Zoning Code | Permit Center

Hello! Content on this website is provided as a convenience and is for informational use only. Be sure to review the Terms of Use for all of the details related to your use of this website.
Accept
The land development process, whether simple (adding a shed in the backyard) or complex, involves various types of reviews. Some projects may in fact require a series of different reviews.

The basic steps in the review process are described below. Scroll past that section to see a list of the different types of review procedures. If you are unsure about what reviews are required, contact us and tell us more about your project.

 
Get Forms
You can get the correct application forms by clicking on the procedure name below. A pdf of the application form will be posted there. You can download the pdf to your device.


 
Complete Application
Fill out the application form as it applies to your project. Depending on the nature of your project, you may need to work with a design professional, engineer, or professional surveyor. Make sure you prepare other supplemental materials that may be needed to fully describe the project.

 
Submit Application Materials
Once you have a complete application submittal, please submit it online. You'll need to fill out some basic information and also upload your application form and potentially other supplemental materials.


 
Payment
Most, but not all applications, have an application fee. The amount of the fee will obviously reflect the amount of effort that's needed to review and process the application. If there is a fee, it will be stated when you submit it online.



Completeness Check
Once we receive your application and the required application fee, we will review it to make sure it is complete and ready for formal review.



Review and Decision
After the application is deemed complete, the formal review process begins. Some types of reviews are handled administratively by staff. Other reviews are evaluated by the Plan Commission and/or the City Council at a public meeting.



Follow Up
If an application is approved, there may be conditions that must be met before you can move to the next step in the process (like getting a building permit). The approval document you receive will list any conditions of approval.


 
Zoning
Administrative Appeal Any person can appeal an administrative decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Show Less Show More Architectural Review Architectural review is required for most types of commercial and some types of industrial buildings. This review ensures that applicable design standards are met to encourage high-quality development. Show Less Architectural review is required for most types of commercial and some types of industrial buildings. This review ensures tha... Show More Certificate of Zoning Compliance A certificate of zoning compliance provides proof that a new building or expansion complies with the zoning code and any related approvals. Show Less A certificate of zoning compliance provides proof that a new building or expansion complies with the zoning code and any rela... Show More Code Amendment A code amendment changes the zoning text and/or the zoning map (rezoning). Show Less Show More Code Interpretation If a person wants a formal determination for how a provision in the zoning code is applied in general terms or in a particular situation they can request a formal interpretation. Show Less If a person wants a formal determination for how a provision in the zoning code is applied in general terms or in a particula... Show More Conditional Use Although each zoning district is primarily intended for a predominant type of land use, there are some uses that may be appropriate under certain conditions. These are referred to as “conditional uses” and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Show Less Although each zoning district is primarily intended for a predominant type of land use, there are some uses that may be appro... Show More Conversion of a Nonconforming Use An existing nonconforming use may be converted to another nonconforming use provided the new use is less nonconforming as set forth in Article 5. Show Less An existing nonconforming use may be converted to another nonconforming use provided the new use is less nonconforming as set... Show More Expansion of a Nonconforming Building A nonconforming building with a conforming use may be expanded as set forth in Article 5 of the code. Show Less Show More Floodplain Permit A floodplain permit is required to do any work in the 100-year floodplain. Show Less Show More Home Occupation A home occupation permit is required if a portion of a house is used for business purposes. Show Less Show More Plan of Operation Plan of operation review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. The operation of the business (e.g., hours of operation and onsite activities) are the primary focus. Show Less Plan of operation review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. The operation... Show More Planned Development District A planned development district is a special zoning district that allows for more flexibility in the development of land while ensuring substantial compliance with the intent of the zoning code and comprehensive plan. Show Less A planned development district is a special zoning district that allows for more flexibility in the development of land while... Show More Registration of a Nonconforming Use Registration of a nonconforming use provides documentary evidence that the use meets the criteria for a legal nonconforming use as of the date of such determination. Show Less Registration of a nonconforming use provides documentary evidence that the use meets the criteria for a legal nonconforming u... Show More Site Plan Site plan review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. The overall design of the site is the primary focus - the relationship of buildings to the site and other features, the flow of pedestrians and traffic within the project and beyond the borders of the project. Show Less Site plan review is required for most commercial and industrial projects and for many conditional uses. The overall design of... Show More Special Exception A special exception allows for a minor deviation from a generally applicable development standard. Show Less Show More Termination of Approval Used for terminating an existing additional permitted or conditional use formerly existing on the property. Show Less Show More Variance A property owner can submit a variance application seeking approval to not follow one or more standard in the zoning code. Show Less Show More Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Starting in 2013, new rules were adopted for telecommunication facilities. Facilities are now categorized as New, Class 1 Collocation, or Class 2 Collocation. Show Less Starting in 2013, new rules were adopted for telecommunication facilities. Facilities are now categorized as New, Class 1 Col... Show More Zoning Permit A zoning permit is required of most kinds of projects. When a zoning permit is required, all other required reviews must occur first. Zoning permits are reviewed by the zoning administrator. Show Less A zoning permit is required of most kinds of projects. When a zoning permit is required, all other required reviews must occu... Show More
Land Division
Certified Survey Map more to com Show Less Show More
Other
Annexation Petition Request to annex to the City of Wisconsin Rapids Show Less Show More