Bayfield County Zoning Frequently Asked Questions

Note: All information contained in the Bayfield County Zoning pages is provided to inform property owners of minimum requirements and the information is subject to change. Contact the Bayfield County Zoning office prior to building and or developing any property for permits and the most current information.

Do I need a building permit?

What people generally refer to as a building permit is called a Land Use Permit in Bayfield County.

A land use permit shall be required for any new residence, any building erected, relocated or structurally altered (excepting alterations which do not change the size or shape of a structure); any change in the use of the land; or where any use of the land is altered. A land use permit shall be obtained prior to the initiation of construction or a change in land use. No permit shall be issued if the applicant is in violation of the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, Flood Plain Ordinance, Shoreland-Wetlands Zoning Ordinance, or Subdivision Control Ordinance.

All structures shall meet prescribed setback standards for the zoning district in which they are located. All structures in floodplain areas shall require a land use permit.

If my building is on skids, do I need a permit?

Yes. Even though the building is not on a permanent foundation it is an erected building and therefore requires a permit.

Is/Are there any structure(s) that do not require a permit?

A land use permit shall not be required for a residential storage shed of less than two hundred (200) square feet in area (eave-to-eave), or for a private communication device. A temporary structure shall require a temporary permit.

What attachments do I need to include with my permit application?

All permit applications must be accompanied with the appropriate fees and proof of ownership. A land use application must have a copy of your tax statement or if you are a new property owner a copy of your recorded deed. Special Use, Conditional Use, Rezone, and Board of Adjustment applications must have a copy of your tax statement and a copy of you recorded deed.

Must I have the actual permit in hand before I can start doing what I have applied for?

Yes, once your application is approved you will be provided a permit that you post in plain view on the property for which the permit applies. Site preparation does not require a permit, EXCEPT in shoreland areas and mapped wetland areas you must have a permit in hand before you can do any site preparation.

How long does it take to get a permit?

As a general rule of thumb it takes approximately 2 1/2 -3 weeks to receive your land use permit unless you are also applying for a Class-A, a mitigation plan, and/or sanitary permit. With a Class-A, a mitigation plan, and/or sanitary permit application it may take an additional 2-3 weeks before you receive your permit.

Any Special Use-Class B, Rezone, Conditional Use, and Board of Adjustment applications must go before the Planning and Zoning Committee or the Board of Adjustment and will take 6-8 weeks before you receive your permit.

If come to the Zoning Office and complete my permit application will I be able to leave with my permit?

No. A site inspection is required before a permit can be issued.

When I apply for a permit will someone actually inspect the site?

Yes. An Assistant Zoning Administrator or Land Use Specialist will inspect the site to ensure that all setbacks are met and the site complies with the Zoning Ordinance.

What should I do to prepare the site for inspection?

Place stakes where your building, sanitary system, and well will be or are located, and also have all lots lines clearly marked if your activity is closer than 100 feet to the lot line.

Must I be present during the on site inspection?

No, it is not necessary for you to be present

I am in the process of buying property and would like the land use permit in my name. How do I go about doing this?

You must first obtain a recorded deed. Permits may only be issued in the name of the property owner.

Note: A copy of the deed without the Register of Deeds recording in the upper right hand corner will not be accepted. A copy of the recorded deed is the only paperwork that will be accepted.

I am interested in purchasing a parcel of land or I recently purchased a parcel of land and would like to know if it is buildable, could I have an inspector come out to the property and do an inspection? How do I go about doing this?

You send a letter with your name, phone number and a check for $250 to the Planning and Zoning Dept requesting an on-site inspection. An inspector will call you to set a day and a time to meet on the property.

Can my contractor/agent apply for my permit?

Yes. However; the application must be filled out showing the property owners name and signed by the property owner. If anyone other than the property owner signs the application, the property owner must write and sign a Letter of Authorization, authorizing the contractor/agent to apply for the permit.

Can I build in an Ag-1 or F-1 Zoning District?

Yes as long as you meet dimensional and setback requirements and receive Town Board Approval.

In an Ag-1 zoning district you must obtain a Special Use Class-A permit to allow a residence not associated with a farming operation to be constructed.

In a F-1 zoning districts you must also obtain a Special Use Class-A permit to allow a residence.

Do I need a permit to build on my farm?

Yes. There is no longer an exemption for farm buildings/structures.

Will someone from the Zoning Department inspect my building to see if it complies with the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC)?

No. Neither Bayfield County nor Municipalities in the county do inspections to see that the code is complied with. However; the State UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code) is applicable to construction. It is up to the property owner or agent to contract with a UDC inspector to insure that the building complies with the Uniform Dwelling Code.