Land Use Services

Overview of Land Use Services Department

The Land Use Services Department consists of the three areas listed below.  The Resource Planning Committee oversees the Land Use Services Department and the Board of Adjustment helps administer the zoning ordinance (see information provided below the Division information).  More information about land use planning and management in Wisconsin can be found at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Center for Land Use Education.

Zoning and POWTS Statute and Code Reference List

Zoning.  Staff members process all regular zoning permit applications, as well as conditional use permit applications, the latter of which go to the Resource Planning Committee for public hearing and approval or denial.  Staff also process the paperwork for petitions for variance from county zoning ordinances, appeals of either Resource Planning Committee or zoning administrator decisions, and petitions for zoning ordinance text or map amendments.  The public hearings at which decisions are made regarding variances and appeals are held by the Board of Adjustment.  Public hearings regarding text or map amendments are conducted by the Resource Planning Committee, with the County Board making the final determinations regarding such petitions.

Sanitarian.  The Sanitarian office administers the county’s Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) regulations which are derived from state administrative code.   The POWTS regulations are intended to protect ground and surface waters via the regulation, inspection, and monitoring of wastewater treatment systems in unsewered areas of the county.  The program involves significant coordination with soil testers, septic system installers, plumbers, property owners, and state-level agencies.  

Planning.  Planning program staff members are responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive, farmland preservation, and other land use-related plans, as well as developing and updating the department’s ordinances.  Planning staff also organize and participate in a variety of educational and information-sharing programs with local municipalities, government agencies, and non-profits. 

Resource Planning Committee.  The Resource Planning Committee (RPC) is the Land Use Services Department’s oversight committee consisting of five county board members.  The RPC conducts public hearings regarding conditional use permit applications as well as text or map amendment applications, with the County Board making the final determinations regarding amendment applications.

• Committee Member Information
• Agendas and Minutes
• RPC Rules of Procedure

Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is a county board-appointed board that participates in the administration of zoning ordinances.  The BOA conducts hearings regarding applications for variances from county zoning ordinances, and appeals of either RPC or zoning administrator decisions.  Board of Adjustment - Rules of Procedure.