Waukesha County

Site Plan and Plan of Operation


Flow Chart

WHEN: Applicant requests a change in or expansion of a permitted use in a business, public, or industrial district, or applies for a change of operator/owner, or generally when applying for a Conditional Use, or as a requirement of Conditional Use approval in the Towns of Ottawa or Oconomowoc, or the areas within 1,000 feet of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of a navigable lake, pond or flowage; or 300 feet of the OHWM of any river or stream, or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever is greater, in any unincorporated area in Waukesha County.

WHY: To provide the Town and County with a detailed description of the proposed use and serve as a basis to determine if the use complies with all requirements of the Waukesha County Zoning Code and Waukesha County Shoreland and Floodland Protection Ordinance – Appendix A and B of the Waukesha County Code, available online and in the office of the Waukesha County Clerk.

WHO: The Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use - Planning and Zoning Division receives the application and conducts a written staff review within three weeks of receipt of a complete application packet and fee.  If required, the applicant is responsible for submitting a Site Plan/Plan of Operation packet to the Town Planning Commission containing the exact same information submitted to the County to be placed on the Town Plan Commission agenda for consideration. Upon receipt of approval by the Town Planning Commission, and satisfaction of all conditions of the Town and County approvals, the Planning and Zoning Division Staff will issue a Plan of Operation/Use Permit. If the Site Plan/Plan of Operation is related to a Conditional Use, then the Waukesha County Park and Planning Commission also reviews the Site Plan/Plan of Operation. See Staff Who Can Help.

HOW: Applicant must submit a complete application packet and fee to the Planning and Zoning Division Staff for review.

A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Site Plan/Plan of Operation application form.

  • State Approved Building Plans, if applicable, also submitted to the Town Building Inspector.
  • Approval of the Department of Parks and Land Use – Environmental Health Division, if applicable.
  • Building Inspector certification that the intended use of the structure complies with all applicable building codes.
  • A detailed Site Plan or map drawn to scale identifying, at a minimum, the lot, streets, all buildings, additions, remodeling, parking, indoor/outdoor storage, loading, landscaping/screening, signage, lighting, grading, storm water management facilities, pier/mooring spaces, outdoor seating, special events/outdoor uses, dumpsters, fencing, well and septic locations, an interior detailed floor plan, easements, and any other appropriate physical characteristics. Please submit one set of plans at the 11” x 17” size. Refer to the appropriate ordinance for additional details on the application process.
  • A “Preliminary Storm Water Review Letter” may be required from the Land Resources Division, in accordance with the Waukesha County Storm Water Management and Erosion Control Ordinance. See Staff Who Can Help.

FEE

  • See Department of Parks and Land Use – Planning and Zoning Division Fee Schedule

VARIANCE OR APPEAL

  • An appeal of a Waukesha County Park and Planning Commission decision or a staff decision shall be made to the Waukesha County Board of Adjustment. Contact the Planning and Zoning Division for more information.

TIME:

  • An applicant can anticipate that a complete Site Plan/Plan of Operation will be reviewed within three (3) weeks of receipt of a complete application packet and fee if associated with a permitted use in a business, public or industrial district; and if associated with a Conditional Use Permit, the applicant can anticipate approximately ten (10) weeks before a decision is made.

NOTES:

  • A Preliminary Site Evaluation or Sanitary Permit may be required from the Department of Parks and Land Use - Environmental Health Division, if the property is not served by public sewer. In addition, if the site is to be served by a holding tank and the site produces more than 3,000 gallons/day, a sewer service amendment would be required. Contact the Environmental Health Division for assistance. See Staff Who Can Help.
  • A Building Permit may be necessary from the local Building Inspector and/or Department of Commerce (DCOMM). Contact the local Building Inspector for assistance. See Coordinating Agencies.
  • A Zoning Permit may be necessary from the Department of Parks and Land Use - Planning and Zoning Division if the request is for a new structure or if improvements are made to the existing structure, or for land altering activities. Contact the Planning and Zoning Division for assistance. See Staff Who Can Help.
  • An Access Permit may be necessary from the Waukesha County Department of Public Works or the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Contact the Waukesha County Department of Public Works for assistance. See Staff Who Can Help.
  • A Storm Water Permit from the Department of Parks and Land Use – Land Resources Division may be necessary before initiating grading activities. Contact the Land Resources Division for assistance. See Staff Who Can Help.
  • Certain licenses (i.e. restaurant, daycare, liquor, sellers, etc.) may be necessary for the operation. Contact the Environmental Health Division and/or the Town Hall for assistance. See Staff Who Can Help.
  • An inspection of the site may be required.

 

Business Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)
515 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188

Room AC 170 - (262) 896-8270 - Land Information System
Room AC 230 - (262) 548-7790 - Park System, Planning and Zoning
Room AC 260 - (262) 896-8300 - Environmental Health, Land Conservation and Recycling
Room AC 320 - (262) 548-7920 - Community Development

If you have questions, please email Department of Parks & Land Use or call the numbers listed above.

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