “Permitted Use”? A land use that is permitted within a zoning district is considered to be “permitted by right” is allowed to develop subject to the zoning permit process (Section 114-287) administered by the Zoning Administrator. However, permitted uses (like conditional uses) are subject to all the requirements of the zoning ordinance. Before any permitted use is commenced, changed or altered, a zoning permit must be obtained. (See, Section 114-287).
What is a “Conditional Use”? A “Conditional Use” is a use that is generally in keeping with the intent of the particular district, but because of the nature of the use, needs a sit-specific review. Conditional uses, when granted, are subject to all the requirements of the specific standard zoning district (Article 2) and overlay zoning district (Article 3) in which the use is located, plus any requirements applicable to that particular land use as contained in Articles 4 and 5, plus any additional requirements imposed as part of the conditional use process contained in Article 9. Conditional uses are granted pursuant to the procedures of Section 114-288.
What do I need to submit when applying for a “Conditional Use” permit? Completed Zoning Application form, legal description of the property, current zoning of the property, the specific use intended for the property, intended hours of operation. You will also need to submit a detailed site plan showing: all property lines & easements, the dimension and location of existing and planned structures (including height, floor ratio, and impervious surface area, setbacks from property lines, building materials and colors), drainage ways, parking area with marked stalls, drive/traffic areas, landscaping, signage, and lighting.
What does the Conditional Use process cost? The nonrefundable fee of $200.00, which includes advertising and notification fees.
How do I apply for a Zoning District change? A request to change a zoning district is called rezoning. The property owner discusses the proposed development plan with the Zoning Administrator. When the appropriate district has been determined the property owner submits a rezoning application to the zoning department, along with a survey of the property requested for the change, and a letter of explanation for the proposed zoning district change. A public hearing is scheduled before the Mauston Plan Commission for review and approval, or denial, of the requested zoning district change. All zoning changes must be consistent with the City of Mauston Comprehensive Plan.
What does rezoning cost? The nonrefundable fee for rezoning is $100.00 which includes advertising and notification fees.
What are the setbacks for my property? Setbacks from the roadway, rear yard, and side property lines will be different depending upon your zoning district. You can find the information in the Mauston Zoning Ordinances, or contact the Zoning Administrator for assistance.
When do I need a Zoning permit? Zoning permits are required to ensure that the construction planned is for a legal use of the property, and that all zoning setback requirements are met. Zoning permits can only be issued for construction on lots that meet all requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. Permit applications with the appropriate fee are required prior to beginning construction. Construction may not begin until the permit has been approved.
When do I need a sign permit? A sign permit must be obtained for the placement of any new sign. Existing signs may be repaired or replaced as long as the size, design, frame, and location remain the same. Contact the Zoning Administrator for assistance prior to placing, replacing, or repairing any sign.
When do I need a building permit? Permits are required for most construction or remodeling projects. Contact the Zoning Administrator regarding your specific project.