Planning & Zoning

Planning & Zoning

Town Administrator - Tim McCumber

In January 1993, the Town of Merrimac adopted a Development Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Eventually, those documents will be here, but until then, here is a guide to assist residents with obtaining a building permit. In December 2004, the Town adopted the Smart Growth Development Plan as required under Wisconsin statute, amending the original development plan.

What requires a Building Permit?

Any construction project valued at $500.00 or more requires a permit. This includes buildings, accessory structures, fences, retaining walls, etc. The replacement of mechanicals and fixtures do not need a permit. If you are not certain whether or not you need a permit, it is highly recommended that you call and ask. Fees triple if construction begins prior to a permit being issued. CLICK HERE to request a Land Use/Building Permit Application.

General Guidelines

These guidelines are not all inclusive as they relate to the Town Ordinance, however, here are some simple guidelines for new construction:

Know your zoning district as these guidelines are for the Single Family Residential District.
You must observe all highway setbacks from the right-of-way (Town Roads - 30 feet) and all side and rear yard setbacks (10 feet).
You must have a living area no less than 1,000 sq. ft. and at least 20 feet wide. The height of the building cannot exceed 35 ft. above grade.
Accessory structures may not exceed 24 ft. by 30 ft. or 14 ft. in height without a Conditional Use permit from the Town Board after recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
All lots must be large enough to accommodate all setbacks, off-street parking, and sanitary requirements. Sauk County determines minimum lot size based on Shoreland Zoning or sanitation requirements, but the minimum lot size for a new lot is 20,000 sq.ft.
You are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to moving in. This can be obtained from the Town of Merrimac.
State of Wisconsin Administrative Code Comm 20.09 mandates that anyone constructing a new home is obligated to apply for a UDC Permit PRIOR to excavation. Contact Kevin Rockweiler, UDC Inspector, at (608) 983-2312. http://www.commerce.state.wi.us.
The Town will issue a building permit ONLY when all other applicable permits (State & County) have been issued. Copies of the state and county permits must be provided with the application.
Allow a minimum of 15 days for permit issuance.

County Shoreland Protection Ordinance

Any property located within 1,000 feet of shoreline also requires a Land Use Permit from Sauk County. Shoreland Zoning requirements are established by the State of Wisconsin and enforced by Sauk County. Any structure located within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark will also be reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sauk County Planning & Zoning can assist you in this area. Contact Steve Sorenson at (608) 355-3285, Extension 3431. You still require a permit from the Town of Merrimac, however, a permit will not be issued within Shoreland Zoning until approval from Sauk County has been granted.

Sauk County Private Sewage System Ordinance

Sauk County enforces private sewage systems as required by state law. Prior to building, replacing, or placing an addition onto a home, you must obtain a permit from Sauk County. Contact Steve Sorenson at (608) 355-3285, Extension 3431. The Town of Merrimac will not grant a Building Permit until Sauk County has granted approval.

Permit Filing Instructions & Zoning Fee Schedule (Word Doc)

Permit Filing Instructions & Zoning Fee Schedule (html version)

Zoning Ordinance

Residential District

UDC Inspections are now required

Click Here to Request a Building Permit

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Page Last Updated Friday, January 05, 2007 11:30 AM

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