Mount Pleasant City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 600
Measurements and Terminology
§ 90-610.10 Purpose.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
This division establishes rules for measuring compliance with zoning chapter regulations and describes exceptions to some of the regulations.
§ 90-610.20 Fractions and rounding.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
When calculations required under this zoning chapter result in fractions, the results must be rounded as follows:
(a)
Minimum requirements.
(1)
When calculating minimum off-street parking requirements, any fractional result of less than one-half is rounded down to the whole number and any fractional result of one-half or more is rounded up to the next consecutive whole number.
(2)
When a requirement other than off-street parking is expressed as a minimum requirement, any fractional result must be rounded up to the next consecutive whole number.
(b)
Maximum limits. When a regulation is expressed as a maximum limit, any fractional result must be rounded down to the preceding whole number. For example, if a maximum limit of 3.33 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area is applied to an 8,000 square foot building, the resulting fraction of 26.64 is rounded down to 26 allowed parking spaces. This provision is not to be interpreted as allowing fractional results to be rounded down when determining compliance with percentage-based limits. For example, if maximum allowed lot coverage is 45%, a lot with 45.33% coverage is not considered to be in compliance.
§ 90-610.30 Lot area.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Lot area is measured as the total ground-level surface area contained within the lot lines of a lot but not including any area occupied by the waters of a duly recorded lake or river and/or public right-of-way.
§ 90-610.40 Lot width.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Lot width is the horizontal distance between the side lot lines of a lot, measured along the minimum front setback line. If no minimum front setback is required, lot width is measured long the front lot line.
§ 90-610.50 Lot frontage or street frontage.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Lot frontage is measured between side lot lines of a lot along the front lot line.
§ 90-610.60 Building coverage.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Building coverage is the total area of a lot covered by principal and accessory buildings.
§ 90-610.70 Impervious coverage.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Imperious coverage is the total area of a lot covered by impervious surfaces, including principal and accessory buildings and structures, driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots and swimming pools.
§ 90-610.80 Floor area.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
The sum of the gross, horizontal areas of the several floors of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating two buildings. The floor area of a building includes basement floor area, elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor, floor space used for mechanical equipment (except equipment, open or enclosed, located on the roof), penthouses, attic space having headroom of seven feet 10 inches or more, interior balconies and mezzanines, enclosed porches, and floor area devoted to accessory uses. However, any space devoted to off-street parking or loading is not counted as floor area.
§ 90-610.90 Building setbacks.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
Measurements.
(1)
Required building setbacks are measured from the applicable lot line, right-of-way, or specific location referred to in the applicable regulation. Building setbacks are measured to the nearest exterior building wall. Minimum setbacks that apply to other features (parking areas, fences, storage areas) are measured from the nearest point of the area or feature for which a setback is required. Unless otherwise expressly stated, no part of any structure may be located within the street right-of-way.
(2)
Street (front and street-side) setbacks are measured from the right-of-way line of the street. For lots without frontage on a public street, street setbacks are measured starting at a point one foot back of the outer edge of the improved surface of the private street, multi-use pathway, or sidewalk that lies nearest to the principal building.
(3)
Interior side setbacks are measured from the nearest side lot line that does not abut a street.
(4)
Rear setbacks are measured from the rear lot line.
(5)
On double-frontage lots, the required front setback must be provided from both streets.
(6)
Structures not classified as buildings and six inches or more in height from the surface of the ground are subject to the setback, regulations of this zoning chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated.
(7)
When local, state or federal regulations (e.g, setbacks from state or federal roads or building and electric code requirements) impose a greater required setback than established in this chapter, the greater setback regulation applies.
(b)
Exceptions.
(1)
Structures not classified as buildings and less than six inches in height from the surface of the ground are not subject to the setback regulations of this zoning chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated.
(2)
Eaves or roof overhangs may encroach into any required setback, provided that such features are set back at least three feet from lot lines.
(3)
The following structures are permitted within required zoning district setbacks: highway and traffic signs, public utility lines and poles, walls and fences, mailboxes, signs.
(4)
Walks, drives, paved terraces and decorative yard accessories, such as fountains, pools, statuary, flagpoles, clothesline poles, children's play apparatuses, etc., are permitted within required zoning district setbacks but must be set back at least two feet from an abutting property line. Walks, drives and paved terraces may abut property lines abutting a street or alley.
(5)
Fences, walls, and architectural screening devices, when anchored to ground-mounted supports, are considered permanent structures.
(6)
Retaining walls are permitted in any location on a lot, provided that retaining walls must be set back at least three feet from lot lines.
(c)
Setbacks on irregular lots. Setbacks are measured from lot lines towards the center of the lot, except as follows:
(1)
When lot lines are curvilinear, setbacks are measured parallel to the curvilinear lot line.
(2)
When there are multiple rear lot lines, the rear setback is measured from each of the rear lot lines.
(3)
When there is no rear lot line, the rear setback must be measured as a radial distance from the intersection of side lot lines at the rear of the lot.
Figure 90-610-1 Setbacks on Irregular Lots  |
(d)
Contextual building setbacks. When existing buildings on one or more abutting lots are closer to the street (front or street side) property line than the otherwise required minimum setback, additions to existing buildings or construction of new buildings on the subject lot may comply with the average street yard depth that exists on the nearest two lots on either side of the subject lot instead of complying with the zoning district's minimum street setback requirement.
(1)
Existing average street yard depths must be based on the front corners of the buildings on the lots used in the contextual setback determination that are nearest to the subject lot.
(2)
If one or more of the lots required to be included in the average setback calculation is vacant, the vacant lot is deemed to have a street yard depth equal to the minimum front street setback of the subject zoning district.
(3)
Lots with frontage on a different street than the subject lot or that are separated from the subject lot by a street or alley are not used in computing the average setback.
(4)
The contextual setback provisions of this subsection may not be used to reduce the front setback for a street-facing garage door to less than 20 feet from the back of the sidewalk or less than 20 feet from the street right-of-way.
Figure 90-610-2 Contextual Setbacks  |
§ 90-610.100 Parking setbacks.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
All on-site (off-street) parking spaces must be located behind any applicable parking setback line. This requirement applies whether such spaces are located in a surface (open-air) parking lot or in a parking structure. Parking setbacks do not apply to on-street parking spaces, parking spaces located in an underground structure or parking spaces located above the ground floor.
(b)
Required parking setbacks are measured in accordance with § 90-610.90(a).
§ 90-610.110 Build-to zone and required building frontage.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
The build-to zone is the area on the lot where all or a portion of the street-facing building facade must be located, established as a minimum and maximum setback range.
(b)
The street-facing building facade must be located in and extend along the length of the build-to zone for a minimum distance equal to a percentage of the width of the lot, as required by specific provisions of this zoning chapter. The required minimum percentage is calculated by dividing the width of the building facade located within the build-to zone by the width of the lot. For purposes of this calculation, the width of the lot is the narrowest width of the lot within the build-to zone.
(c)
Awnings, steps, porches, balconies, and building mounted signs may extend beyond the build-to zone.
(d)
On corner or other non-standard-shaped lots in all zoning districts, the Community Development Director is authorized to designate which street is the primary street and which street is the secondary or side street. The primary street designation must be based on consideration of the following criteria:
[Amended 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 09-2021]
(e)
On corner lots, the building must be within the required build-to zone for the first 25 feet extending from the intersection of the two street rights-of-way.
§ 90-610.120 Transparency.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
Transparency regulations govern the percentage of a street-facing building facade that must be covered by glazed elements (e.g., transparent windows and doors).
(b)
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the transparency of a ground-floor facade is measured between 2.5 feet and eight feet above the adjacent curb.
(c)
The transparency of an upper-story facade is measured from top of the finished floor to the top of the finished floor above. When there is no floor above, upper-story transparency is measured from the top of the finished floor to the top of the wall plate.
(d)
Glazed elements used to satisfy minimum transparency requirements must be clear and nonreflective and not be painted or tinted (transparent, low-emissivity glass is permitted).
§ 90-610.130 Street-facing building entrances.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
Required street-facing building entrances must provide ingress and egress for residents and customers. Additional entrances off another street, pedestrian area or internal parking area are also permitted.
(b)
An angled entrance may be provided at any corner of a building along the street to meet street-facing entrance requirements.
§ 90-610.140 Floor-to-ceiling height.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Floor-to-ceiling height is measured from the finished floor to the ceiling immediately above. At least 50% of the enclosed ground floor area must comply with established floor-to-ceiling height requirements and all of the first 20 feet of building depth, measured from the principal street-facing facade, must comply with established floor-to-ceiling height requirements. Buildings in existence or that were the subject of an approved building permit before the effective date specified in § 90-10.30 are exempt from floor-to-ceiling height requirements.
§ 90-610.150 Building height.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
Measurement. Building height is measured as the vertical distance from the average ground elevation along the front, exterior building wall to the highest point of the subject building. For purposes of measuring height:
(1)
The average ground elevation is the midpoint between the highest and lowest ground elevations along the exterior building wall; and
(2)
The highest point of the building is the coping of a flat roof, the deckline of a mansard roof or shed roof, or the peak of the highest gable of a gambrel, hip or pitch roof. For buildings without a roof, height is measured to the highest point of the structure.
(b)
Exceptions.
(1)
Farm buildings and farm-related structures are not subject to building height limits.
(2)
Chimneys, elevators, equipment penthouses, monitors, cooling towers and ventilators may exceed maximum building height limits, provided that they are not intended for human occupancy and they do not extend more than 25 feet above the top of the principal structure to which they are attached.
(3)
Belfries, clock towers, cupolas, domes, flagpoles and spires may exceed maximum building height limits, provided that they are not intended for human occupancy and they are not more than 50% taller than the applicable height limit.
§ 90-610.160 Other height measurements.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(a)
Signs. See § 90-440.140.
(b)
Fences and walls. The height of fences and walls is measured as the vertical distance from the average finished grade on the inside of the fence to the top of the fence or wall. Fences atop walls or landscape features (e.g., raised beds) are measured to average finished grade at the base of the wall or landscape feature. The following may extend a up to 12 inches above the maximum fence height limits:
(c)
Other structures. The height of structures other than buildings, fences or walls is measured as vertical distance from the average finished grade at the base of the structure to the highest point of the structure. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the height of a structure may not exceed the maximum building height allowed in the subject zoning district.
§ 90-610.170 Noise and sound.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
For the purpose of determining compliance with any noise limits expressed in db(A) (A-weighted decibels), the noise must be measured on the A-weighting scale on a sound level meter of standard design and quality having characteristics established by the American National Standards Institute.
§ 90-610.180 Occupancy.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
For the purpose of determining compliance with standards or requirements based on building occupancy or capacity, calculations must be based on the building code.
§ 90-620.10 Language and ordinance construction.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
See § 90-10.90.
§ 90-620.20 Use definitions.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
See Division 90-320 for an explanation of the use categorization system used in this zoning chapter and for use type definitions.
§ 90-620.30 Measurement-related terms.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
See Division 90-610.
§ 90-620.40 Abbreviations.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
Table 90-620-1 Abbreviations | |
BFE | Base flood elevation |
BTZ | Build-to zone |
DNR | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency |
FIS | Flood insurance study |
ft. | Feet |
LID | Low-impact development |
max. | Maximum |
min. | Minimum |
RFE | Regional flood elevation |
sq. ft. | Square feet |
ZBA | Zoning Board of Appeals |
§ 90-620.50 Terms beginning with A.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 19-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Those areas shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map that would be inundated by the regional flood. These areas may be numbered or unnumbered A Zones. The A Zones may or may not be reflective of flood profiles, depending on the availability of data for a given area.
To touch or share a contiguous boundary or border.
A use or structure that meets the criteria established in § 90-330.10(b).
Lying near or in the immediate vicinity.
A person duly authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the subject property.
The person who submitted the application for an approval.
A person that has an ownership interest in the real property that is the subject of the application for an approval.
A person that, as a result of the final decision on the application for an approval, sustains actual damages or will imminently sustain actual damages that are personal to the person and distinct from damages that impact the public generally. A person under this subsection may not seek review under this section unless, prior to the final decision on the approval, the person provided a statement in writing on the approval to the political subdivision or agency of the political subdivision or appeared and provided an oral statement at a public proceeding held by the political subdivision or agency of the political subdivision at which the approval was considered.
A local governmental unit, as defined in Wis. Stats. § 66.0131(1)(a).
To the extent authorized by law, a state agency, as defined in Wis. Stats. § 20.931(1)(c), that is aggrieved by the final decision on the application for approval.
See "area of shallow flooding."
A special public right-of-way affording only secondary access to abutting properties, typically at the rear or sides.
An enhancement, upgrading or substantial change or modification other than an addition or repair to a dwelling or to electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other systems within a structure.
American National Standards Institute.
Applicable outdoor lighting standards and metrics include, but are not limited to:
See "area of shallow flooding."
The owner of the subject property or an agent authorized by the subject property owner to submit an application on the owner's behalf.
A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH or VO Zone on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where the velocity flood may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
A roof-like structure typically made of cloth, metal or other material, attached to a frame that extends from and is supported by a building. Awnings are typically erected over a window, doorway or building front, and they may be raised or retracted to a position adjacent to the building.
§ 90-620.60 Terms beginning with B.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any zoning district that is not an overlay district.
The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, as published by FEMA as part of a FIS and depicted on a FIRM.
Any enclosed area of a building having its floor subgrade, i.e., below ground level, on all sides.
A vegetated, elongated earthen mound.
The use of soil and plants to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff.
All lots abutting one side of a street between the two nearest intersecting streets.
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
See § 90-610.110.
A structure that is permanently affixed to the land, with or without a roof, or walls on all sides, and used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
See § 90-610.60.
That portion of a building that is parallel or nearly parallel to the abutting street.
See § 90-610.150.
A principal building surrounded by open space on the same lot.
A building or combination of buildings of chief importance or function on a lot. In general, the principal use of the property is carried out in the principal building.
A geographic line along a reach of navigable water that has been adopted by a municipal ordinance and approved by the Department pursuant to § 30.11, Wis. Stats., and that allows limited filling between this bulkhead line and the original ordinary high-water mark, except where such filling is prohibited by the floodway provisions of this division.
§ 90-620.70 Terms beginning with C.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The diameter of the tree trunk measured at a point six inches above the root ball or soil level.
Any parcel of land that is designed, maintained, intended or used for the purpose of providing sites for nonpermanent overnight use by four or more camping units, or that is advertised or represented as a camping area.
Any shelter designed to provide sleeping, eating and living quarters, and designed to be transported on wheels from place to place, but shall be less than 20 feet in length. Any such shelter that exceeds 20 feet shall be considered a house trailer, and if the wheels have been removed, it shall be construed as a permanent dwelling structure.
Any portable device, no more than 400 square feet in area, used as a temporary shelter, including but not limited to a camping trailer, motor home, bus, van, pickup truck, or tent that is fully licensed, if required, and ready for highway use.
The unit of measure for luminous intensity.
The measured color appearance of light emitted by a light source described using a nominal value stated in kelvins (K). Lower CCTs (1,800 K to 2,200 K) appear very warm or amber. Medium CCTs (2,700 K to 3,000 K) appear "warm white," similar to standard incandescent bulbs. High CCTs (4,000 K and higher) appear "cool white" or "blue."
 |
A certification that the construction and the use of land or a building, the elevation of fill or the lowest floor of a structure is in compliance with all applicable provisions of this zoning chapter.
A natural or artificial watercourse with definite bed and banks to confine and conduct normal flow of water.
Any letter of the alphabet or any numeral.
An area along the coast of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior which is inundated by the regional flood and which is also subject to additional hazard due to wave runup.
An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast, and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from storms.
An unheated structure no more than four feet in height used for protecting seedlings and plants from the cold.
A use requiring conditional use approval in accordance with Division 90-550.
The guidelines and specifications for soil and water conservation practices and management enumerated in the technical guide prepared by the USDA Soil Conservation Service for Racine County, adopted by the County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors, and containing suitable alternatives for the use and treatment of land, based upon its capabilities, from which the landowner selects the alternative that best meets his needs in developing his soil and water conservation plan.
An enclosed area below the first usable floor of a building, generally less than five feet in height, used for access to plumbing and electrical utilities.
The average (mean) level of the established curb along the street frontage of the subject lot. Where no curb has been established, the Village Engineer is authorized to establish such curb level or its equivalent.
§ 90-620.80 Terms beginning with D.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An unenclosed exterior structure that has no roof or sides, but has a permeable floor that allows the infiltration of precipitation.
Any artificial change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, the construction of buildings, structures or accessory structures; the construction of additions or alterations to buildings, structures or accessory structures; the repair of any damaged structure or the improvement or renovation of any structure, regardless of percentage of damage or improvement; the placement of buildings or structures; subdivision layout and site preparation; mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations; the storage, deposition or extraction of materials or equipment; and the installation, repair or removal of public or private sewage disposal systems or water supply facilities.
The diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point 4.5 feet above ground level at the base of the tree.
A vehicular access route that is above the regional flood elevation and that connects land located in the floodplain to land outside the floodplain, such as a road with its surface above regional flood elevation and wide enough for wheeled rescue and relief vehicles.
A container with a capacity of more than 1.5 cubic yards or a height of more than 4.5 feet that is designed for receiving, transporting, and depositing waste materials produced by uses that are on the subject site. Dumpsters are typically designed to be hoisted and emptied into a garbage truck.
A room or group of rooms that is arranged, intended or designed to be occupied as sleeping, eating and living quarters for a single individual or household.
§ 90-620.90 Terms beginning with E.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any vehicle that is licensed and registered for operation on public and private highways, roads, and streets, either partially or exclusively on electrical energy from the grid or an off-board source that is stored on-board via a battery. "Electric vehicle" includes: 1) battery electric vehicles; and 2) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
A public or private parking space that is served by battery charging station equipment.
An EV charging station that is not available for use by the general public. Examples include electric vehicle charging stations that serve residential homeowners or renters, executive parking areas, designated employee parking areas and fleet parking areas.
An EV charging station that is accessible to and available for use by the general public.
Any parking space that is clearly identified to be used exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.
Any fill, structure, equipment, building, use or development in the floodway.
Services provided by public and private utilities that are necessary for the exercise of the principal use or service of the principal structure. Such services include underground, surface or overhead gas, electrical, steam, water, sanitary sewerage, stormwater drainage and communication systems, and accessories thereto, such as poles, towers, wires, mains, drains, vaults, culverts, laterals, sewers, pipes, catch basins, underground water storage tanks, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, pumps, lift stations and hydrants, but not including buildings.
A parcel of land, divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale, on which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots is completed before the effective date of this division. At a minimum, this includes the installation of utilities, the construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads.
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed. This includes installation of utilities, construction of streets and either final site grading, or the pouring if concrete pads.
The removal of rock, slate, gravel, sand, topsoil or other natural material from the earth by excavating, stripping, leveling or any other process.
§ 90-620.100 Terms beginning with F.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The federal agency that administers the National Flood Insurance Program.
A human-made barrier constructed of wood, iron, stone, or other material erected for the purpose of protection, confinement, enclosure, or privacy.
The probability of a flood occurrence which is determined from statistical analyses. The frequency of a particular flood event is usually expressed as occurring, on the average, once in a specified number of years or as a percent chance of occurring in any given year.
A map designating approximate flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas are designated as unnumbered A Zones and do not contain floodway lines or regional flood elevations. This map forms the basis for both the regulatory and insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until superseded by a Flood Insurance Study and a Flood Insurance Rate Map.
A map of a community on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both special flood hazard areas (the floodplain) and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. This map can only be amended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A technical engineering examination, evaluation, and determination of the local flood hazard areas. It provides maps designating those areas affected by the regional flood and provides both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations and may provide floodway lines. The flood hazard areas are designated as numbered and unnumbered A Zones. Flood insurance rate maps that accompany the flood insurance study form the basis for both the regulatory and the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program.
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas caused by one of the following conditions:
The overflow or rise of inland waters;
The rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
The inundation caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels along the shore of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior; or
The sudden increase caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a seiche, or by some similarly unusual event.
A graph or a longitudinal profile line showing the relationship of the water surface elevation of a flood event to locations of land surface elevations along a stream or river.
An elevation of two feet of freeboard above the water surface profile elevation designated for the regional flood. (Also see "freeboard.")
Those floodplain areas where storage of floodwaters has been taken into account during analysis in reducing the regional flood discharge.
That portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway which is covered by floodwaters during the regional flood and associated with standing water rather than flowing water.
Land that has been or may be covered by floodwater during the regional flood. It includes the floodway and the floodfringe, and may include other designated floodplain areas for regulatory purposes.
A natural geologic land formation within the floodplain that is surrounded, but not covered, by floodwater during the regional flood.
Policy and procedures to ensure wise use of floodplains, including mapping and engineering, mitigation, education, and administration and enforcement of floodplain regulations.
Any combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties and structures, water and sanitary facilities and contents of buildings subject to flooding, for the purpose of reducing or eliminating flood damage.
The channel of a river or stream and those portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel required to carry the regional flood discharge.
See § 90-610.80.
See § 90-610.140.
A safety factor expressed in terms of a specified number of feet above a calculated flood level. Freeboard compensates for any factors that cause flood heights greater than those calculated, including ice jams, debris accumulation, wave action, obstruction of bridge openings and floodways, the effects of watershed urbanization, loss of flood storage areas due to development and aggregation of the river or stream bed.
The dimension of a lot abutting a public street, measured along the setback line.
A luminaire designed or shielded in such a manner that no light is emitted, either directly or indirectly, at or above a horizontal plane running through the lowest light-emitting part of the luminaire.
§ 90-620.110 Terms beginning with G.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A structure primarily intended and used for the enclosed storage or shelter of the motor vehicles of the individuals who reside on the premises. Carports are considered garages within this definition.
A garage, the roof of which is attached to the principal building.
The elevation of the finished street at the center line or curb as fixed by the engineer or by such authority as shall be designated by law to determine such elevation.
The vertical location of the ground or pavement surface after site grading work is completed in accordance with an approved plan.
An extension of an above-grade building roof that includes at least a waterproof membrane, a root repellent system, a drainage system, a filtering layer, soil with a minimum depth of three inches and native or naturalized plants. Also commonly referred to as a "vegetated roof."
The lowest level of a building that is at or above grade for at least 50% of its interior floor-to-ceiling height.
§ 90-620.120 Terms beginning with H.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any structure, or portion of which. that is used or designed for human habitation.
A dense row of shrubs forming a boundary fence or barrier.
See § 90-610.150.
See § 90-610.160.
Damage that could result from flooding that includes any danger to life or health or any significant economic loss to a structure or building and its contents.
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
Any structure that is either:
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs that have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either by an approved state program, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, or by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
An accessory use of a dwelling unit for business or commercial purposes. Home occupations are subject to the regulations of § 90-330.60.
A gainful occupation conducted only by members of the family entirely within buildings at the place of residence, but not exceeding 25% of the floor area, where the space used is incidental to the residential use and does not adversely affect the exterior residential character of the premises, and the principal service or article offered for sale is produced on the premises. No such use shall normally require the coming of the customer or client to the premises, or his presence upon the premises while the service is being performed. Any machinery or equipment used shall not create noise or other nuisance factors beyond what is typical to a residential area, and a nonilluminated nameplate sign shall be allowed but shall be limited to one square foot. Unless prohibited by district regulations, such uses shall be accessory uses by right.
A temporary or permanent structure typically made of flexible pipe or other material covered with translucent plastic, constructed in a half-round or hoop shape, for the purposes of protecting and cultivating plants. A hoop house is considered more temporary than a greenhouse.
A structure designed to be a dwelling unit that can be moved from place to place on wheels. As defined in § 66.0435, Wis. Stats., the term "dependent unit" means a structure not having its own plumbing facilities, whereas an independent unit has plumbing as well as heating and cooking facilities ready for hookup to utility connections. (See also the definitions of the terms "mobile home" and "camping trailer.")
One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, or not to exceed three persons not so related, occupying a premises and living as a single housekeeping unit, as distinguished from a group of individuals occupying a group living use.
§ 90-620.130 Terms beginning with I.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An ANSI-recognized Standards Development Organization. ANSI/IES recommended practices are universally recognized as authoritative references for lighting applications.
Measured in lux or footcandles, the total luminous flux incident at a point on a surface.
See § 90-610.70.
A calculated upward rise in the regional flood elevation, greater than 0.00 foot, based on a comparison of existing conditions and proposed conditions that is directly attributable to development in the floodplain but not attributable to manipulation of mathematical variables, such as roughness factors, expansion and contraction coefficients and discharge.
Any motor vehicle from which, for a period of seven days, the engine, wheels, or other parts have been removed, or in which the engine, wheels, or other parts have been altered, damaged, or otherwise modified so that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power. "Inoperable motor vehicle" does not include a motor vehicle that has been rendered temporarily incapable of being driven under its own motor power solely to perform ordinary service or repair operations.
§ 90-620.140 Terms beginning with J.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(Reserved)
§ 90-620.150 Terms beginning with K.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(Reserved)
§ 90-620.160 Terms beginning with L.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any nonstructural use made of unimproved or improved real estate. (See also "development.")
A use, structure, lot or sign (as the context indicates) that was established in conformance with all applicable zoning code regulations in effect at the time of its establishment.
The maintained luminance or illuminance value.
Artificial lighting at night traveling into areas where it is not needed or wanted. This can be in the form of Light Trespass, glare, or atmospheric sky glow.
Artificial lighting at night illuminating past property lines without permission. Unless specified otherwise, light trespass limits are measured at any location along a property line both horizontally at the ground plane facing upward and vertically at 1.5 meters (5 ft) above grade with the meter aimed toward the light source in question.
A building or portion of a building that is specifically designed to mask a parking garage or structure from frontage on a public street and that consists of habitable floor space.
The area on a lot or within a building designed to accommodate a parked truck in a space or berth for the loading or unloading of freight carriers having adequate ingress and egress to a public street or alley.
A single parcel of contiguous land occupied or intended to be occupied by such structures and uses as permitted under this zoning chapter, together with the open spaces required by this zoning chapter, and abutting on a public street or officially approved way.
See § 90-610.30.
See § 90-610.50.
The lines forming the boundaries of a lot.
The boundary of a lot that abuts the street. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the Community Development Director is authorized to determine which lot line is the front lot line on corner lots.
Any boundary of a lot that is not a street lot line or a rear lot line.
The boundary of a lot that abuts a street. A lot may have more than one street lot line, and a street lot line may also be a front lot line.
See § 90-610.40.
A lot having frontage on at least two public streets at the intersection of such streets.
A lot having frontage on two streets, other than at the street intersection, and the streets typically being along the front and rear lot lines.
A lot other than a corner lot.
An approach to land development (or redevelopment) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features, minimizing impervious area to create functional and appealing site drainage features that treat stormwater as a resource rather than a waste product. Common LID practices include bioretention facilities, rain gardens, green roofs, rain barrels or cisterns, and permeable paving.
The elevation of the lowest ground surface that touches any of the exterior walls of a building.
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An enclosed space as provided in § 90-490.50(c)(2), Standards for development in the Coastal Floodplain District, is not considered the building's lowest floor.
A unit of measure of the luminous flux of a light source.
A complete lighting unit, including the light source, housing, optics, electronics, and other necessary components for the purpose of providing outdoor illumination.
The intensity of light emitted from a surface per unit area in a given direction.
The SI metric system unit of measure for Illuminance.
§ 90-620.170 Terms beginning with M.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The act or process of restoring to original soundness, including redecorating, refinishing, nonstructural repairs, or the replacement of existing fixtures, systems or equipment with equivalent fixtures, systems or structures.
A structure transportable in one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and is designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities. The term "manufactured home" includes a mobile home but does not include a "mobile recreational vehicle."
A structure designed to be a dwelling unit, that is manufactured and totally assembled in a factory and then transported to a lot or site for placement on a foundation and hookup to essential utility services for permanent habitation. Any such structure from which its wheels have been removed shall be construed to be a permanent structure for purposes of this chapter.
A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, designed to be self-propelled, carried or permanently towable by a licensed, light-duty vehicle, is licensed for highway use if registration is required and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use. Manufactured homes that are towed or carried onto a parcel of land, but do not remain capable of being towed or carried, including park model homes, do not fall within the definition of "mobile recreational vehicles."
A mobile, fully enclosed container that is specifically designed and used for the temporary storage of household goods, wares, and materials for the purpose of moving, relocation, or temporary storage during construction. This definition does not include a shipping or cargo container, modified or otherwise.
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land, divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
A parcel of land, divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale, on which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots is completed before the effective date of this chapter. At a minimum, this would include the installation of utilities, the construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads.
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed. This includes installation of utilities, construction of streets and either final site grading, or pouring of concrete pads.
A hydraulic engineering model that corrects any errors that occur in the duplicate effective model, adds any additional cross sections to the duplicate effective model, or incorporates more detailed topographic information than that used in the current effective model.
A copy of the hydraulic analysis used in the effective FIS and referred to as the "effective model."
The hydraulic engineering model that was used to produce the current effective Flood Insurance Study.
A modification of the duplicate effective model or corrected effective model to reflect any man-made modifications that have occurred within the floodplain since the date of the effective model but prior to the construction of the project for which the revision is requested. If no modification has occurred since the date of the effective model, then this model would be identical to the corrected effective model or duplicate effective model.
A modification of the existing or pre-project conditions model, duplicate effective model or corrected effective model to reflect revised or post-project conditions.
A special flood hazard area subject to the potential for breaking wave heights of greater than or equal to 1.5 feet, but less than three feet, where the primary source of flooding is astronomical tides, storm surges, seiches, and/or tsunamis. A MoWA is an area within Zone AE on a FIRM that is between the inland limit of Zone VE and a limit of moderate wave action, where identified. (Also known as "Coastal A Zone.")
[Added 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023]
Any licensed passenger vehicle, truck, truck-trailer, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power.
A development typically under unified ownership and control consisting of two or more business establishments, which may be on the same lot or on separate lots. The tenants of multitenant development typically share vehicle access and parking facilities.
The county, city, or village governmental units enacting, administering, and enforcing this Zoning Ordinance.
[Added 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023]
§ 90-620.180 Terms beginning with N.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A downward vertical vector directly beneath a luminaire, opposite to zenith.
 |
Elevations referenced to mean sea level datum, 1988 adjustment.
For floodplain management purposes, "new construction" means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of floodplain zoning regulations adopted by this community and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
Elevations referenced to mean sea level datum, 1929 adjustment.
The time between 10:00 P.M. and sunrise, or 6:00 A.M. (whichever comes earlier). For businesses and events with operating hours later than 10:00 P.M., nighttime hours will begin one hour after closing.
See § 90-460.60.
See § 90-460.20.
See § 90-460.50.
See § 90-460.30.
See § 90-460.40.
A nonconforming lot, nonconforming use, nonconforming structure, nonconforming development features or nonconforming sign.
Lighting that is not directly associated with the physical safety of motor vehicle and pedestrian threats, including, but not limited to: landscape lighting, illuminated signage or advertising after business hours, façade lighting, vacant sports fields, and seasonal lighting.
A fire or an ice storm, tornado, windstorm, mudslide, or other destructive act of nature, but excludes a flood.
Any principal building other than a residential building.
§ 90-620.190 Terms beginning with O.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any development that blocks the conveyance of floodwaters such that this development alone or together with any future development will cause an increase in regional flood height.
The map described in § 90-490.20 that has been approved by the Department and FEMA.
An occupied space, open to the sky, on the same lot with the building, and not used for parking or driveway purposes. Roof terraces shall not be counted as open space unless the access thereto, design of the terrace and similar factors deemed pertinent by the Plan Commission have been approved by the Plan Commission in each instance.
Those uses having a relatively low flood damage potential and not involving structures.
Uses of land that do not involve buildings or that involve buildings that are incidental and accessory to the open-air use of the lot. Typical examples include storage yards, vehicle impound yards, auto wrecking and junkyard uses.
The point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of surface water is so continuous as to leave a distinctive mark, such as by erosion, destruction or prevention of terrestrial vegetation, predominance of aquatic vegetation, or other easily recognized characteristic.
The area of all unenclosed areas used or intended to be used for seating and dining by customers and guests, including standing table areas.
Land and structures, along with accessory equipment, designed and utilized for leisure time activities of a predominately outdoor nature and/or a more specific purpose than passive parklike open areas, and further classified as follows:
PRIVATE COMMERCIALFacilities owned and operated by an individual or group for profit as a business, whether or not such facilities are open to general public use.
PRIVATE NONCOMMERCIALFacilities owned and operated by a group for the exclusive use of the members of such group and their guests, and not for profit as a business.
PRIVATE RESIDENTIALFacilities owned by an individual, located on the same or adjoining lot as the principal residence and intended solely for the use of the household (and guests) that occupies the lot.
PUBLICFacilities owned and operated by a governmental agency for limited or general public use.
A zoning district that overlays one or more base zoning districts and imposes requirements in addition to those of the base district or modifies the regulations otherwise applicable in the base zoning district.
§ 90-620.200 Terms beginning with P.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An off-street area containing accessory or nonaccessory motor vehicle parking spaces and associated motor vehicle maneuvering and circulation areas.
The area on a lot designed to accommodate a parked motor vehicle.
An individual, or group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, municipality or state agency.
A continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge of sand with relatively steep seaward and landward slopes immediately landward and adjacent to the beach and subject to erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves during major coastal storms. The inland limit of the primary frontal dune occurs at the point where there is a distinct change from a relatively steep slope to a relatively mild slope.
[Added 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023]
A building or combination of buildings of chief importance or function on a lot. In general, the principal use is carried out in the principal building.
A use or activity or combination of which are of chief importance on the lot; one of the main purposes for which the land, buildings or structures are intended, designed or ordinarily used.
A sewage treatment and disposal system serving one structure with a septic tank and soil absorption field located on the same parcel as the structure. It also means an alternative sewage system approved by the Department of Commerce, including a substitute for the septic tank or soil absorption field, a holding tank, a system serving more than one structure or a system located on a different parcel than the structure.
Those utilities using underground or overhead transmission lines, such as electric, telephone and telegraph, and distribution and collection systems such as water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer.
§ 90-620.210 Terms beginning with Q.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(Reserved)
§ 90-620.220 Terms beginning with R.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A rain barrel, cistern or similar container that collects and stores rainwater or other water that would otherwise be lost as runoff.
Base floodwaters will not inundate the land or damage structures to be removed from the special flood hazard area and that any subsurface waters related to the base flood will not damage existing or proposed buildings.
A trailer, boat trailer, travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, camper shell, motor home, tent trailer, boat, houseboat, or similar vehicle or unit. Camper shells that are attached to a pickup truck are not considered a recreational vehicle.
A container or drop box with a capacity of more than 1.5 cubic yards or a height of more than 4.5 feet that is provided for receiving and temporary storing of recyclable paper, cans, glass and plastics as well as clothing, shoes, books, and toys. Recyclable material bins include both containers used by uses located on the subject site and those used by consumers who bring their recyclables from other (off-site) locations.
A flood determined to be representative of large floods known to have occurred in Wisconsin. A regional flood is a flood with a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, and if depicted on the firm, the RFE is equivalent to the BFE.
See "street."
§ 90-620.230 Terms beginning with S.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020; amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 18-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 8-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Naturally occurring accumulations of sand in ridges or mounds landward of the beach.
Outdoor or site lighting that is portable, temporary, decorative, and used in connection with holidays and traditions. This includes, but is not limited to, string lighting, icicle lighting, and lighted inflatables, none of which are intended for general illumination.
Illumination used specifically to protect people, property, and infrastructure from criminal threat.
An open, unobstructed area that is required to be provided by this zoning chapter between a structure and a lot line.
A luminaire design, optical intervention, or physical accessory (such as a louver) preventing light emission from traveling into a particular area, angle, or region.
Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof, situated or visible from outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, logos, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. The following are not regulated as signs under this zoning chapter:
Traffic control and other government messages located within a right-of-way.
Decorations that are incidentally and customarily associated with any national holiday or religious holiday or with any community festival or similar event.
Flags which do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors.
Art works, including, but not limited to, wall murals which do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors, and/or which contain pictorial representations referring to businesses, merchandise, or products.
Building colors and lighting which do not contain a commercial message, logo, or colors.
Interior site signs located on the interior of the grounds of the following land uses: a passive outdoor public recreational facility, an active outdoor public recreational facility, or an outdoor institutional facility, which are primarily oriented to persons within the grounds.
Interior building signs located on the interior of a building and not attached to a window, which are primarily oriented to persons within the building.
Window displays of merchandise, pictures, or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, which are not directly attached to an interior or exterior window surface.
The entire display surface area of a sign upon, against or through which copy is placed.
A freestanding sign, integral sign or flat mounted sign that is erected and maintained within the view of motorists who are driving on a highway. In the Village of Mount Pleasant, these signs are limited to parcels located within 1,000 feet of an interstate.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic changeable-copy signs include computer-programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic displays.
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of fade, repixelization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer-programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic graphic display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics projected onto buildings or other objects.
An electronic changeable-copy sign or an electronic graphic display sign.
A directly or indirectly illuminated sign or portion thereof that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means so as to provide intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or sparkling.
A sign painted on a building, and any other sign, the back of which is attached to the facade of a building and where no part of the structure of the sign extends more than 12 inches out from the facade, as measured near the points of attachment to the building.
A sign which has its own base of support from the ground, extending more than three feet in height from the ground and not attached to a building. These include ground (or monument) signs, dual-post (or two-pole) signs, and pylon (or highway) signs.
A sign that is constructed, placed or maintained by the federal, state or local government or a sign that is required to be constructed, placed or maintained by the federal, state or local government, either directly or to enforce a property owner's rights.
A freestanding sign, not extending more than three feet in height from the ground.
Any sign which contains an element designed to emanate artificial light internally or externally.
A sign that is embedded, extruded or carved into the material of a building facade; a sign made of bronze, brushed stainless steel or aluminum, or similar material attached to the building facade.
A sign related to commercial or similar activities, other than the activities actually engaged in on the site on which such nonaccessory sign is located. Such signs are also known as "billboards" and "off-premises advertising signs."
A category of sign that is permanently affixed, attached, or otherwise a part of a building. These include: wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, and cabinet signs.
A category of sign mounted just at or above sidewalk level, designed for pedestrian visibility rather than motorists. These include: blade signs and suspended signs.
A sign attached to a building, portions of which extend out beyond 12 inches from the point of attachment, typically having two or more viewable sides, but for purposes of this division, only one side need be counted as a side for measuring its allowable area and the sign count. Signs printed on or affixed to awnings and canopies shall also be considered projecting signs.
A sign, the lowest point of which is visually separate from and above the highest point of the roof.
A banner, pennant, poster or advertising display constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard, plywood or other like materials and that appears to be intended or is determined by the Code Official to be displayed for a limited period of time.
Any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle.
A sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text, and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes, not including electronic changeable-copy signs. Video display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics projected onto buildings or other objects.
The number obtained when the smoke density, in Ringelmann number, is multiplied by the time of emission, in minutes.
A system intended to convert solar energy into thermal, mechanical or electrical energy.
A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural part of the building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, shading devices and similar architectural components.
A solar energy system that is mounted flush with a finished building surface, at no more than six inches in height above that surface.
A solar energy system mounted on the ground and not attached to any other structure other than structural supports.
A solar energy system that is mounted on the facade or roof of either a principal or accessory structure.
A group of photovoltaic cells assembled on a panel. Panels are assembled on-site into solar arrays.
The date the building permit was issued, provided that the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond initial excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways, nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms, nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For an alteration, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
The portion of a building included between the surface of a floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it. A basement or cellar having 1/2 or more of its height above grade shall be deemed a story for purposes of height regulations.
A public or private right-of-way usually affording primary access to abutting property.
See § 90-610.50.
A dividing line between a lot, tract or parcel of land and a contiguous street.
The area of a lot located between the street right-of-way and the principal building on the lot.
Any change in the supporting members of a building or any substantial change in the roof structure or the exterior walls.
Any human-made object with form, shape and utility, either permanently or temporarily attached to, placed upon or set into the ground, stream bed or lake bed, including, but not limited to, roofed and walled buildings, gas or liquid storage tanks, bridges, dams and culverts.
A structure that meets the criteria established in § 90-330.10(b).
A structure placed on or in the ground or attached to another structure in a fixed and determined position and intended to remain in place for a period of more than nine months.
Any structure, other than a permanent structure.
As defined in § 236.02(12), Wis. Stats.
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure, whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its predamaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the equalized assessed value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the equalized assessed value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the work performed. The term does not, however, include either any project for the improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the Building Official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure.
§ 90-620.240 Terms beginning with T.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The horizontal timber directly carrying the trusses of a roof or the rafters.
See § 90-610.120.
§ 90-620.250 Terms beginning with U.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Where special conditions affecting a particular property, that were not self-created, have made strict conformity with restrictions governing areas, setbacks, frontage, height or density unnecessarily burdensome or unreasonable in light of the purposes of the chapter.
The purpose or activity for which the land or building thereon is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
A use subordinate, and customarily incidental, to the permitted principal use of the property or building, and located upon the same lot as the principal use.
The utilization of land by occupancy, activity, building or other structure that is specifically enumerated as permissible by the regulations of the zoning district in which such land is located.
The main or primary use of property or a structure as permitted on such lot by the regulations of the district in which it is located.
Public or private facilities, such as water wells, water and sewage pumping stations, water storage tanks, power and communications transmission lines, electrical power substations, static transformer stations, telephone and telegraph exchanges, microwave radio relays and gas regulation stations, but not including sewage disposal plants, municipal incinerators, warehouses, shops and storage yards.
An energy production facility that produces electric energy for widespread distribution through the electric power grid.
§ 90-620.260 Terms beginning with V.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
See Division 90-570 and § 90-490.70(c).
Electricity, CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG (liquefied natural gas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and hydrogen.
Gasoline and diesel fuels.
An outdoor area on a lot that is used for storage and operation of motor vehicles, including parking lots, vehicle storage areas, vehicle display areas, loading areas, driveways, and drive-through lanes.
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the applicable regulations of this zoning chapter, including the flood protection regulations. A structure or other development without required permits, lowest floor elevation documentation, floodproofing certificates or required floodway encroachment calculations is presumed to be in violation of this zoning chapter until such time as that documentation is provided.
An unoccupied triangular space at the street or alley corner of a lot, as established by Division 90-437.
§ 90-620.270 Terms beginning with W.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A clearly identified path for nonmotorized movement between buildings, structures, destinations, or other walkways on or adjacent to a site.
A graphical representation showing the elevation of the water surface of a watercourse for each position along a reach of river or stream at a certain flood flow. A water surface profile of the regional flood is used in regulating floodplain areas.
The entire region contributing runoff or surface water to a watercourse or body of water.
An excavation opening in the ground made by digging, boring, drilling, driving or other methods, to obtain groundwater regardless of its intended use.
A device that directly converts wind energy into usable thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy, including such devices as windmills and wind turbines. The system includes towers and supporting structures and directly connected facilities, such as generators, alternators, inverters, batteries, and associated control equipment.
A wind energy conversion system with a power-related capacity of no more than 100 kW that is primarily intended to produce power for on-site consumption, as a supplement to utility power or in lieu of utility power. Small wind energy systems are often connected to the electric utility for the purpose of net metering.
§ 90-620.280 Terms beginning with X.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(Reserved)
§ 90-620.290 Terms beginning with Y.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An actual (as opposed to required) open, unoccupied space that exists on a lot between a building and a lot line.
A yard extending along the full length of the front lot lines between the side lot lines.
A yard extending along the full length of the rear lot line between the side lot lines and behind the front face of the principal building.
[Amended 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 09-2021]
§ 90-620.300 Terms beginning with Z.
[Ord. No. 19-2020, 6-8-2020]
(Reserved)