General Zoning-- FAQ's

Do I need a permit?

Yes. If you are building, moving on or adding onto a structure greater than 100 square feet, if you are changing the use of your land (i.e. from residential to a business), or if your structure does not meet required setbacks, you must get a Land Use Permit from the Rusk County Zoning Office. This is applicable in all Comprehensively Zoned townships – Atlanta, Flambeau, Grant, Grow, Marshall, Thornapple, Stubbs, Washington, and Wilson. It also applies to all areas of Rusk County that are in Shoreland Zoning – within 1000’ of any lake, pond or flowage, or within 300’ of any stream or river.

LAND USE PERMIT! Why do I need a permit to use my own land?

Land Use Permits are required so as to separate conflicting land uses and promote and protect public health and safety. What we do with our land doesn’t affect only us. It affects our neighbors, the community and future owners, as well. The land and water will still be here even when we are not.

When we review an application for land use permit, we check things such as wetlands, floodplain, shoreland setbacks, sideyard setbacks, road setbacks, sanitary systems and the use of the property and surrounding properties. The review assists the landowner in many ways because it addresses some of the concerns that could possibly pose an unexpected problem in the future.

 Certain land uses affect the value of other land in the area. Properties located in a secluded mature forest may be more valuable than property located near a dump. It is also true that property located on a well-protected lake is more valuable than a lake with green algae and contaminated fish. By requiring Land Use Permits, we are able to better protect our community, and our waters.

Why do I need to get a Land Use Permit and a Building Permit?

Land Use Permits are issued by the Rusk County Zoning Office for the