Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Ordinances related to Zoning?

Select Ordinances to find the following:

Chapter 35 – Tourist Rooming House Licensing
Chapter 61 – Zoning Administration
Chapter 62 – Comprehensive Zoning
Chapter 63 – Shoreland Protection
Chapter 64 – Floodplain Protection
Chapter 65 – Mobile Service Support Structure and Wireless Communication Facilities
Chapter 68 – Comprehensive Plan
Chapter 69 – Subdivision
Chapter 71 – Building & Mechanical Code
Chapter 74 – POWTS (Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System)
Chapter 99 – Fees

In districts that permit agricultural uses, the grazing or raising of farm animals shall require a minimum of one (1) acre. On lots between one (1) and five (5) acres, one (1) animal unit per acre is allowed. Units determined using the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Animal Unit Calculation Worksheet Form 3400-025A.
The grazing or raising of farm animals is not allowed in the Residential Zoning District.

Portable Storage Containers are defined as a secure, steel/wood structure that is portable in nature. This may include but is not limited to a portable storage container, known as a c-can, sea-can, cargo container and/or shipping container, which is a metal freight container that is used for the temporary storage of materials and equipment.
These containers are allowed in some zoning districts in the county. You will be required to obtain a zoning permit for the container to be placed on your property and used as an accessory structure.
Many of our agricultural zoning districts allow these containers with a permit. And there are options for altering a container to meet the requirements if the container is not an allowed use. Your property is unique and your circumstances may not automatically meet the requirements for a portable storage container. A call to the zoning office will help you determine if you can use one of these portable storage containers for an accessory structure.

Seasonal camping is allowed in all zoning districts except for those parcels in residential zoning.
Minimum requirements included:
- one (1) camper per parcel;
- proper sanitary provisions for camper;
- arrangements for garage disposal;
- proper screening and adherence to zoning setbacks to roads and property lines;
- and removal of camper from property between December 1st through April 15th each year.
For more details and options for obtaining a year-round camping permit, please call 608-297-3036.

Yes, in most cases a pre-built shed will require you to obtain a zoning permit.
Any accessory structure, whether constructed on your property or built off site and delivered to your property, that is 100 square feet or more requires a zoning permit. Zoning Permit Applications can be printed from the Forms & Applications page or stop in the Zoning office at 77 West Park Street in Montello to complete the form in person.

Zoning permits determine what a person is building and where the structure will be placed on a property. Some people refer to these permits as land use permits since a structure must meet setbacks to lot lines, roads and septic systems and be a permitted use in a particular zoning district.
The building permit is primarily concerned with how a structure is going to be built. Building a new home, a deck or patio, or an addition on an existing home will always require both a building permit and a zoning permit.
In most zoned townships in Marquette County, only a zoning permit will be required for accessory structures, but there are some exceptions to this rule and some townships require additional local permits to be obtained.
Always contact us before starting a construction project to make sure which permits you will need before you begin building.

In zoned townships, the minimum dwelling size is 400 square feet of year-round living area and at least 20 feet wide. Call the Planning and Zoning Office to discuss the details of your building project to determine all of your available options, 608-297-3036.

The quickest way to find out is the call our office, 608-297-3036, and we can help you determine which zoning district your property is associated with and what uses are allowed. The county GIS map also shows the zoning designation for properties. Land Information GIS Mapping

The standard amount is one dwelling per parcel in zoned townships. Some parcels have historically had more than one dwelling and in those circumstances, the additional dwelling is considered a legal non-conforming structure. An owner can continue to maintain the second dwelling, but regulations would prohibit that second structure from being enlarged or having a change in the footprint of the structure.
Temporary Guest Quarters are an option to increase living space. Sometimes called bunkhouses; these temporary guest quarters are an accessory structure or part of an accessory structure, which is located on a lot with a dwelling, with or without plumbing that is used as temporary sleeping quarters and does not have kitchen facilities.