Building permits, zoning and land rules in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
45Index Score / 100 #66 of 72 in Wisconsin
A Uniform Dwelling Code building permit is required for a new one- or two-family home in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, and the delegated town, village or city issues it, or the state DSPS where the municipality lacks authority1. General zoning approval also comes from the parcel’s municipality; the county itself zones only shoreland and floodplain areas in unincorporated land2. Septic permits for all unsewered development, in a town or village alike, come from the Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department3.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for new one- or two-family homes, including stick-built, modular and manufactured homes1
Zoning
Local municipalities provide general zoning; the county regulates shoreland and floodplain development in unincorporated areas24
Septic
The county regulates private onsite wastewater and all unsewered development56
Owner-builder exemption
Yes - an owner who occupies or will occupy the home can pull the construction permit personally7
Shoreland lot rules
County minimum lot sizes, widths and water setbacks apply in regulated districts; municipal rules may be stricter89
Private well
A county or municipal well permit is required for a UDC home using a private well10
Inspections
Required for new one- and two-family dwellings; notify the inspector named on the UDC permit11
Septic soils
Only 6.9% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field12
Building permits and inspections for homes in the Town of Grafton, one of several Ozaukee County municipalities that each run their own building department
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Do you need a building permit in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code applies to new one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured-home installations, in Ozaukee County13. A UDC permit is required for stick-built, modular and manufactured-home installations, and the delegated municipality issues it or DSPS does when the municipality lacks authority1. The application includes plans, required project data, the fee and contractor information when applicable14. Required inspections cover footings, foundation, rough work, insulation and final work; notify the inspector identified on the UDC permit11. An owner who occupies or will occupy the completed home may take out the construction and erosion-control permits without Dwelling Contractor certification, but plumbing and electrical work stay under licensed-professional rules and the allowance does not waive code, permit or inspection requirements715. Detached garages and accessory buildings fall outside the UDC, so ask the parcel's municipality what permit they need16. Like the counties around it, Ozaukee County requires a building permit17.
Who issues building permits in Ozaukee County, and what stays with the county?
Ozaukee County has no single building counter for every new home; the delegated municipality administers the UDC permit, or DSPS does when the municipality lacks authority1. Start with the parcel's town, village or city to identify the correct permit issuer and inspector17. The Town of Grafton's Building Inspector is one local example, not a countywide office: Grafton requires the proper permit when a contractor or homeowner performs work on a home, and contractors usually pull their own permits18. Grafton lists a fence as its only permit exception as of March 202319. During UDC construction, call for each inspection before covering the work; the inspector has two business days after the request and the work is ready before it may be covered20. Building permits come from the municipality or DSPS, but septic permits and shoreland and floodplain zoning approvals stay with the Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department32.
Does Ozaukee County have zoning?
Ozaukee County does not apply general county zoning to all private land; towns, villages and cities handle general zoning, while the county handles shoreland and floodplain zoning in unincorporated areas4. County zoning applies within 300 feet of a stream, within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, or in a floodplain extending beyond those distances2. The county floodplain ordinance divides regulated land into Floodway, Floodfringe, General Floodplain, Coastal Floodplain and Flood Storage districts21. County shoreland districts have minimum lot sizes, lot widths and water setbacks, though the available rules do not supply a single numeric standard for every parcel, and municipal rules may be stricter89. Floodplain subdivision proposals, including manufactured-home parks, must include regional flood-elevation and floodway data22. Starting shoreland or floodplain work without the county permit is a violation23. The Village of Newburg, which lies mainly in Washington County and reaches into Ozaukee County, sets its own zoning code24. Ask the parcel's municipality about allowed uses, RVs, tiny homes, ordinary setbacks, minimum home size, height and lot coverage outside the county's limited jurisdiction4.
How do septic permits work in Ozaukee County?
The Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department administers the county sanitation ordinance, and sanitary regulation applies to all unsewered development in Ozaukee County5. Submit the sanitary permit application to the appropriate governmental unit before obtaining a permit for a private onsite wastewater treatment system; the county form covers new, replacement, modified, holding-tank, in-ground, at-grade and mound systems6. Systems installed or modified through this process must be installed, inspected, tested, operated and maintained under the applicable state rules and operation manual25. All wastewater from unsewered development must discharge into the POWTS, so an off-grid plan does not bypass county sanitary review26. Only 6.9% of Ozaukee County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making a parcel-specific site evaluation important before assuming a conventional system will work12. A UDC home using a private well also needs a well permit from the county or municipality10.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Ozaukee County?
We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Ozaukee County. The parcel's town, village or city handles general zoning outside the county's limited shoreland and floodplain jurisdiction, so ask that municipality whether the proposed unit, placement and occupancy are allowed4. County sanitary regulation applies to all unsewered development, and all wastewater must discharge into the approved POWTS, so discuss the sanitation plan with the Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department before occupying the site26. A manufactured-home installation used as a residence is subject to the UDC permit requirement1. For a UDC-covered dwelling, occupancy follows a final inspection with no major health or safety violations; some municipalities also issue an occupancy permit27. We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, temporary-camping rule or tiny-home occupancy rule, making the parcel's municipality the essential first call.
How do you build a home in Ozaukee County, step by step?
Identify the parcel's town, village or city, then confirm its zoning and whether that municipality or DSPS administers the UDC permit41.
Ask the municipality about allowed use, setbacks, minimum dimensions and permits for work outside the UDC's one- and two-family scope13.
For an unsewered site, submit the required sanitary application through the Ozaukee County process before obtaining the sanitary permit6.
Obtain a county or municipal well permit if the UDC home will use a private well10.
If unincorporated land is in a county shoreland or floodplain district, obtain the applicable approval before development223.
Submit the UDC application, plans, required project data, fee and contractor information when applicable14.
Call the permit's inspector for the footing, foundation, rough, insulation and final inspections11.
Occupy the dwelling only after a final inspection finds no major health or safety violations, and ask whether the municipality issues an occupancy permit27.
What should you check before buying land in Ozaukee County?
Identify the parcel's town, village or city before buying because that municipality generally decides permitted uses and dimensional rules4. Check whether unincorporated land falls within 300 feet of a stream, within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, or in a floodplain extending farther; those locations bring county shoreland or floodplain zoning into the review2. County permit fees are $50 for a shoreland permit, $250 for a floodplain permit and $0.25 per square foot of structure footprint, and starting work before the permit is issued can bring fees up to ten times the applicable charges28. Obtain a septic site evaluation early because only 6.9% of county soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field12. Confirm wastewater and private-well permits before committing to an unsewered parcel610. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires a WisDOT permit, while we could not confirm a countywide local-road access rule29. The typical property-tax bill is about $4,629 per year at an effective rate near 1.3%3031.
Watch-outs
Ozaukee County's private-land zoning role is limited to shoreland and floodplain development in specified unincorporated areas; ask the parcel's town, village or city about general zoning24.
The Town of Grafton stopped requiring a permit for a plain fence only as of March 2023 - almost everything else still needs one, and other Ozaukee County towns may set their own list of exceptions, so confirm with your own municipality19.
Written October 15, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Ozaukee County highlighted among the Wisconsin counties · colored by Index score
How Ozaukee County scores
Seclusion16100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency55100% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability79100% ev.
Property Autonomy70100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$514kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$8,047Land / acre
33"Annual rain
1.5% of yrsSevere drought
1 / yr (+0.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.8" (+6.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.61×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,232Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
216,968People within 30 min
6,814,376People within 2 hr
156,734Radius comparison (15 mi)
401.1People / sq mi
1%Federal land
94.4%Land at 15% slope or less
6.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Ozaukee County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Town of Belgium · Village of Belgium · Cedarburg · Town of Cedarburg · Town of Fredonia · Village of Fredonia · Town of Grafton · Village of Grafton · Mequon · Port Washington · Town of Port Washington · Town of Saukville · Village of Saukville · Village of Thiensville
Answers from the rulebook for Ozaukee County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Ozaukee County rules
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County shoreland and floodplain zoning in unincorporated Ozaukee County.
Applies only to unincorporated areas.
Applies only to development within 300 feet of a stream, 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, or areas within the floodplain when the floodplain extends farther.
The county administers Chapters 18 and 19; this is not general countywide zoning of all private land.
stream setback applicability: <= 300 feet (development within the floodplain may be regulated farther than 300 feet) · lake or flowage setback applicability: <= 1000 feet (development within the floodplain may be regulated farther than 1,000 feet)
“Zoning regulations apply to the unincorporated areas of the county”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Ozaukee County shoreland and floodplain zoning in unincorporated areas.
“Zoning regulations apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and only to development that occurs within 300 feet of a stream”
Present (with conditions) — Development in unincorporated Ozaukee County within the county shoreland or floodplain zoning applicability areas.
“Zoning regulations apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and only to development that occurs within 300 feet of a stream”
Present (with conditions) — County shoreland and floodplain zoning in unincorporated Ozaukee County.
“Zoning regulations apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and only to development that occurs within 300 feet of a stream, 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, or to the areas within the floodplain if it is greater than the previous distances.”
Zoning districtsPartial
County zoning ordinances and mapping resources in Ozaukee County.
The county code page publishes Chapters 18 and 19 and the county provides a shoreland map resource.
The reviewed sources do not establish a complete countywide catalog of municipal zoning districts.
“Chapter 18: Ozaukee County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19: Ozaukee County Shoreland Protection Ordinance”
“The flood hazard areas regulated by this ordinance are divided into districts”
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
County shoreland and floodplain regulated districts.
The ordinance establishes minimum lot sizes and widths for regulated shoreland areas; exact numeric standards were not extracted from the opened sections.
Municipal ordinances may be more restrictive.
“The minimum lot area shall be 20,000 square feet and the minimum average lot width shall be 100 feet, with at least 100 feet of frontage at the ordinary high water mark.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
County shoreland and floodplain regulated districts.
The ordinance establishes building setbacks from navigable waters and other dimensional controls.
Municipal ordinances may be more restrictive.
“Except as hereinafter provided, all buildings and other structures shall be set back at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark of navigable waters.”
Who permits septicCounty
Private onsite wastewater and sanitary regulation in Ozaukee County.
The Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department administers Chapter 9.
Sanitary regulations apply to all unsewered development within the county.
“Sanitary regulations apply to all unsewered development within the county.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
County (with conditions) — Sanitary and POWTS regulation in Ozaukee County.
“Sanitary regulations apply to all unsewered development within the county.”
County (with conditions) — Unsewered development in Ozaukee County.
“Sanitary regulations apply to all unsewered development within the county.”
County — Unsewered development in Ozaukee County.
“The Land & Water Management Department administers the Sanitation and Health Ordinance (Chapter 9) of the Ozaukee County Code of Ordinances. Sanitary regulations apply to all unsewered development within the county.”
Septic permitRequired
Private sewage and POWTS systems associated with unsewered development in Ozaukee County.
The sanitary permit application must be submitted to the appropriate governmental unit before obtaining a sanitary permit.
The county form includes new, replacement, modification, holding tank, in-ground, at-grade, mound, and other POWTS types.
“required prior to obtaining a sanitary permit”
Septic inspectionRequired
POWTS systems installed or modified under the Ozaukee County sanitary permitting process.
POWTS must be installed, inspected, tested, operated, and maintained under SPS 383 and the applicable operation and maintenance manual.
“POWTS to be installed, inspected, tested”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Private sewage systems serving unsewered development in Ozaukee County.
Unsewered development is regulated by the county.
A sanitary permit application and permit are required before installation or operation as applicable.
“All the wastewater created must discharge into the POWTS.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision proposals and other proposed new development in flood-prone areas regulated by the county floodplain ordinance.
The proposal must be consistent with minimizing flood damage.
Public utilities and facilities must be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
Adequate drainage must be provided to reduce flood-hazard exposure.
All subdivision proposals, including manufactured-home parks, must include regional flood elevation and floodway data and meet §18.07102 requirements.
“shall include regional flood elevation and floodway data”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision proposals in county-regulated floodplain areas, including manufactured-home subdivisions.
“Subdivisions shall be reviewed for compliance with the above standards. All subdivision proposals, including manufactured home subdivisions, shall include regional flood elevation and floodway data for any development that meets the definition of a subdivision as defined in Section 7.1300.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development in unincorporated Ozaukee County floodplain areas.
County floodplain zoning is administered under Chapter 18.
It applies only to unincorporated areas.
It applies to development within the floodplain, including where the floodplain extends beyond the ordinary 300-foot stream or 1,000-foot lake/flowage distances.
stream distance: <= 300 feet (floodplain may extend farther) · lake or flowage distance: <= 1000 feet (floodplain may extend farther)
“the areas within the floodplain if it is greater than the previous distances.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Structures and uses in areas regulated by the Ozaukee County floodplain zoning ordinance.
“Failure to obtain a shoreland permit shall be a violation”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County shoreland and floodplain permits, special-exception permits, related reviews, and certificates administered under Ozaukee County Chapter 19 in unincorporated regulated areas.
The county fee schedule states that fees may be amended annually.
Fees are non-refundable unless a written request is submitted within two business days after the application is filed.
Sections 59.692(1k)(a)2, 4, and (b), Wisconsin Statutes, prohibit counties from requiring approval or imposing fees or mitigation requirements for activities specified in sections 19.14200 and 19.15000 of the ordinance.
If work starts before a permit is applied for and issued, the zoning administrator may charge up to ten times the applicable permit and review fees.
The county page states that county zoning regulations apply to unincorporated areas and only to development within 300 feet of a stream, 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, or the floodplain when farther than those distances.
shoreland permit fee: 50 USD · floodplain permit fee: 250 USD · special exception conditional use permit fee: 500 USD · grading or excavating fee: 50 USD · principal or accessory structure fee: per 0.25 USD per square foot (footprint of principal and accessory structures) · boathouse fee: 50 USD · non-structural impervious surface fee: per 0.1 USD per square foot · certificate of compliance fee: 75 USD · permit extension fee: 200 USD · early-work penalty fee: <= 10 times applicable permit and review fees (at zoning administrator discretion if work begins before permit application and issuance)
Published (with conditions) — Ozaukee County shoreland and floodplain permits, reviews, variances, appeals, and related applications in the unincorporated areas and other areas covered by the county ordinances.
“shoreland permit $50.00 floodplain permit $250.00 special exception (conditional use) permit $500.00 [...] structures (footprint of principal & accessory) $0.25/sq. ft. [...] permit extension $200.00”
Wisconsin rules that apply here
Building permitRequired
New one- and two-family dwellings covered by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, including covered additions and alterations.
The cited brochure states that permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
Construction begins only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted.
The enforcing jurisdiction may be the municipality, county, or state.
Local zoning, land-use, floodplain, sanitary, well, driveway, utility, and other approvals may also be required.
A building permit cannot be issued for a new dwelling using a private onsite wastewater treatment system until a sanitary permit has been issued.
“Begin construction after plans are approved and building permit is issued and posted.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — New UDC-covered residential construction in Ozaukee County.
“Begin construction after plans are approved and building permit is issued and posted.”
Required — New one- and two-family dwelling units in Ozaukee County.
“A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
Required — New one- and two-family dwelling units in Ozaukee County.
“A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner obtaining construction and erosion-control permits for a dwelling covered by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
The owner must occupy the home currently or will occupy it after completion.
The exemption permits the owner to take out the construction and erosion-control permits without the state-certified Dwelling Contractor and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier arrangement described for contractors.
The owner-occupancy statement must be checked on the permit application if the applicant does not possess Dwelling Contractor certification.
The source describes an owner-occupancy condition; it does not establish a general exemption for non-occupant owners.
“The construction and erosion control permits must be taken out by a state-certified Dwelling Contractor, who also employs a state-certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, or by the owner who occupies the home currently or will after completion.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — An owner who currently occupies or will occupy a UDC-covered dwelling in Ozaukee County.
“The construction and erosion control permits must be taken out by a state-certified Dwelling Contractor, who also employs a state-certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, or by the owner who occupies the home currently or will after completion.”
Available (with conditions) — Owner-occupants applying for a Wisconsin UDC construction or erosion-control permit in Ozaukee County.
“Only check this box if the permit is being issued to the property owner who will occupy the home upon completion of construction.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Public buildings, places of employment, and multifamily buildings subject to Wisconsin's commercial building code.
The Division of Industry Services reviews plans before construction for compliance with state statutes and building codes.
Local certified municipalities may provide plan review and inspection services for certain building types.
The Wisconsin Commercial Building Code adopted the 2021 ICC effective September 1, 2025; plans submitted November 1, 2025 or later must comply with the updated code.
Municipalities may have grandfathered fire detection, prevention, and suppression ordinances under 2013 Act 270.
2021 ICC adoption date: September 1, 2025 (The deadline for building plan compliance was delayed.) · updated-code plan-submission deadline: November 1, 2025 (Plans submitted on or after this date must comply with the updated Commercial Building Code.)
“2013 Act 270 establishes a uniform commercial building code in Wisconsin while allowing municipalities to grandfather fire detection, prevention, and suppression ordinances”
6 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings in Ozaukee County under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code.
“The statewide code for new homes in Wisconsin is the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), SPS 320-325 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and its adopted references. It is a uniform building code that applies across the state.”
Adopted — New one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes, in Ozaukee County.
“UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two- Family Dwellings)”
Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured home installations, in Ozaukee County.
“The program governing one- and two-family dwelling units (including manufactured homes) is also called the UDC program, referring to the Uniform Dwelling Code. Enforces construction standards and inspection procedures including evaluation of building materials.”
Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin built since June 1, 1980.
“The Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980.”
Adopted (with conditions) — New Wisconsin one- and two-family dwelling construction, including stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations
“A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
Adopted — Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code, chapters SPS 320-325, for new one- and two-family dwelling units, including stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.
“SPS 320-325 Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), construction standard for 1-2 family dwelling units, applies uniformly statewide”
InspectionsRequired
Each phase of construction of a one- or two-family dwelling governed by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
Inspections are called for before each phase is covered up.
The local inspector’s instructions apply.
The inspector has two business days after the inspection request and the work being ready to inspect before the work may be covered.
Inspections check compliance with the code and may also check compliance with approved plans.
The UDC is enforced by municipal or county building inspection departments or the Wisconsin Division of Industry Services.
inspection response period: 2 business days (After the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before the work may be covered up.)
“Call for inspections of each phase of construction prior to covering it up - check the local inspector’s instructions. The inspector has two business days after the date that you make the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before you may cover up the work. Inspectors will check for compliance with the code.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — UDC-covered construction in Ozaukee County.
“Call for inspections of each phase of construction prior to covering it up - check the local inspector’s instructions. The inspector has two business days after the date that you make the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before you may cover up the work.”
Required — Construction and inspection of new one- and two-family dwellings in Ozaukee County under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas administered by the applicable delegated municipality, county, or DSPS-appointed inspector.
“The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
Required — New one- and two-family dwellings in Ozaukee County.
“The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
Required — New one- and two-family dwellings in Ozaukee County.
“The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Occupancy of a dwelling governed by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code after construction.
Occupancy follows a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found.
Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits; the state source does not state that every municipality must issue a certificate or occupancy permit.
The dwelling exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.
exterior completion deadline: 2 years after permit issuance
“Take occupancy after receiving a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found. (Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits.) Also, the dwelling’s exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Occupancy of UDC-covered dwellings in Ozaukee County.
“Take occupancy after receiving a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found. (Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits.) Also, the dwelling’s exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.”
Lot coverageSpecified
Impervious-surface coverage in the statewide shoreland framework and the DNR county model ordinance for qualifying shoreland lots or parcels.
The general standard applies to construction, reconstruction, expansion, replacement, or relocation of impervious surfaces within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark on riparian lots and parcels entirely within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark.
The general standard is 15 percent.
A lot or parcel may exceed 15 percent but not exceed 30 percent with a permit and mitigation plan.
For highly developed shorelines, counties are not required to adopt the special standards; if adopted, residential coverage may exceed 30 percent but not exceed 40 percent with a mitigation plan.
Treated impervious surfaces and defined roadways and sidewalks may be excluded from calculation when the ordinance conditions are met.
general impervious-surface limit: <= 15 percent of lot or parcel · maximum under general standard with mitigation: 30 percent of lot or parcel (permit and mitigation plan required) · highly developed shoreline residential maximum: 40 percent of lot or parcel (special standard adopted and mitigation plan required)
“The percentage of impervious surface allowed on a lot or parcel described under section 11.2 and as calculated under section 11.3 shall not exceed 15%.”
Building heightSpecified
Structures within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark of navigable waters in Wisconsin shoreland zoning areas.
The DNR model ordinance identifies this as the NR 115.05(1)(f) height standard for county shoreland ordinances.
The prohibition does not extend beyond 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark under the stated standard.
Counties may regulate height beyond 75 feet through local ordinance.
maximum structure height within 75 feet of ordinary high water mark: <= 35 feet (A structure taller than 35 feet is prohibited within the specified area.)
“A structure taller than 35 feet within 75 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters is prohibited”
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Occupancy of a manufactured home installed as a new one- or two-family dwelling in Wisconsin.
The Uniform Dwelling Code applies to new one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980.
The UDC includes manufactured homes and the installation of manufactured homes produced on or after April 1, 2007.
Occupancy follows a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found.
Some municipalities issue occupancy permits.
The dwelling exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.
Local sanitary requirements may require certain plumbing systems.
Local zoning and land-use requirements may also apply.
UDC coverage start date: >= 1980-06-01 date (The cited coverage is for new one- and two-family dwellings and their additions and alterations.) · manufactured-home installation coverage start date: >= 2007-04-01 date · exterior completion deadline: <= 2 years after permit issuance
“The installation of manufactured homes produced on or after April 1, 2007.”
Well permitLimited
Construction of private wells statewide in Wisconsin.
A Well Construction Notification Number must be obtained before constructing a new private well that is not a high-capacity well.
Exceptions to the notification requirement include high-capacity wells, reconstruction of existing wells, and wells on Native American property; high-capacity wells or other wells requiring written DNR approval follow the approval requirements.
Some DNR-approved county ordinances additionally require a well permit before construction.
A Well Construction Report must be submitted to DNR within 30 days after construction.
well construction notification fee: 50.5 USD (Fee and notification number are not refundable or transferable.) · well construction report deadline: 30 days after construction
“Wisconsin law requires that a property owner provide advance notice to DNR before construction of any new private well that is not a high capacity well, and advance notice of any heat exchange drillhole construction (geothermal system) that does not require a written DNR approval.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — UDC-covered homes in Ozaukee County using a private well.
“Obtain sanitary or well permits from the county or municipality if the home will use a private sewage system or well.”
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
Pre-installation water and sewer systems in a manufactured/mobile home park in Wisconsin.
Pre-installation plumbing-system plan review is required.
Submitted plans must comply with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code.
A conditional approval letter gives permission to start construction.
Local permitting requirements remain pending.
“Pre-installation plan review of the water and sewer systems in a manufactured/mobile home park is required as a plumbing system plan review via esla.wi.gov.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Wisconsin farmland preservation zoning districts and farmland preservation agreements; these are conditional agricultural-use protections and tax-credit frameworks, not a blanket exemption from local land-use or land-division ordinances.
Certified farmland preservation zoning districts limit land uses to agriculture and other compatible uses.
Local ordinances are crafted locally and must meet or be more restrictive than Chapter 91 standards.
A farmland preservation agreement requires land to remain in agricultural use for 10 years and comply with state soil and water conservation standards.
Agreement eligibility requires ownership of the farmland, location in a designated Agricultural Enterprise Area, at least $6,000 gross farm revenue during the last year or $18,000 during the last three years, and compliance with applicable conservation standards.
A certificate of compliance from the county land conservation committee is required to show compliance.
Other local zoning and land-division ordinances continue to apply.
A covered agreement provides exemption from special assessments for sanitary sewer or water imposed by specified local governmental entities.
Releases before expiration require written consent, a DATCP finding that agricultural use of other protected farmland will not be impaired, and payment of the specified conversion fee.
farmland preservation agreement term: 10 years (agreements effective before December 8, 2023, were minimum 15-year agreements) · minimum gross farm revenue during last year: >= 6000 USD (alternative test of $18,000 during the last three years) · minimum gross farm revenue during last three years: >= 18000 USD (alternative to the $6,000 last-year test) · tax credit: $10.00 per acre or $12.50 per acre if also in a certified farmland preservation zoning district (other eligibility requirements apply)
“Remember that other local ordinances (such as zoning and land division ordinances) continue to apply to your land, regardless of whether you sign an agreement.”
Driveway accessRequired
A new or altered driveway or other connection to a state trunk highway and work in state highway right-of-way.
WisDOT issues permits on state highways under its jurisdiction; county highways and municipal roads may be subject to county or municipal permitting instead.
The number of driveways serving a single state-trunk-highway frontage must be the minimum deemed necessary for reasonable service without undue impairment of safety, convenience, and utility.
A controlled-access designation or other access restriction may require a different application or prevent the connection.
A residential connection may be limited to 24 feet wide and a commercial connection to 35 feet wide at the right-of-way line.
residential connection maximum width: 24 feet at right-of-way line · commercial connection maximum width: 35 feet at right-of-way line
“So, a permit is required from WisDOT before you construct a new connection to your property. [...] Why can my connection only be 24 feet wide (residential) or 35 feet wide (commercial)? [...] These distances are measured at the right-of-way line.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Driveways and other connections between property abutting Wisconsin state highway right-of-way and the state highway.
“For state highways, WisDOT requires a connection permit.”
Limited — Multiple driveway connections serving one property frontage along a Wisconsin state trunk highway.
“The number of driveways permitted serving a single property frontage along a state trunk highway shall be the minimum deemed necessary by the department for reasonable service to the property without undue impairment of safety, convenience, and utility of the highway.”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Lodging rented to tourists or transients for short periods in Wisconsin, including homes, condos, cabins, cottages, and similar lodging facilities.
A DATCP lodging permit is required for all lodging facilities in Wisconsin.
A tourist or transient must be away from the person's permanent address.
The reviewed source does not establish local zoning or municipal operating restrictions.
“If lodging is rented to a tourist or transient, it will require a permit.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
DNR construction-site stormwater permit coverage for construction projects disturbing one or more acres.
Submit a Notice of Intent at least 14 working days before construction.
Develop an erosion control and stormwater management plan.
Read the general permit, pay the applicable fee, implement best management practices, conduct weekly inspections, and file a Notice of Termination when complete.
Waterway and wetland permits may also be needed.
minimum disturbed area: >= 1 acre · NOI lead time: 14 working days before construction
“Submit the Notice of Intent (NOI) form to the DNR at least 14 working days before construction will begin. [...] Conduct weekly on-site inspections through the duration of the project. [...] File a Notice of Termination once the project is complete.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — UDC permit process for one- and two-family dwellings in Ozaukee County.
“Regardless of which agency has authority, your application must include:”
Published (with conditions) — Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code permits for one- and two-family dwellings statewide.
“At least 2 sets of plans for all one- and 2-family dwellings shall be submitted”
Published (with conditions) — Construction of a new private well in Wisconsin that is not a high capacity well.
“Obtain a Well Construction Notification Number prior to constructing a well. This applies to both drilled wells and driven point wells. [...] A Well Construction Report must be completed and submitted to DNR within 30 days of well or drillhole construction.”
Campground & park staysLimited
Recreational trailers, pickup truck campers, and motor homes occupying campsites in Wisconsin State Park System family campgrounds.
Camping reservations are required before setting up on any site.
A campsite may contain no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper, or motor home.
No person may camp or leave a camping unit in a family campground for more than 14 days in any 21 days.
Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.
maximum camping-unit occupancy per campsite: 1 recreation trailer, pickup truck camper, or motor home (Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.) · maximum stay: 14 days in any 21 days
“A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper or motor home. Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit. [...] No one may camp or leave a camping unit in a family campground for more than 14 days in any 21 days.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles, including recreation trailers, pickup truck campers, motor homes, camper vans, and truck campers, at Wisconsin State Park System campsites.
“A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper or motor home. Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.”
Limited — Temporary camping at Wisconsin State Park System properties.
“Camping reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site.”
Limited — Temporary camping in Wisconsin State Park System family campgrounds.
“Camping reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site. [...] No one may camp or leave a camping unit in a family campground for more than 14 days in any 21 days. [...] Not all properties offer camping during non-summer months. Camping seasons vary by property.”
county zoning authorityGeneral
Wisconsin counties may enact and amend county zoning ordinances under Wis. Stat. § 59.69 for participating towns, which are generally unincorporated areas.
County zoning applies only in towns that have adopted county zoning.
After a comprehensive revision of the county zoning ordinance, the town has authority to decide whether county zoning applies in the town.
Towns have authority to approve or disapprove amendments to a county zoning ordinance.
A town that does not fall under county zoning may be unzoned or may have its own town zoning ordinance.
“Counties exercise zoning ordinances under s. 59.69, Wis. Stats. County zoning only applies in towns that have adopted county zoning.”
county building authorityGeneral
Wisconsin county authority to administer construction and inspection of new one- and two-family dwellings, including in unincorporated areas, through the UDC delegation and inspection framework.
Counties must have delegated authority to exercise UDC jurisdiction.
A county with delegated authority has jurisdiction over new one- and two-family dwellings in cities, villages, and towns that do not have their own delegated authority.
The DSPS page directs applicants to the municipality when it has delegated authority and otherwise to DSPS or the appointed county inspector.
The authority described is for construction and inspection under the statewide UDC; local zoning, land-use, sanitary, floodplain, and other requirements may still apply.
covered construction: new one- and two-family dwellings (Jurisdiction depends on DSPS delegation and whether the municipality has its own delegated authority.)
“Counties: Counties with delegated authority have been authorized jurisdiction over the construction and inspection of new one- and two-family dwellings in cities, villages, and towns which do not have their own delegated authority.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
General — County authority to enforce the statewide Uniform Dwelling Code and administer building inspection and permitting for new one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin, including unincorporated areas where the county is the responsible inspection authority.
“The UDC is primarily enforced by municipal or county building inspectors who must be state-certified. In lieu of local enforcement, municipalities have the option to have the state provide enforcement for just new homes.”
Limited — County enforcement of Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code for new one- and two-family dwellings in municipalities, including towns, that do not have their own delegated authority
“Counties: Counties with delegated authority have been authorized jurisdiction over the construction and inspection of new one- and two-family dwellings in cities, villages, and towns which do not have their own delegated authority.”
Inside cities and towns in Ozaukee County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Home work in the Town of Grafton, Ozaukee County.
The page states contractors usually pull their own permits.
conditions apply when work is done by a contractor or by the homeowner.
“Whenever you have work done in your home by a contractor or if you do the work yourself the proper permit must be pulled. Usually the contractors will pull their own permits.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Home work in the Town of Grafton, Ozaukee County.
“Whenever you have work done in your home by a contractor or if you do the work yourself the proper permit must be pulled. Usually the contractors will pull their own permits. Once the work is completed the Building Inspector should be contacted to do a final inspection of the work.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Wisconsin, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Ozaukee County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Local zoning — Aggregate municipal and town zoning within Ozaukee County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
Is Ozaukee County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Ozaukee County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 216,968 people within a 30-minute drive.
Do you need a building permit in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin?
Ozaukee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Ozaukee County Land & Water Management Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin?
Land in Ozaukee County runs about $8,047 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Ozaukee County?
Ozaukee County gets about 33" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.5% of years.
How remote is Ozaukee County?
A representative private-land location has about 216,968 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,814,376 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
