Saint Joseph Town Saint Croix County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE I
Title, Authority and Purpose
§ 170-1 Title.
The title of this chapter is the "Town of St. Joseph Zoning Ordinance," referred to herein as the "Ordinance" or "this chapter."
§ 170-2 Authority.
The Town Board of the Town of St. Joseph has general zoning authority, powers and duties pursuant to Wis. Stats., §§ 60.10, 60.22, 61.35, 60.62, and 62.23; also pursuant to the other specific statutory authority as noted elsewhere in this chapter; also pursuant to the Town's assumption of village powers at its Annual Town Meeting on April 7, 1959, and pursuant to the action by Town electors at a Special Town Meeting on September 14, 2020, to authorize the Town Board to enact Town zoning ordinances.
§ 170-3 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health, safety, prosperity and general welfare of the residents and landowners in the Town of St. Joseph, through the establishment and enforcement of regulations governing the use of the land in the Town and by providing penalties for the violation of its provisions. To these ends, this chapter shall divide the Town into districts and regulate the location, construction, alteration, enlargement and use of structures and land in the Town.
§ 170-4 Intent.
It is the general intent of this chapter to:
A.
Aid in implementing the Town's Comprehensive Plan.
B.
Regulate the use of all structures, lands and waters.
C.
Provide the compatibility of land uses.
D.
Promote the preservation of agricultural and conservation areas within the Town.
E.
Provide opportunities for limited, desirable commercial development while reducing the property tax burden for residential property.
F.
Further the appropriate use of land and conservation of natural resources.
G.
Preserve and promote the beauty and rural atmosphere of the Town.
H.
Promote a fair, equitable and balanced application of reasonable zoning regulations for the Town and its residents.
I.
Regulate lot and population density so as to lessen congestion and promote the safety and efficiency of the roads and highways and protect farmland and open space.
J.
Facilitate the provision of public facilities and utilities.
K.
Stabilize and protect property values.
L.
Secure safety from fire, flooding, panic and other dangers.
M.
Provide adequate light, air, sanitation and drainage.
N.
Provide the administration and enforcement of this chapter and to provide penalties for its violation.
§ 170-5 Severability.
If any specific portion of this chapter is held to be unconstitutional, unlawful or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall be unaffected and remain in full force and effect.
§ 170-6 When effective.
This chapter shall be effective after a public hearing, adoption by the Town Board and approval by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors and publication and posting as provided by law.
§ 170-7 Interpretation.
A.
The provisions of this chapter shall be held, interpreted and applied as minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the Town and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes or in conflict with the provisions of any other ordinances of the Town of St. Joseph.
B.
For the purpose of administering and enforcing this chapter, the terms or words used herein shall be interpreted as follows: