Zoning And
Building Code Enforcement

New: See Notice To Contractors, Remodelers, Builders, And Anyone With A Construction Business

The zoning / code enforcement office oversees questions of land use, issuance of building permits, investigation of code violations and property maintenance and issuance of corrective orders. Primary responsibilities include review of permit applications for compliance with municipal ordinances, issuance of permits and collection of applicable fees, and advising of the Common Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and municipal staff on zoning and planning issues.

Zoning Administrator-Scott J. Kluver
Phone: 715-373-6160, ex. 4
Fax: 715-373-6148

Building Inspector & Deputy Zoning Administrator-Rick Burkman
715-373-2400

E-mail: washburncodes@charter.net

Office Location:

Washburn City Hall
119 Washington Avenue
Washburn, Wisconsin 54891

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Permits issued by the Zoning Administrator's office?

The zoning administrator should be consulted anytime a change in land use is contemplated, new construction or remodeling is to be undertaken, or when conditional use permits (including home occupation permits) are needed.

What permits are needed for commercial or industrial buildings?

Most commercial buildings are required to have state approved plans prior to the issuance of a building permit by the City of Washburn.  State approved plans are identified by a Department of Commerce stamp and a letter of conditional approval from the state.  If your building falls within the criteria of buildings regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the zoning administrator cannot issue a building permit until state approved plans have been received.

Can the City or its Zoning Administrator tell me where my lot lines are?

No.  If you have a question related to the location of the lot lines of your property, consult a licensed surveyor.  The City is not qualified to provide a legal opinion on the location of lot lines.  Only a licensed surveyor can provide the locations of lot lines.

My neighbor is undertaking an activity that I believe is contrary to municipal codes and is disturbing my use of my property.  How do I resolve the situation?

The City is always available to share the permitted practices of the various provisions of municipal codes.  The best and most appropriate manner to handle this type of situation is for a discussion of your concerns with your neighbor.  The City can, and will, resolve such situations if a basis of law can be found for the City's interference. However relationships between neighbors are often harmed by the City's interference.  The best way, and least harmful for personal relationships, is to chat with your neighbor over a cup of coffee or across the fence, and discuss the concern.

Notice To Contractors, Remodelers, Builders, And Anyone With A Construction Business*

Beginning July 1, 2009, building contractor businesses in Wisconsin need to be registered with the state Department of Commerce.

A four -year, $25 per year, building contractor registration will be required beginning July 1 for businesses whose work is regulated under any of the Commerce codes affecting commercial buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and public swimming pools. Registrations can be done via the Internet. Those done by mail or in person will have a $15 processing fee. There are no exams or education prerequisites for the registration.

A contracting business will need the registration to do most types of building construction work, to obtain building permits, to provide bids or contracts, or to work as a subcontractor.

"Comm 5.30 Building contractor. (1) GENERAL. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no person or entity may engage in the construction business or offer to engage in the construction business that affects public buildings, places of employment and one- and 2- family dwellings, public swimming pools, and water attractions unless the person or entity holds a registration issued by the department as a registered building contractor.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to anyone who holds a:

a. A dwelling contractor certification.
b. A dwelling contractor – restricted certification.
c. A manufactured home manufacturer license.
d. A manufactured home dealer license.
e. A manufactured home installer license.
f. An electrical contractor certification.
g. An electrical contractor – restricted certification.
h. An HVAC contractor registration.
i. An elevator contractor license.

or

2. A person or entity that works only on real estate or property they own or lease.

 

*Construction business" means a trade that installs, alters or repairs any building element, component, material or device that is regulated under the commercial building code, chs. Comm 60 to 66, the uniform dwelling code, chs. Comm 20 to 25, the electrical code, ch. Comm 16, the plumbing code, chs. Comm 81 to 87, or the public swimming pools and water attractions code, ch. Comm 90. The term does not include the delivery of building supplies or materials, or the manufacture of a building product not on the building site."