General Requirements
This is a brief overview of the regulations administered by the Marquette County Zoning Office. Before beginning any construction or land use project, the Zoning Office should be contacted for information on applicable rules and permitting requirements.
As a rural property owner, you may be subject to one or more zoning and land use laws administered by the Marquette County Zoning Office. This webpage is designed to briefly explain these laws which are in place to protect you and your property, and to protect public health and the environment of Marquette County. This webpage is not intended to, nor can it fully explain all of the programs administered by the Zoning Office. More information can be obtained by contacting the Planning, Zoning and Land Information Office at 608-297-3036.
AREAS OF MARQUETTE COUNTY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF COUNTY ZONING
The Marquette County General Zoning Ordinance is in effect in all unincorporated areas of the County except in the Towns of Shields and Springfield. The Marquette County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance is in effect throughout the entire county in areas within 1,000 feet of a navigable lake or within 300 feet of a navigable creek, stream or river. The Marquette County Floodplain Ordinance applies to all areas of the County designated on FEMA flood insurance rate maps.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I place a Shipping Container on my property?
NO. Section 70.35(A) of the Marquette County Code of Ordinances Chapter 70-Zoning prohibits the use of shipping containers as an accessory building in the zoned townships of Marquette County. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department prior to purchasing one to discuss if there are options for using one for storage on your property.
I want to buy land and have my camper parked there during the year. What are the rules for campers?
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.
Do I need a zoning permit for a pre-built shed?
YES. 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.
What is the difference between a Zoning Permit and a Building Permit?
Zoning permits determine what a person is building and where the structure will be placed on a property. The building permit is primarily concerned with how a structure is going to be built. Building a new home or an addition to 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.
I’m ready to build my house. What is the minimum dwelling size allowed?
In zoned townships, the minimum dwelling size is 900 square feet of year-round living area and at least 20 feet wide. Recreational dwellings are allowed under certain circumstances with a minimum dwelling size of 400 square feet of year-round living area and 20 feet wide. Call the zoning office to discuss the details of your building project to determine all of your available options, 608-297-3036.
How do I find out what my Zoning District is?
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. Marquette County GIS Map
ZONING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Zoning permits are required in these areas for any construction which involves construction of 100 square feet or greater. In the areas of the county not under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Office, the Town Clerk should be contacted for permit requirements. In addition, when a sanitary permit is required, it must be obtained before a zoning permit will be issued.
SETBACK/ZONING REQUIREMENTS
| Zoning District | Min. Lot Size | Min Lot Width | Town Road | County Road | State Road | Property Line | |
| Prime Agriculture | AG-1 | 40 acres | 500′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 50′ |
| General Agriculture | AG-2 | 10 acres | 300′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 35′ |
| Agriculture Residential | AG-3(2) | 2 acres | 200′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 20′ |
| Agriculture Residential | AG-3(4) | 4 acres | 200′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 20′ |
| AgricultureResidential | AG-3(5) | 5 acres | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 25′ |
| Agriculture and Open Space | AO | 20 acres | 300′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 35′ |
| Single Family Residential | R-1 | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Multi-Family Residential | R-2 | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Recreation | REC | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Commercial Industrial | CM-1 | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Commercial Business | CM-B | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| ConservationProtection | CP | 40 Acres | 500′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 25′ |
| General Purpose | GP | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Resource Protection | RP | 5 acres | 150′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
| Rural Center | RC | 30,000 sq. ft. | 100′ | 63′ | 75′ | 110′ | 10′ |
* All road setbacks are to the Centerline
WATER AND WETLAND SETBACKS
The minimum setback from the ordinary high-water mark and wetland boundary is 75 feet. This setback applies to all navigable waters in the county and to all wetlands in the Townships that have adopted the Marquette County General Zoning Ordinance. The zoning office should be contacted for assistance in determining the ordinary high-water mark and for establishing a wetland boundary.
SEPTIC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Marquette County Sanitary Ordinance is administered by the zoning office and governs the installation of septic systems in all areas of the County not served by municipal sewer. A sanitary permit is required for the installation, repair, altering or reconnection of any septic system in the county. All work must be done by a licensed, qualified plumber. All soil tests for designing the system must be done by a state certified soil tester. In addition, a property owner is required to sign a maintenance agreement for their new system. Following are the setback requirements for construction near a septic system.
Minimum Setbacks for Septic Components
| Drain Field | Septic Tanks | |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Lines | 5′ | 2′ |
| Lake/Stream | 50′ | 25′ |
| Dwelling | 10′ | 5′ |
| Accessory Structures | 10′ | 5′ |
| Well | 50′ | 25′ |
TRAVEL TRAILER/RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
In those areas of the County under the jurisdiction of the Marquette County General Zoning Ordinance, the storage and parking of travel trailer/recreational vehicles on vacant land or land without a primary residence is not permitted between December 1st and April 15th. When camping during other times of the year, proper sanitary and waste disposal must be provided. Please contact the zoning office if you would like more information.
In many cases, a property owner is able to apply for a permit to keep the camping unit the property year-round, subject to certain restrictions.
DWELLING SIZE AND SINGLE WIDE MANUFACTURED HOME REQUIREMENTS
In those areas under the jurisdiction of the Marquette County Zoning Office, the minimum size requirement for a dwelling is 20 feet wide and 900 square feet of year-round living space. In addition, the placement of a single wide manufactured home is only allowed in a licensed manufactured home park. The only exception is replacing an existing single wide manufactured home. Replacement of a single wide manufactured home requires a Special Exception application approved by the Board of Adjustment. Please contact the Zoning Office for public hearing and Special Exception application information. Additional information is available on the Board of Adjustment page. Marquette County Board of Adjustment
LAND DIVISIONS/SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS
In all unincorporated areas of the County, a certified survey map is required for the creation of any new lot, which is 15 acres or less. In addition, all new lots must have an access, with a minimum width of 66 feet, to a public road. There are additional requirements for creating more than 4 lots of 5 acres or less in a period of 5 years. Please contact the zoning office for more information.