Permit Application Guide, Town of Prairie du Sac, WI

INTRODUCTION	3

PURPOSE	3
LAND USE PLAN	3
ORDINANCES	3
THE APPLICATIONS GUIDE	3
MULTIPLE REQUESTS	3

TYPE OF LAND USE CHANGES	4

LAND DIVISIONS	4

WHO NEEDS THEM	4
BEFORE APPLYING	4
TO APPLY	4
AFTER APPLYING	4
THE PUBLIC HEARING	5
OTHER REQUIREMENTS	5

BUILDING PERMITS / SITE APPROVAL	7

WHO NEEDS THEM	6
TO APPLY	6
AFTER APPLYING	6
BUILDING INSPECTOR	7
FEES	7

DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION PERMITS	8

WHO NEEDS THEM	8
BEFORE APPLYING	8
TO APPLY	8
AFTER APPLYING	8
THE PUBLIC HEARING	8
THE TOWN BOARD MEETING	9
COUNTY REQUIREMENTS	9
OTHER REQUIREMENTS	9

GLOSSARY	10

APPLICATION FEE SCHEDULE	12

TOWN BOARD ADOPTION	13

Introduction

Purpose

After the adoption of the Town of Prairie du Sac's Land Use Plan in July, 1999, ordinances and other land use policies have been adopted by the Town of Prairie du Sac and Sauk County. To facilitate understanding of these requirements and procedures, this Guide was developed. It replaces all other instructions for submitting the applications it covers. This Guide will help you through various steps related to the different land use changes described. These steps will ensure careful consideration of your request. They will also ensure its compliance with the Town of Prairie du Sac's Land Use Plan, the goals of which are to maintain the Town's agricultural land and rural character and to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Land Use Plan

The first thing you should do if you are contemplating any new land use activity is to read and become familiar with the Town of Prairie du Sac's Land Use Plan. This plan was written to lay out the Town's guidelines for future development. These guidelines were not designed to prevent development but to guide it so that as development occurs, it does so in such a way that it meets the Towns' long-term goals for expansion. All requests must conform with this document.

Ordinances

The second thing you should do is to read and become familiar with those Town's ordinances that apply to the land use activity you are considering. These ordinances describe specific Town policies. Full compliance with them is required.

The Applications Guide

Once you have read the above documents, you are ready to look at this Guide. Because some of you are considering just one activity (for example, constructing a driveway) and because some activities will be staggered over time (for example, making land divisions and zoning changes in one year and filing necessary requests to build a new home in another), each type of land use change is described separately. While this involves some repetition from one type of request to the next, it makes each request complete. You can thus read just the sections you need to without having to wade through rules that don't apply to your activity.

Multiple Requests

If your goal involves multiple activities such as dividing land, having it rezoned, and building a house, you will need to get several permits and approvals. Because you will need to follow a similar process for each activity if done separately, you may save time, frustration, and money if you combine your efforts. Another reason for combining requests is that, if done separately, it might be possible to get approval for a land division and a driveway to a location that may not be acceptable for building a house.

If you combine your requests, the "whole package" can be viewed at the same time, and potential problems can be avoided. You will still need to follow all of the individual requirements, but you will only need to submit one set of each of the exhibits required. Likewise, all site visits and Public Hearings that would be required can also be combined. If you are not sure what you want to do as a "whole package," you can still proceed with the individual requests, just follow the instructions for the request that you are making.

Type of Land Use Changes

Land Divisions

Who Needs Them

All land divisions, except the ones exempted in the Land Division Ordinance, require approval by the Town Board. Decisions on requests for land division in the Town of Prairie du Sac are made by the Town only. The Town's policies on land division can be found in the Town's Land Use Plan and the Town's Land Division Ordinance. (Available from the Town Clerk.) Sauk County's policies can be found in its Land Division Regulations.

Before Applying

Before applying for a land division with the Town, you may wish to appear informally before the Town of Prairie du Sac's Planning Committee to explain your intent and be advised as to problems or concerns that will need to be addressed before you submit your request. Please note that this informal appearance is for informational purposes only and is not an official request to the Town and that the Town will not act without an application being filed and the proper fee paid.

Be aware that it is possible to create a parcel of land that will not meet the requirements for a building or driveway permit. The Land Use Plan and the Land Division Ordinance requires that a proposed land division preserve and not interfere with productive farmland. Any request that conflicts with this requirement may be denied.

To Apply

Submit a Land Division Application and its appropriate fee to the Town of Prairie du Sac Clerk. (Application packages are available from the Town Clerk.) With the application for the Town of Prairie du Sac, you should include the following exhibits:

After Applying

Upon the receipt of the Land Division Application with exhibits and the application fee, the Town Clerk will develop a neighbor notification form, at the discretion of the Town Board, that will be copied and sent to all adjoining landowners. (See neighbor notifications in the Glossary.) After completing this requirement, the Clerk will then schedule a site viewing by the Town of Prairie du Sac's Planning Committee and a review at the next regularly scheduled meeting of that committee that falls after the 10-day notification period called for by the neighbor notification requirement. This Committee usually meets on the third Thursday of the month. The applicant will be notified of the site viewing and review dates. It is necessary that you or your agent attend both the site viewing and the committee review. Failure to do so could result in a

recommendation for denial of your application if questions arise that cannot be answered. If an agent is to present the application, it is recommended that the owner/applicant also be present. It is also possible that it might take more than one site viewing and/or review meeting to resolve all of the necessary concerns.

The Public Hearing

The Public Hearing before the Town Board is held to allow the applicant to formally present his/her intentions for the land division. It is also the opportunity for neighbors and other residents of the community to express their concerns and to present other pertinent information to the Town board . Questions from the Board as well as other residents may be posed to the applicant at this time.

The Town Board will consider the application for land division only if a recommendation to approve, conditionally approve, or deny has been made by the Planning Committee. After consideration, the Board will approve, conditionally approve, or deny your request. If approved, the Board will issue you a Land Division Approval.

Other Requirements

If a land division creates a parcel 80 acres or less, a certified survey will be required. If you are required to get a certified survey, the Town's approval will be contingent on compliance with the instructions in the Land Division Ordinance on "Division By Certified Survey."

Who Needs Them

All construction of new buildings, except the ones exempted in the Building Permit Ordinance, requires a Town Building Site Plan Approval. The Town's policies on buildings and their location can be found in the Town's Land Use Plan and the Town's Building Permit Ordinance. (Available from the Town Clerk.) The County's policies can be found in the County's Building/Zoning Ordinances. (Available from Sauk County Planning and Development.) No Building Site Approval will be issued until the driveway permit (if needed) is issued. Before coming to the Town, you should confirm with Sauk County Planning and Development that the size and proposed location of the building conforms with the County zoning requirements.

No person shall build, excavate for, erect or construct any building or structure, nor enlarge, remodel, move, convert, or demolish any building or structure, or cause the same to occur, without obtaining a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit as provided for herein. A permit shall not be required for residing, reroofing, maintenance or for minor repairs not exceeding $1,000.00, provided such repairs do not affect the structural integrity or strength of the building, involve plumbing or electrical work, and do not change the size, occupancy, fire protection, ventilation, exits or lights of the building or structure.

To Apply

Submit a Town of Prairie du Sac Building Site Approval Application and its appropriate fee to the Town of Prairie du Sac Clerk. (Application packages are available from the Town Clerk or Building Inspector.)

After Applying

Upon the receipt of the Building Site Approval Application and the application fee, the Clerk will submit the application to the Town Board. The Town Board will consider the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Town Board usually meets the second Tuesday of the month. After consideration, the Board will approve, conditionally approve, or deny your request. If the Board approves the request, the following documents must be submitted to the Building Inspector before a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit will be issued:

i. 2 sets of complete construction drawings including plan views of each floor, room dimensions, window and door location and sizes, beam sizes and column spacing, room names, joist and rafter size and spacing and a wall section showing roof, wall and foundation construction. Plans must conform with Comm 20.09 (4)

See Building Inspector or Town Clerk for fee schedule for accessory buildings, pools, decks, additions, etc.

Driveway Construction Permits

Who Needs Them

All construction or modification of private driveways or field roads in the Town of Prairie du Sac requires approval by the Town Board if that construction or modification changes the existing topography of the land. Driveway Construction Permits are required by the Town only. The Town's policies on the construction or modification of private driveways or field roads can be found in the Town's Land Use Plan and the Town's Construction of Private Driveways Ordinance. (Available from the Town Clerk.)

Before Applying

Before applying for a Driveway Construction Permit with the Town, you may wish to appear informally before the Town of Prairie du Sac's Planning Committee to explain your intent and be advised as to problems or concerns that will need to be addressed before you submit your request. Please note that this informal appearance is for informational purposes only and is not an official request to the Town and that the Town will not act without an application being filed and the proper fee paid.

To Apply

Submit a Driveway Construction Permit Application and its appropriate fee to the Town of Prairie du Sac Clerk. (Application packages are available from the Town Clerk.) With the application, you should include the following exhibits:

After Applying

Upon the receipt of the Driveway Construction Permit Application with exhibits and the application fee, the Town Clerk will schedule a site viewing by the Town of Prairie du Sac's Planning Committee and a review meeting at the next regularly scheduled meeting of that committee. This Committee usually meets the third Thursday of the month. The applicant will be notified of the site viewing and the Public Hearing. It is necessary that you or your agent attend both the site viewing and the review meeting. Failure to do so could result in a recommendation for denial of your application if questions arise that cannot be answered. If an agent is to present the application, it is recommended that the owner/applicant also be present. It is also possible that it might take more than one site viewing and/or review meeting to resolve all of the necessary concerns.

The Public Hearing

The Public Hearing before the Town Board is held to allow the applicant to formally present his/her intentions for the driveway construction. It is also the opportunity for neighbors and other residents of the community to express their concerns and present other pertinent information to

the Board. Questions from the Board as well as other residents may be posed to the applicant at this time.

The Town Board will consider the application for Driveway Construction only if a recommendation to approve, conditionally approve, or deny has been made by the Planning Committee. After consideration, the Board will approve, conditionally approve, or deny your request. If approved, the Board will issue you a Driveway Construction Permit.

County Requirements

Some driveway construction projects may require a County Permit. Check with Sauk County Planning and Development to see if one is required for your project. If the proposed driveway enters onto a County highway, a County permit will be required. Check with the Sauk County Highway Department.

Other Requirements

A driveway inspection by the Town is required after the construction is completed to assure that this construction meets Town driveway specifications. When the construction is completed, notify the Clerk who will make arrangements for this inspection. There is no additional cost for this inspection.

If the proposed driveway enters onto a State highway, a State permit will be required. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Glossary

Aerial photo/site analysis. This is an 8½- by 11-inch copy taken from an aerial photograph of the section in the Town of Prairie du Sac in which the property lies. If the property lies in 2 sections, you will need 2 aerial photos. On the photo(s), you should outline in black the boundary of the entire property. Outline in red the boundaries of any proposed land divisions or any parcel proposed for a zoning change. Then use colored highlighters to color in some of the natural features to help make them more visible. These features include ag land, woodlands, permanent streams and wetlands, and intermittent streams. Consider any land that is presently tilled or has been tilled (for example, land that is in CRP) as ag land. (The aerial photo is available from the Sauk County Mapping office at 608-355-3240. Note: the name this office uses for the aerial photos is section maps.)

County sanitary permit. This permit is required for all dwellings and mobile homes. (These permits are issued by the Sauk County Planning and Zoning office at Sauk County West Square Building, Room 225, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 608-355-3205.)

County zoning permit. This permit is required to assure that all dwellings, mobile homes, and most outbuildings meeting County zoning requirements. (These permits are issued by the Sauk County Planning and Zoning office at Sauk County West Square Building, Room 225, Baraboo, Wisconsin, 608-355-3285.)

Driveway construction plan. This is an 8½- by 11-inch drawing of the proposed driveway showing the length, width, radius of all bends, and relationship to property lines, buildings, and existing roads. Also shown will be the location and size of all culverts, any areas that will require fill, and any areas that will require cuts. Note: you may wish to make your initial drawing larger, then just make a reduced copy for attachment to your Driveway Construction Permit Application.

Driveway inspection report. This is a report filled out after completion of driveway construction. It certifies that the construction has been performed in accordance with the driveway construction plan and County erosion control plan submitted by the applicant and that it complies with specifications in the Town of Prairie du Sac's Land Use Plan and Driveway Ordinance.

Neighbor notifications. This is a required notification of all landowners whose property adjoins the edges of your entire property to be developed by the Town Clerk at the discretion of the Town Board.

Plat map. This is a copy of the Town of Prairie du Sac page from the county plat book on which you should outline the entire property. (This is available from the Clerk.)

Sewage system site suitability. This is a letter from a certified soil tester confirming the site suitability of the proposed sewage system. Attached to this letter should be a copy of the site plan (described below) on which the acceptable sewage system locations are marked by the soil tester.

Site plan. This is an 8½- by 11-inch close-up drawing or survey map drawn to scale showing the locations of all existing and proposed man-made features of the property. These include any dwellings, driveway, wells, and sewage system. In addition, the distances of any proposed dwelling unit and sewage system to the boundaries of the entire property and any parcel to be rezoned should be noted. See Sample Exhibits as well as the separate page with a blank legend you can cut out and use on your site plan. Note: you may wish to make your initial drawing larger, then just make a reduced copy for attachment to your application.

Soil/slope analysis. This is a map identifying the types of soils and slopes on the property, generally available from Sauk County Land Conversation (608-355-3245). It will show the soils on which no disturbance is allowed and the soils on which non-farm residential development should be avoided. On this map, outline in black the boundaries of your entire property. In addition, mark in red the boundaries of any proposed land divisions, any parcel proposed for a zoning change, any proposed dwelling site, or any proposed driveway. Color any soils on which development should be avoided in orange.

Wisconsin Uniform Building permit application. This is a state form issued by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to cover 1- and 2-family dwellings. (Copies are available from the Clerk or Building Inspector.)

Application Fee Schedule

For applications requiring site views, the Town of Prairie du Sac charges the following costs/fees to cover the Town's costs/fees in reviewing your applications:

(2) a nonrefundable fee of $100.00 for each subsequent site view by the Planning Committee and Town Board, and

(3) any other costs incurred specifically because of your applications. Examples of such costs are attorney fees related to deed restrictions required, other legal review, costs for the advice of consultants, costs of repairing damage to Town roads caused during driveway construction, etc. None of these costs are refundable.

Town Board Adoption

The Town Board hereby adopts this 1999 edition of the Applications Guide to cover all applications for Land Divisions, Zoning Changes, Site Plan Approvals, Building Permits, and Driveway Construction Permits submitted as of date indicated below.

Permit Application
Town of Prairie du Sac
Sauk County, Wisconsin

Name________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address _______________________________________________________

Site Location/Address__________________________________________________

Description of Project___________________________________________________

Zoning_________________________________________________________________

Land Division

q Plat Maps

q Aerial Photo/Site Analysis

q Soil/ Slope Analysis

q Site Plan

Driveway Permit

q Plat Map

q Aerial Photo/Site Plan

q Soil/ Slope Analysis

q Driveway Construction Plan

Building Permit

q Site Plan Approval

q Driveway Permit Approval

q Sauk County Zoning Permit

q Sauk County Sanitary Permit

q Land Division Approval

q Completed Building Permit Application

2

Permit Application Town of Prairie du Sac Sauk County, Wisconsin

Land Division

Driveway Permit

Building Permit

Permit Application
Town of Prairie du Sac
Sauk County, Wisconsin