Wheatland Town City Zoning Code
Division III
General Land Use Regulations
12.07.010 Introduction.
The proper regulation of the use of certain structures, lands and waters, only through the use of the zoning districts contained within this ordinance is neither feasible nor adequate. Therefore, the following regulations, which shall be applied in addition to the district regulations, are necessary to accomplish the intent of this ordinance. [Code § 12.07-1.]
12.07.020 Compliance.
No structure, land, water, or air shall hereafter be used or developed and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, placed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, demolished, or structurally altered without full compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and all other applicable local, county and state regulations. [Code § 12.07-2.]
12.08.010 Uses allowed.
Only the following uses, structures and their essential services shall be allowed in any district:
(a) Principal uses and structures specified for a district and permitted as a matter of right.
(b) Accessory uses and structures are permitted as a matter of right in any district but not until their principal structure is present or under construction. Uses accessory to residential district developments shall not involve the conduct of any business, trade or industry except as may be provided in sections 12.21.010 and 12.21.020 of this ordinance. No accessory structure shall be occupied as a separate dwelling unit. Accessory uses and structures are further regulated by section 12.08.020 of this Ordinance. (6/2/92)
(c) Conditional uses, as defined in section 12.40.010 and their accessory uses may be permitted only in specified districts after review, public hearing and approval by the Kenosha County Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee in accordance with procedures and standards established in this ordinance. (11/5/84)
(d) Stipulated Shoreland Uses, as may be provided for section 12.09.090 of this ordinance.
(e) Temporary uses and structures, as may be provided for under this ordinance. [Code § 12.08-1.]
12.08.020 Site plan review.
PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of this section is to provide an integrated approach toward site and building development and a process to review and approve Site Plans for land uses which are subject to a Zoning Permit for any principle use or conditional use in any district except the A-1, A-2, and A-4 agricultural districts, the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 and R-8 residential districts. The intent is to promote compatible development, stability of property values, and to prevent impairment or depreciation of property values of development, changes or additions to existing structures and redevelopment
PROCESS AND SUBMITTALS
The Department of Planning and Development shall review and approve the following plans as applicable:
Building Plan
Site Plan
Parking Plan
Landscape Plan
Lighting Plan (including photometrics)
Storm Water Management Plan
Utility Plan
Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Plan
Natural Resource Protection Plan
Such plans are necessary to identify existing and proposed structures, architectural plans, building construction plans, neighboring uses, parking areas, driveway locations, loading and unloading, highway access, traffic generation and circulation, drainage, sewerage and water systems, location and type of lighting, type, size and location of signs, utilization of landscaping and open space, emergency vehicle accessibility, and the proposed operation for all development classified as a principal or accessory use . (8/6/02)
(a) STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES
The following principles are established to implement and define the purpose and intent set forth above,
1. Building Design and Architecture
No building shall be permitted in which the design or exterior appearance is of such unorthodox or abnormal character in relation to its surroundings as to be unsightly or offensive to generally accepted taste and community standards or is so identical with those adjoining as to create excessive monotony or drabness.
Buildings shall avoid a “box like” appearance having horizontal and vertical articulation. Integration of features like cornices, staggered parapet walls, wall offsets, recessed or extended windows and entries, covered arcades or similar design elements shall be used. Building additions shall be designed to be consistent with the existing building(s) in conjunction with the principles of this section.
2. Building Facades
No building shall be permitted where any exposed facade is not constructed or faced with a finished material which is aesthetically compatible with the other facades and presents an attractive appearance to the public and to surrounding properties by a mixture of materials, banding, textures and colors. Buildings shall have four-sided architecture.
3. Building Materials
A minimum of 50 percent of a façade facing an existing or future street or a façade that is visible by the general public shall be finished with a combination of windows, brick, native or manufactured stone, textured concrete block, decorative masonry material or decorative precast concrete panels. Smooth face concrete block is only permitted as an accent band. Additions to existing buildings shall be permitted to maintain the appearance and materials of the existing façade so as to maintain a consistent appearance.
4. Building Scale and Mass.
The relative proportion of a building to its neighboring buildings, to pedestrians and observers, or to other existing buildings shall be maintained or enhanced when new buildings are built or when existing buildings are remodeled or altered.
5. Building Rooflines and Roof Shapes.
The visual continuity of roofs and their contributing elements (parapet walls, coping, and cornices) shall be maintained in building development and redevelopment.
6. Equipment and Mechanicals.
Roof-mounted equipment and mechanicals shall be screened from public view, when viewed from grade level as measured from the lot lines and abutting street centerlines, in a manner matching the architectural style and materials of the building. A professional line-of-sight study may be required verifying this provision. Roof-mounted equipment and mechanicals added to an existing building shall comply with this provision. Roof drains, leaders and downspouts shall be integrated into the exterior design of the building.
Ground Equipment and mechanicals shall be screened from public view with a combination of solid fencing or walls and landscaping as deemed appropriate.
7. Colors
Since the selection of building colors has a significant impact upon the public and neighboring properties, color shall be selected in general harmony with existing neighborhood buildings.
a. Frequent changes in material or color shall be avoided.
b. The use of bold, primary colors should not be used for building facades except for accent elements.
c. The use of bright colors, including but not limited to fluorescent, “hot”, and “dayglow” colors is prohibited.
8. Location and Orientation
No building or sign shall be permitted to be sited on the property in a manner which would unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the natural beauty of the area, particularly insofar as it would adversely affect values incident to ownership of land in that area, or which would unnecessarily have an adverse effect on the beauty and general enjoyment of existing structures on adjoining properties.
9. Erosion Control and Storm Water
Appropriate erosion control and storm water management measures shall be utilized in all new development. Buildings and uses shall maintain existing topography, drainage patterns, and vegetative cover insofar as is practical. Storm water management ponds and open drainage ways shall be designed to be visual amenities. The Department of Planning and Development or the Planning, Development and Extension Education Committee may require that drainage easements be executed.
10. Traffic Circulation
Buildings and uses shall provide for safe traffic circulation and safe driveway locations. Clear and identifiable patterns of circulation shall be designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrian, automobile and truck traffic.
Buildings and uses shall provide adequate parking and loading areas. No loading dock or overhead doors shall face upon a street right-of-way without approval of the Department of Planning and Development. Site cross-access lanes and associated easements shall be provided where deemed necessary by the Department of Planning and Development and shall be a minimum of 24 feet wide. Subject to the requirements as set forth in Section 12.13.020(a) Dimensions of Parking and Section 12.13.030 Parking Requirements.
12. Public Services and Utilities
Buildings and uses shall be provided with adequate public services as approved by the appropriate utility.
13. Lighting
Subject to the requirements as set forth in Section 12.11.040 (da) Exterior Lighting Standards and 12.13.030(o) Lighting.
14. Buffers and Screening
Appropriate buffers shall be provided between dissimilar uses. Dumpsters and other trash receptacles shall be screened from view with solid fencing or walls as deemed appropriate by the Department of Planning and Development.
15. Landscaping and Open Space
Buildings and uses shall make appropriate use of open spaces. Subject to the requirements as set forth in Section 12.16 Landscaping. The development applicant shall commit, in writing, to maintain all required landscaping.
(b) Appeals. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decisions of the Zoning Administrator or the Land Use Committee related to plan review may appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustments pursuant to section 12.56.050 of this Ordinance. [Code § 12.08-2.]
12.09.010 Regulations.
All applicable use, site, or sanitary restrictions and regulations shall apply to shorelands in addition to those listed below. Shoreland regulations apply to all the lands in the unincorporated areas of Kenosha County which are:
(a) Within one thousand (1,000) feet of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable lakes, ponds or flowages.
(b) Within three hundred (300) feet of the ordinary high-water mark of navigable rivers or streams, or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater.
(c) Determinations of navigability and ordinary high-water mark location shall initially be made by the zoning administrator. When questions arise, the zoning administrator shall contact the appropriate office of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a final determination of navigability or ordinary high-water mark.
(d) Under s. 281.31(2m) Wis. Stats., notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule promulgated thereunder, this shoreland zoning ordinance does not apply to:
1. Lands adjacent to farm drainage ditches if such lands are not adjacent to a natural navigable stream or river or those parts of such drainage ditches adjacent to such lands were not navigable streams before ditching.
2. Lands adjacent to artificially constructed drainage ditches, ponds or storm water retention basins that are not hydrologically connected to a natural navigable water body. [Code § 12.18-1.]
12.09.020 Tree cutting, shrubbery clearing and impervious surface (8/6/02).
(a) To protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and natural scenic beauty, and to promote preservation and restoration of native vegetation, the County ordinance shall designate land that extends from the ordinary high water mark to a minimum of 35 feet inland as a vegetative buffer zone and prohibit removal of vegetation in the vegetative buffer zone except as follows:
1. The County may allow routine maintenance of vegetation.
2. The County may allow removal of trees and shrubs in the vegetative buffer zone to create access and viewing corridors. The viewing corridor may be at least 35 feet wide for every 100 feet of shoreline frontage. The viewing corridor may run contiguously for the for the entire maximum width or shoreline frontage owned.
3. The County may allow removal of trees and shrubs in the vegetative buffer zone on a parcel with 10 or more acres of forested land consistent with “generally accepted forestry management practices” as defined in s. NR 1.25 (2) (b), and described in Department publication “Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines” (publication FR-226); provided, that vegetation removal be consistent with these practices.
4. The County may allow removal of vegetation within the vegetative buffer zone to manage exotic or invasive species, damaged vegetation, vegetation that must be removed to control disease, or vegetation creating an imminent safety hazard; provided, that any vegetation removed be replaced by replanting in the same area as soon as practicable.
5. The County may authorize by permit additional vegetation management activities in the vegetative buffer zone. The permit shall require that all management activities comply with detailed plans approved by the County and designed to control erosion by limiting sedimentation into the waterbody, to improve the plant community by replanting in the same area, and to maintain and monitor the newly restored area that meets the standards found in section 12.09.100 (Mitigation). The permit also shall require an enforceable restriction to preserve the newly restored area.
(b) Impervious Surface. Impervious surface standards were established to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat and to protect against pollution of navigable waters. County impervious surface standards shall apply to the construction, reconstruction, expansion, replacement or relocation of any impervious surface on a riparian lot or parcel and any nonriparian lot or parcel that is located entirely within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waterway.
1. Calculation of Percentage of Impervious Surface. Percentage of impervious surface shall be calculated by dividing the surface area of the existing and proposed impervious surfaces on the portion of a lot or parcel that is within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark by the total surface area of that lot or parcel, and multiplied by 100. Impervious surfaces described in section 12.09.020(b)(2)(d) shall be excluded from the calculation of impervious surface on the lot or parcel. If an outlot lies between the ordinary high water mark and the developable lot or parcel and both are in common ownership, the lot or parcel and the outlot shall be considered one lot or parcel for the purposes of calculating the percentage of impervious surface.
a. Impervious Surface Standard for Highly Developed Shorelines. For properties on shorelands of highly developed lakes including:
Voltz Lake | Powers Lake |
Silver Lake | Lily Lake |
Camp Lake | Center Lake |
Rock Lake | Cross Lake |
Benedict Lake | Benet Lake |
Montgomery Lake | Hooker Lake |
Shangri-La Lake |
A property owner is allowed up to 30% for residential land use and up to 40% for commercial, industrial or business land uses.
b. General Impervious Surface Standards. A shoreland property owner not on a highly developed shoreland listed in 12.09.020(b)(1)(a) shall be allow up to 15% impervious surface on the portion of a lot or parcel that is within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark.
2. Maximum Impervious Surface Standard.
a. A property owner in a highly developed shoreland listed in 12.09.020(b)(1)(a) may have more than 30% impervious surface but not more than 40% impervious surface for residential land uses. For commercial, industrial or business land uses a property owner may have more than 40% impervious surface but not more than 60% impervious surface.
b. For properties where the general impervious surface standard applies under section 12.09.020(b)(1)(b), a property owner may have more than 15% impervious surface but not more than 30% impervious surface on the portion of a lot or parcel that is within 300 feet of the ordinary high-water mark.
c. For properties that exceed the standard under 12.09.020(b)(2)(a) and (b) but do not exceed the maximum standard under 12.09.020(b)(2)(a) and (b) a zoning permit can be issued for development with an approved shoreland permit that details the mitigation plan that meets the standards found in section 12.09.100 (Mitigation), unless exempt under 12.09.020(b)2(f).
d. Treated Impervious Surfaces. Impervious surfaces that can be documented to demonstrate they meet either of the following standards shall be excluded from the impervious surface calculations under section 12.09.020(b)(1):
1) The impervious surface is treated by devices such as storm water ponds, constructed wetlands, infiltration basins, rain gardens, bio-swales or other engineered systems.
2) The runoff from the impervious surface discharges to an internally drained pervious area that retains the runoff on or off the parcel and allows infiltration into the soil, such as pervious pavement.
e. Existing Impervious Surfaces. For existing impervious surfaces that were lawfully placed when constructed but that do not comply with the impervious surface standard in section 12.09.020(b) or the maximum impervious surface standard in section 12.09.020(b)(2), the property owner may do any of the following:
1) Maintain and repair the existing impervious surfaces;
2) Replace existing impervious surfaces with similar surfaces within the existing building envelope;
3) Relocate or modify an existing impervious surface with similar or different impervious surface; provided, that the relocation or modification does not result in an increase in the percentage of impervious surface that existed on the effective date of the County shoreland ordinance, and the impervious surface meets the applicable setback requirements.
4) The impervious surface standards in this ordinance shall not be construed to supersede other provisions in the County shoreland ordinance. All of the provisions of the County shoreland ordinance still apply to new or existing development.
f. Vegetated Buffer Exemptions. In accordance with the provisions of ch. 59.692(1f) Wis. Stats. This ordinance shall not require a person to do any of the following:
1) Establish a vegetative buffer zone on previously developed land;
2) Expand an existing vegetative buffer zone. [Code § 12.18-2.]
12.09.030 Earth movements (6/12/12).
Earth movements such as construction, altering or enlargement of waterways, removal of stream or lake bed materials, channel clearing, dredging, lagooning, grading, topsoil removal, filling, road cutting and ditching require a permit in accordance with Section 12.09.090 of this Ordinance in addition to the permit required from the state agency accordance with the provisions of s. NR 115.04, the requirements of ch. 30, Stats., and other state and federal laws where applicable, and only if done in a manner designed to minimize erosion, sedimentation and impairment of fish and wildlife habitat and natural scenic beauty.
No permit to alter or relocate a watercourse in a mapped floodplain shall be issued until the local official has notified in writing all adjacent municipalities, the DNR and FEMA regional offices, and required the applicant to secure all necessary state and federal permits. The standards 12.60.040(a) must be met and the flood carrying capacity of any altered or relocated watercourse shall be maintained.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the date of the watercourse alteration or relocation and pursuant to 12.60.040, the community shall apply for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) from FEMA. Any such alterations must be reviewed and approved by FEMA and the DNR through the LOMC process [Code § 12.18-3.]
12.09.040 Structures (8/6/02).
All structures, except navigational aids, piers, boat launching facilities and boat houses, and steps and stairs located above the ordinary high water mark and necessary for access to the shoreline, shall not be closer than the shore yard distance as specified in each district of this ordinance. See Section 12.38.020 for more information.
(a) The County shall not establish shoreland zoning standards that requires any of the following:
1. Approval to install or maintain outdoor lighting in shorelands, impose any fee or mitigation requirement to install or maintain outdoor lighting in shorelands, or otherwise prohibits or regulates outdoor lighting in shorelands if the lighting is designed or intended for residential use.
2. Requires any inspection or upgrade of a structure before the sale or other transfer of the structure may be made.
(b) The construction and maintenance of a facility is considered to satisfy the requirements of a shoreland zoning ordinance if:
1. The department has issued all required permits or approvals authorizing the construction or maintenance under ch. 30, 31, 281, or 283.
A “facility” means any property or equipment of a public utility, as defined in s. 196.01 (5), or a cooperative association organized under ch. 185 for the purpose of producing or furnishing heat, light, or power to its members only, that is used for the transmission, delivery, or furnishing of natural gas, heat, light, or power. [Code § 12.18-4.]
12.09.050 Soil conservation practices, tillage and grazing.
(a) Soil conservation practices such as tiles terraces, runoff diversions, and grassed waterways used for erosion control shall not require a permit under Section 12.09.090 of this Ordinance when designed and constructed to Natural Resources Conservation Service technical standards.
(b) Tillage, grazing, livestock watering, and feeding and application of fertilizers shall be prohibited unless conducted in accordance with applicable County, State and Federal laws and regulations and unless conducted in such a manner as to safe-guard the health, safety and welfare of individuals, animal and aquatic life, in the surrounding environment. [Code § 12.18-5.]
12.09.060 Water withdrawal and diversion uses.
Surface water withdrawal, diversion, or discharge for irrigation, processing, cooling or other purposes require a permit in accordance with Section 12.09.090 of this Ordinance. [Code § 12.18-6.]
12.09.070 Crop production.
Crop production on lands with an erosion factor of three or more is prohibited and such lands shall be planted to permanent vegetation. [Code § 12.18-7.]
12.09.080 Wisconsin shoreland management program.
The use of any parcel of land located within the County’s designated Shoreland-Floodplain area shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter NR115 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program, and in the case of conflict between this ordinance and the Wisconsin Administrative Code, (NR-115) the provision with the greater restriction shall apply. [Code § 12.18-8.]
12.09.090 Stipulated shoreland permits.
Notwithstanding the other requirements set forth in this section, the Department of Planning and Development may issue a stipulated Shoreland Permit for those uses listed in section 12.09.020 and 12.09.060 without requiring a conditional use permit provided that the use shall not be susceptible to flooding, concentrated runoff, inadequate drainage, adverse soil and topographic conditions or any other features likely to be harmful to the environment or the public interest. The Department of Planning and Development shall not issue the stipulated shoreland permit until the applicant agrees to the stipulations and such stipulated shoreland permit is filed and recorded in the Office of Register of Deeds. The Department of Planning and Development shall notify the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the appropriate town board of the issuance of all stipulated shoreland permits. [Code § 12.18-9.]
12.09.100 Mitigation.
(a) General Standards. (s. 59.692(1 v), Wis. Stats., NR 115.05 (l)(e)3.,(g)5.,(g)6.) When the County issues a permit requiring mitigation in accordance with sections 12.09.020 or 12.39.110 of this Ordinance the property owner must submit a mitigation plan application that is reviewed and approved by the County. The application shall include the following:
1. A site plan that describes the proposed mitigation measures:
a. The site plan shall be designed and implemented to restore natural functions lost through development and human activities.
b. The mitigation measures shall be proportional in scope to the impacts on water quality, near-shore aquatic habitat, upland wildlife habitat, and natural scenic beauty.
2. An implementation schedule and enforceable obligation on the property owner to establish and maintain the mitigation measures.
a. The enforceable obligations shall be evidenced by an instrument recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.
(b) Mitigation Options.
1. Vegetative buffer required as mitigation under open sided provision (12.17). The property owner shall choose and implement two (2) of the following:
a. Restoration of native primary vegetative buffer to county vegetative buffer standards per section 12.09.100(d).
b. The associated private onsite waste treatment system must be evaluated and upgraded as appropriate in compliance with ch. SPS 383, Wis. Administrative Code.
c. Storm water management practices (e.g., storm water ponds, constructed wetlands, infiltration basins, rain gardens, pervious pavers, bio-swales, water diversions of overland flow or other approved engineered systems).
2. Lateral expansion of a nonconforming principal structure located between 35 and 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark and which is less than 35 feet in height section 12.39.110(b); or the replacement or relocation of principal structure located between 35 and 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark and which is less than 35 feet in height; or new impervious surface area greater than 15% and/or less than or equal to 30%, and greater than 30% for highly developed shorelands section 12.09.020(b).
a. Removal of all nonconforming accessory structures located in the shore setback area. This requirement shall not apply to a detached garage which is in good repair and located at least as far from the ordinary high-water mark as the principal structure on the property.
b. The property owner shall choose and implement two (2) of the following:
1) Restoration of native primary vegetative buffer to county vegetative buffer standards per section 12.09.100(d).
2) The associated private onsite waste treatment system must be evaluated and upgraded as appropriate in compliance with ch. SPS 383, Wis. Administrative Code.
3) Storm water management practices (e.g., storm water ponds, constructed wetlands, infiltration basins, rain gardens, pervious pavers, bio-swales, water diversions of overland flow or other approved engineered systems).
(c) Implementation Schedule. The approved Shoreland Buffer Restoration Site Plan must be started within 1 year from the issue date of the applicable permit. All plantings and any other activities in the Shoreland Buffer Restoration Site Plan must be completed within 2 years of the permit issue date.
(d) Establishment of a Vegetation Buffer Zone.
1. The owner(s) or their agent must submit a plan that will be implemented by the owner of the property to establish, preserve, enhance, and/or restore a vegetative buffer zone that covers at least 70% of the half of the shoreland setback area that is nearest to the water. The plan must be approved by the County Zoning Office.
2. To be considered for approval a plan to establish, preserve, enhance, and/or restore a vegetative buffer zone following the VEGETATIVE BUFFER STANDARDS described in Appendix “D” and shall, at a minimum, contain:
a. A binding agreement with the owner, his/her heirs, successors, and assignees, must authorize entrance onto the property by zoning staff for inspections to assure compliance with the plan. The agreement shall be written and recordable on forms provided by the County Zoning Office and recorded with the Register of Deeds. This also applies to preservation of an existing natural buffer.
b. A description of how the landowner intends to carry out the project, including methods, materials, and equipment to be used.
c. A proposed schedule and sequence of work activities.
d. The names, descriptions, and densities of native species to be utilized in the restoration work, including ground cover, shrubs, and tree layers.
e. A description of the site before the project begins and a description of the proposed site once the buffer is completed.
f. The erosion control measures that will be used during construction of the permitted structure and vegetative buffer zone to control sediment, runoff, and protect water quality.
3. Removal of the shoreyard structure will not relinquish the recorded agreement or permit the removal, destruction, degradation, and/or reduction in size of the shoreland vegetative buffer.
4. Failure to comply with the plan and/or subsequent removal of vegetation from the vegetative buffer zone will cause the County Zoning Office to revoke the permit and order the removal of any structure(s) authorized under the zoning permit. [Code § 12.18-10.]
12.10.010 Town responsibility.
Restriction of the number and type of animals and pets permitted within a particular district shall be the responsibility of the local town boards. [Code § 12.16-1.]
12.11.010 Intent.
Sections 12.20 through 12.26 of this ordinance permits specific uses in specific districts. It is the intent of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors that the following performance standards designed to limit, restrict and prohibit the effects of those uses outside of their premises or district be imposed upon all parcels falling within the jurisdiction of this ordinance so as to protect the quality of the environment, the safety and health of the citizens of Kenosha County, and to alleviate, and where possible, eliminate nuisances. It is the further intent of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors that all structures, lands, air and waters shall hereafter, in addition to their use, site, shoreland and sanitary regulations, comply with the following performance standards, and all applicable standards set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. [Code § 12.12-1.]
12.11.020 Procedure.
(a) Prior to construction and operation. Any application for a permit under this ordinance or any use subject to the regulations and standards set forth herein shall be accompanied by a sworn statement by the owner of the subject property that said property and use will be operated in accordance with the performance standards hereinafter set forth.
(b) Continued compliance. Continued compliance with the regulations and standards heretofore set forth in this section is required and enforcement of such continued compliance with these regulations and standards shall be a duty of the Department of Planning and Development.
(c) Determination of violation. The Department of Planning and Development shall investigate any reported violation of the hereinafter noted regulations and standards and, if there is reasonable grounds for the same, shall proceed in accordance with paragraph (d) below and section 12.51.010 of this ordinance.
(d) Termination of violation. All violations, as ascertained in accordance with paragraph (c) above shall be terminated within 30 days after notice of such violation and in the event that said violation is not terminated, it shall be deemed a separate violation for each date of its existence and subject to fines as set forth in this ordinance, except that certain uses established before the effective date of this ordinance and nonconforming as to the regulations and standards hereinafter set forth shall be given not more than 180 days in which to conform therewith after the determination of the existence of such violation and in the event said violation is not terminated, it shall be deemed a separate violation for each day it existed since the effective date of this ordinance. [Code § 12.12-2.]
12.11.030 Regulation of nuisance elements.
(a) No land or building in any district shall be operated in such a manner so as to create any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive or other hazard; noise or vibration, smoke, dust, dirt or other form of air pollution; water pollution; electrical, radioactive or other disturbances; glare; or other substance, condition or element (referred to herein as “dangerous or objectionable elements”) in such amount as to adversely affect the surrounding area or premises; provided that any use permitted by this ordinance may be undertaken and maintained if it conforms to the regulations of this subsection limiting dangerous and objectionable elements at the specified point or points of the determination of their existence.
(b) The determination of the existence of any dangerous and objectionable elements shall be made at:
1. The point or points where such elements shall be most apparent for fire and explosion hazards, for radioactivity and electrical disturbances, for smoke and other forms of air pollution.
2. The property lines of the use creating such elements for noise, vibration, glare and odors. [Code § 12.12-3.]
12.11.040 Performance standards to be enforced (6/12/12).
(a) Air pollution. No activity shall emit any fly ash, dust, fumes, vapors, smoke, mists or gases in such quantities as to cause soiling or danger to the health of person, animals, vegetation or other forms of property. No activity shall emit any liquid or solid particles in concentrations exceeding 0.3 grains per cubic foot of the conveying gas nor any color visible smoke equal to or darker than number two on the Ringleman Chart described in section NR431 and NR439 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and amendments thereto. (8/6/02)
(b) Electrical, radioactive or other disturbances. No activity shall emit electrical, radioactive or other disturbances outside its premises that are dangerous or adversely affect the use of neighboring premises. All applicable federal and state regulations shall be complied with.
(c) Fire and explosive hazards. All activities involving the manufacturing, utilization, processing or storage of flammable and explosive materials shall be provided with adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosion with adequate firefighting and fire suppression equipment and devices that are standard in the industry. All materials that range from active to intense burning shall be manufactured, utilized, processed and stored only in completely enclosed buildings which have incombustible exterior walls and an automatic fire extinguishing system. The above ground storage capacity of materials that produce flammable or explosive vapors shall not exceed the following:
Gallons | |
Over 187°F | 400,000 |
105°F to 187°F | 200,000 |
Below 105°F | 100,000 |
(d) Glare and heat. No activity shall emit glare or heat that is visible or measurable at the boundaries of the lot on which the principle use is located. All operations producing intense glare or heat shall be conducted within a completely enclosed building. Exposed sources of light shall be shielded so as not to be visible outside their premises.
(e) Noise. At the points of measurement specified in section 12.11.030(b)2, the maximum sound pressure level radiated in each standard octave band by any use or facility (other than transportation facilities or temporary construction work) shall not exceed the values for octave bands lying within the several frequency limits given in Table I after applying the corrections shown in Table II. The sound pressure level shall be measured with a Sound Level Meter and associated Octave Band Analyzer conforming to standards prescribed by the American Standards Association, Inc., New York, N.Y. (American Standard Sound Level Meters for Measurement of Noise and Other Sounds, 224.3-1944, American Standards Association, Inc., New York, N.Y., and American Standard Specification for an Octave-Band Filter Set for the Analysis of Noise and Other Sounds, 224.10-1953, or latest approved revision thereof, American Standards Association, Inc., New York, N.Y. shall be used.)
Table I.
Frequency Containing Standard Octave Bands In Cycles Per Second | Sound Pressure Level in Decibels Re 0.0002 dyne/cm |
|---|---|
20 - 75 | 65 |
75 - 150 | 55 |
150 - 300 | 50 |
300 - 600 | 45 |
600 - 1200 | 40 |
1200 - 2400 | 40 |
Above 2400 | 35 |
If the noise is not smooth and continuous and is not radiated between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. one or more of the corrections in Table II shall be applied to the octave band levels given in Table I.
Table II.
Type of Location of Operation or Character of Noise | Correction in Decibels | |
|---|---|---|
1. | Daytime operation only | 5 |
2. | Noise source operates less than | |
a. | 20% of any one-hour period | 5 |
b. | 5% of any one-hour period | 10 |
3. | Noise of impulsive character (hammering, etc.) | -5 |
4. | Noise of periodic character (hum, screech, etc.) | -5 |
5. | Property is located in any M-District and is not within 200 feet of any R-District | 10 |
*Apply one of these corrections only.
(f) Odors. Except in the A-1, A-2 and A-4 Districts, no activity shall emit any odorous matter of such nature or quantity as to be offensive, obnoxious or unhealthful outside their premises. The guide for determining odor measurement and control shall be Chapter NR 129 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and amendments thereto. (8/6/02)
(g) Erodible land regulations. In addition to any other applicable use, site or sanitary regulation, the following organic and sandy soils listed below and any other soils having an erosion factor of three shall not be used for crop production or grazing unless such lands make use of contour cropping practices or strip cropping practices or crop terraces.
133 - BmB, BmC2 | 416 - Ry |
316 - BmB, BmC2 | 417 - CrD2, CrE |
359 - MxD2 | 419 - SfB |
414 - BmB, BmC2 | 451 - Ht |
(h) Soil capability regulations. In addition to any other applicable use, site, or sanitary regulation, the following restrictions or regulations shall apply to the following soils as shown on the Operational Soil Survey Maps prepared by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and which are on file with the Department of Planning and Development;
Because of their erodibility and very low agricultural capabilities, tillage is permitted on the following rough, broken, sandy, stony or escarpment soils only when conducted in accordance with sound soil conservation practices and after review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service:
75 - CcB, CrC, CrD2, CrE | 417 - CrD2, CrE |
282 - CeB, CrC, CrD2, CrE | 419 - SfB |
416 - Ry |
Farm drainage systems may be installed on the following soils, which soils are subject to a flooding hazard and which have generally unsuitable soil characteristics for an operative drainage system, only if installed in accordance with sound soil conservation practices and after review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service:
4 - Mf | 11 - Am |
5W - Sg | 11W - Ww |
7 - Dh | 54 - Lp |
10 - Am | 419 - SfB |
10W - Ww | 452 - Ac |
Because of very severe limitations for pasturing, grazing is permitted on the following soils when conducted in accordance with sound soil conservation practices and after review by the Natural Resources Conservation Service:
4 - Mf | 419 - SfB |
416 - Ry | 462 - Ht |
(i) Steep land regulations. In addition to any other applicable use, site, shoreland, or sanitary regulation, the following restrictions and regulations shall apply to all lands having slopes of twelve (12) per cent or greater (see illustration #1) as shown on the Operational Soil Survey Maps prepared by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in cooperation with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and which are on file with the Department of Planning and Development:
1. Tillage and grazing of lands with slopes of 12% or greater shall be permitted only if such tilling and grazing make use of contour cropping practices, strip cropping practices or cropping terraces. Spreading the manure or fertilizer on frozen ground and establishment of feed lots shall be prohibited when such practice would cause direct run off of pollutants into a drainage way or water course.
2. Tree cutting and shrubbery clearing for the purpose of changing land use from wildlife or wood lot management on lands with slopes of 12% or greater shall be conducted so as to minimize erosion and sedimentation and promote the preservation of scenic beauty.
(j) Vibrations. No activity in any district except the M-1, M-2 and M-3 districts shall emit vibrations which are discernible without instruments outside its premises. No activity in the M-1, M-2 or M-3 districts shall emit vibrations which exceed the following displacement measured with a 3-component measuring system:
(k) Water quality protection.
1. No activity shall locate, store, discharge or permit the discharge of any treated, untreated or inadequately treated liquid, gaseous or solid materials of such nature, quantity, obnoxiousness, toxicity or temperature that would be likely to run off, seep, percolate or wash into surface or subsurface waters so as to contaminate, pollute or harm such waters or cause nuisances, such as objectionable shore deposits, floating or submerged debris, oil or scum, color, odor, taste or unsightliness or be harmful to human, animal, plant or aquatic life.
2. In addition, no activity shall discharge any liquid, gaseous or solid materials so as to exceed or contribute toward the exceeding of the minimum standards and those other standards and the application of those standards set forth in Chapter NR-102 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and amendments thereto for all navigable waters in the County.
(l) Floodproofing. Where floodproofing by means of elevating on fill is deemed inappropriate or impractical, and where floodproofing by means other than filling is permitted, floodproofing measures shall be in accordance with the following: (2/6/90)
1. Floodproofing measures shall be designed to:
a. Withstand the flood pressures, depths, velocities, uplift and impact forces, and other factors associated with the 100-year recurrence interval flood; and
b. Assure protection to an elevation at least two (2) feet above the elevation of the 100-year recurrence interval flood; and
c. Provide anchorage of structures to foundations to resist flotation and lateral movement; and
d. Insure that the structural walls and floors are watertight and completely dry without human intervention during flooding to a point at least two (2) feet above the elevation of the 100-year recurrence interval flood.
e. Minimize or eliminate discharges into flood waters.
2. No permit or variance shall be issued until the applicant submits a plan or document certified by a registered professional engineer or architect certifying that the floodproofing measures are adequately designed to protect the structure or development to a point at least two (2) feet above the elevation of the 100-year recurrence interval flood for the particular area and submits a FEMA Floodproofing Certificate.
3. Floodproofing measures may include, but are not limited to: (8/6/02)
a. Reinforcement of walls and floors to resist rupture or collapse caused by water pressure or floating debris;
b. Addition of mass or weight to structures to prevent floatation;
c. Placement of essential utilities above the flood protection elevation;
d. Surface subsurface drainage systems, including pumping facilities, to relieve external foundation wall and basement floor pressures;
e. Construction of water supply wells, and waste treatment and collection systems to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters into such systems;
f. Cutoff valves on sewer lines and the elimination of gravity flow basement drains; and/or
g. The construction of permanent watertight bulkheads, erection of permanent watertight shutters and doors, and installation of wire reinforced glass or glass block for windows.
4. For a structure designed to allow the entry of floodwaters, no permit or variance shall be issued until the applicant submits a plan that is certified by a registered professional engineer and meets or exceeds the following standards:
a. A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and
b. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
c. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters; and
d. Submits a FEMA Floodproofing Certificate [Code § 12.12-4.]
12.12.010 Structures per lot; Public access (8/6/02).
All structures shall be located on a lot; and, except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, in the A-1, A-2, A-4, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8 and C-2 districts, only one principal structure shall be located, erected or moved onto a lot. The number, size and type of accessory structures shall be governed as specified in each district and section 12.17 of this ordinance. All lots shall abut upon a public street, easement of record or other officially approved means of access and no zoning permit shall be issued for a lot which abuts a public street dedicated to only a portion of its proposed width and located on that side thereof from which the required dedication has not been secured. [Code § 12.10-1.]
12.12.020 Sanitary width requirements.
Except as provided for in section 12.12.030, lots serviced by a public sanitary sewer system shall have a minimum frontage of 75 feet in width at the front lot line except in the R-6 Urban Single-Family Residential District and the R-12 Mobile Home District, and except as provided for in section 12.12.030 the width of all lots located on land with soils suitable for the use of an on-site soil absorption sewage disposal system shall not be less than one hundred-fifty (150) feet and the area of all such lots shall not be less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet per dwelling unit to be constructed on the lot. Such on-site soil absorption sewage disposal systems shall be designated in accordance with all state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. On-site sewage disposal absorption systems shall be located on the same parcel of land as the building or buildings which are serviced by it. [Code § 12.10-2.]
12.12.030 Lots abutting cul-de-sacs.
All lots abutting cul-de-sacs and curves may reduce the frontage on a public street or other officially approved means of access as outlined in each district ONLY. [Code § 12.10-3.]
12.12.040 Multiple district lots.
Any lot or parcel containing more than one zoning district shall be considered to be entirely within the least restrictive district as defined in this ordinance provided, however, that in no case shall a district boundary be relocated a distance greater than 75 feet. [Code § 12.10-4.]
12.12.050 Storage and discharge prohibited.
No waste material such as garbage, rubbish, gasoline, fuel oil, flammables, soils, tars, chemicals, greases, industrial or agricultural waste, or any other materials of such nature, quantity, obnoxiousness, toxicity, or temperature so as to contaminate, pollute, or harm the waters shall be so located, stored, or discharged in a way that would be likely to run off, seep, or wash into surface or ground waters. Nor shall any such material be allowed to accumulate on any lot of record so as to be unsightly, dangerous or so as to constitute a nuisance. No gasoline storage tanks shall be permitted in a residential district and no more than two cords of firewood may be stored on any parcel located in the R-2 through R-12 Districts. [Code § 12.10-5.]
12.12.060 Holding tanks.
The use of holding tanks shall be regulated by the Kenosha County Sanitary Ordinance. In the case of conflict between this ordinance and the Sanitary Ordinance, the Sanitary Ordinance shall control. [Code § 12.10-6.]
12.12.070 Reduction or joint use.
No lot, yard, parking area, building area, sanitary sewage disposal area, or other space shall be reduced in area or dimensions so as not to meet the provisions of this ordinance. No part of any lot, yard, parking area, sanitary sewage disposal area, or other space required for a structure or use shall be used to meet the requirements for any other structure or use. [Code § 12.10-7.]
12.12.080 Lots abutting more restrictive districts.
Lots which abut upon more restrictive districts shall provide side and rear yards not less than those required in the more restrictive abutting district. The street yard on the less restrictive district shall be modified for a distance of not more than 75 feet from the district boundary line so as to equal the average of the street yards required in each district. (11/5/84) [Code § 12.10-8.]
12.12.090 Backlot development prohibited (6/2/92).
Backlot development or lake lot pyramiding on Kenosha County lakes is prohibited. Lots abutting a lake which is zoned for single-family residential development shall be used on a continuing basis for only one family. The purchase of a single lot or outlot abutting a lake shall not be used as access for subdivisions and other developments located away from the lake. [Code § 12.10-9.]
12.13.010 Traffic visibility (Vision Triangle).
(a) No obstructions, such as structures, fences, parking or vegetation shall be permitted in any business, manufacturing or institutional district between the heights of two (2) feet and ten (10) feet above the plane through the centerline of the road within the triangular space formed by any two existing or proposed intersecting street or alley right-of-way lines and a line joining points on such lines located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the road right-of-way (See illustration No. 2).
(b) In the case of any federal, state or county highway or town road intersection with any other federal, state or county highway or town road or railways, the corner cutoff distances establishing the triangular vision clearance space shall be increased to fifty (50) feet. [Code § 12.13-1.]
12.13.020 Off-street loading standard.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to prevent congestion of public rights-of-way and private lots so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum requirements for the provision of loading facilities on various sites.
(b) Applicability. Any use which has a gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more, and which requires deliveries or makes shipments, shall provide off-street loading facilities in accordance with the regulations of this Section.
(c) Location. Loading berths shall not face upon any public right-of-way without approval by the Department of Planning and Development. If approval is obtained, a 20-foot landscape buffer shall be required. Access to the loading berth shall be located in conformance with the table below. All loading areas shall be located on private lands and shall not be located within, or so as to interfere with, any public right-of-way.
(d) Size of Loading Area. All required loading berths shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 14 feet. The following standards shall be the minimum used to design loading areas:
Loading Standards | ||||||
Design Vehicle | Length in Feet (L) | Dock Angle (α) | Clearance in Feet (D) | Berth Width in Feet (W) | Apron Space in Feet (A) | Total Offset in Feet (T) |
WB-40 | 50 | 90° | 50 | 10 | 63 | 113 |
12 | 63 | 113 | ||||
14 | 63 | 113 | ||||
60° | 44 | 10 | 46 | 90 | ||
12 | 40 | 84 | ||||
14 | 35 | 79 | ||||
45° | 36 | 10 | 37 | 73 | ||
12 | 32 | 68 | ||||
14 | 29 | 65 | ||||
WB-50 | 55 | 90° | 55 | 10 | 77 | 132 |
12 | 77 | 132 | ||||
14 | 77 | 132 | ||||
60° | 48 | 10 | 55 | 103 | ||
12 | 51 | 99 | ||||
14 | 46 | 94 | ||||
45° | 39 | 10 | 45 | 84 | ||
12 | 40 | 79 | ||||
14 | 37 | 76 | ||||
(e) Access to Loading Area. Each loading berth shall be located so as to facilitate access to a public street or alley, and shall not interfere with other vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and shall not interfere with the function of parking areas. In no instance shall loading areas rely on backing movements into public right-of-way.
(f) Surfacing and Marking. All required loading areas shall be paved and maintained in a dust free condition at all times. Said surface shall be marked in a manner which clearly indicates required loading areas.
(g) Use of Required Loading Areas. The use of all required loading areas shall be limited to the loading and unloading of vehicles. Said area shall not be used to provide minimum required parking spaces.
(h) Lighting. All loading areas shall be lit so as to comply with Section 12.18.8-1 Exterior Lighting Standards.
(i) Signage. All signage located within, or related to, loading areas shall comply with the requirements of Section 12.14 Signs and the requirements of Section 12.08.020 Site Plan Review.
(j) Screening. All loading areas shall be screened from public view by use of architectural walls, fences, berms, and/or landscaping. The method of screening shall be reviewed and approved by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development.
(k) Depiction on Required Site Plan. Any and all required loading areas proposed to be located on the property being developed or redeveloped shall be depicted as to their location and configuration on the site plan required for the development of the property.
(l) Loading Requirements.
1. In all districts adequate loading areas shall be provided so that all vehicles loading, maneuvering, or unloading are completely off the public rights-of-way and so that all vehicles need not back onto any public rights-of-way.
2. On every lot on which a business, trade, or industrial use is hereafter established, space with access to a public street or alley shall be provided as indicated below for the loading and unloading of vehicles off the public right-of-way.
a. Businesses. One (1) space of at least 10 x 25 feet for each 3,000 square feet of floor area or part thereof.
b. Wholesale and Industrial. One (1) space of at least 10x50 feet for each 10,000 square feet of floor area or part thereof.
c. Bus and Truck Terminals. Sufficient space to accommodate the maximum number of buses or trucks to be stored or to be loaded or unloaded at the terminal at any one time.
ANGLE (@) | 90 DEGREES | 75 DEGREES | 60 DEGREES | 45 DEGREES | 30 DEGREES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STALL WIDTH (SW) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
STALL WIDTH PARALLEL (WP) | 10 | 10.35 | 11.55 | 14.14 | 20 |
STALL DEPTH INSIDE (DI) | 20 | 19.31 | 17.32 | 14.14 | 17.32 |
STALL DEPTH OUTSIDE (DO) | 20 | 21.9 | 22.32 | 21.21 | 23.66 |
STALL LENGTH INSIDE (SLI) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
STALL LENGTH OUTSIDE (SLO) | 20 | 22.68 | 25.77 | 30 | 27.32 |
AISLE WIDTH (ONE WAY) | 24 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 12 |
AISLE WIDTH (TWO WAY) | 24 | 24 | 24 | NONE | NONE |
TOTAL PARKING WIDTH (ONE WAY) | 64 | 63.8 | 62.64 | 57.42 | 29.32 |
TOTAL PARKING WIDTH (TWO WAY) | 64 | 65.8 | 66.64 | NONE | NONE |
[Code § 12.13-2.]
12.13.030 Parking requirements (8/6/02).
In all districts and in connection with every use, there shall be provided at the time any use or building is erected, enlarged, extended, or increased off-street parking stalls for all vehicles in accordance with the following:
(a) Number of Off-Street Parking Stalls
Residential Uses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Single-Family dwellings including manufactured and mobile homes | 2 spaces per dwelling | ||
Two-Family Dwellings | 4 spaces for each bldg. | ||
Multiple-Family Dwellings | 2 spaces for one and two-bedroom units; 2.5 spaces for three or more bedroom units; plus one space for every eight units for guest parking | ||
Assisted Living Arrangements/Community Based Residential Facilities | 1 space for each six patient beds, plus 1 space for each employee on the largest shift, plus 1 space per staff member and visiting doctor | ||
Commercial Uses | 1 SPACE/SQ. FT. | SPACE/EMPLOYEE | SPECIAL CRITERIA |
|---|---|---|---|
Automatic Teller Machine | 2 per Machine | ||
Auto Part Store | 400 | Largest Work Shift | |
Automotive body repair or service | 250 | Full Time Employee | 2 per Service Bay |
Automobile Sales or rental, farm equipment sales or service | 100 | 1 per 500 Outdoor Display Area | |
Bank/Financial Institutions | 300 | 6 Stacking/Drive-up | |
Brewpub/ Tavern /Coffee Shop | 100 | Largest Work Shift (2) | |
Barber/beauty shop | Full Time Employee (2) | 1 per Chair | |
Bed and breakfast | 2/owner or operator | 1 per bedroom rented | |
Bookstore | 300 | Full Time Employee | |
Car Wash (self-service) | 2 per bay | 2 Stacking for each bay | |
Car Wash (automatic) | 1 per bay | 5 Stacking Before & 2 Stacking After each bay | |
Contractors Yard | 1,000 | 1 per Company Vehicle | |
Convenience Store | 200 | ||
Largest Work Shift | 1 For Every Six Children & 15' Safety Zone | ||
Physical Fitness Facilities | 100 | Largest Work Shift | |
500 | |||
Garden Centers, including Greenhouse or Nursery | 200 | Largest Work Shift (3) | 2 For Each 3 Employees |
Gas Station/No Store | Largest Work Shift | No Less Than 3 | |
Gas Station/Store | 200 | Largest Work Shift | |
Gas Station/Store & Restaurant | 150 | Largest Work Shift | 8 Stacking |
Greenhouse or Nursery | 150 | 1 per 500 outside sales & display area | |
Grocery/Retail Store | 200 (<50,000) 250 (50,000–100,000) 300 (>100,000) | ||
Largest Work Shift (3) | 1 per Guest Room | ||
Medical, dental, and other professional health service offices | 250 | ||
400 | |||
400 | |||
Restaurant, Standard | 100 | Largest Work Shift | 1 per 3 Seats at Max Capacity |
Restaurant, Drive-in or Fast Food | 50 | Largest Work Shift | 8 Stacking & No < 50 For Drive-in |
Restaurant, Pick-up/Takeout | 50 | Largest Work Shift | No Fewer than 8 Spaces |
Self-Storage/Mini-warehouse | Full Time Employee | 1 per 10 Storage Units | |
Department Stores/Shopping Centers | 200 (<50,000) 250 (50,000-1,000,000) 300 (>1,000,000) | ||
Veterinary Clinic | Full Time Employee | 4 per Doctor | |
Zoo/Botanical Gardens | 2,000 lot area | ||
Industrial Uses | SPACE/SQ. FT. | SPACE/EMPLOYEE | SPECIAL CRITERIA |
Contractors Yard | 1,000 | 1 per Fleet Vehicle | |
Largest Work Shift | Plus 5 | ||
Warehousing/Distribution Center | 2,000 | Full Time Employee (2) |
Institutional Uses | SPACE/SQ. FT. | SPACE/EMPLOYEE | SPECIAL CRITERIA |
|---|---|---|---|
Administrative Government Center | 300 | ||
Full Time Employee | |||
Colleges & High Schools | Largest Work Shift | 1 per 5 Students | |
Elementary & Junior High Schools | Largest Work Shift | 1 per 2 Classrooms | |
Largest Work Shift | 1 per Bed & 1 per 5 Outpatients | ||
Libraries, Museums and gallery | 400 | ||
Sororities/Dorms /Boarding House | 1 per Bed | ||
Worship Facility | Largest Work Shift | 1 per Every 4 Seats |
Recreation and Entertainment | SPACE/SQ. FT. | SPACE/EMPLOYEE | SPECIAL CRITERIA |
|---|---|---|---|
Amusement Center, arcades, aquariums, banquet halls, exhibition halls | 1 space per 3 persons at maximum capacity | ||
Athletic Field | 10 per Field | ||
Bowling Alley | Full Time Employee | 5 per Bowling Lane | |
Largest Work Shift (2) | 3 per Hole | ||
Golf Driving Range | 2 per Tee | ||
Indoor Shooting Range | Full Time Employee | 1 per Shooting Lane | |
1.5 per Boat Slip | |||
Miniature Golf Course | Largest Work Shift | 1 per Hole | |
Park/Recreation Areas/Community Centers | Full Time Employee (2) | TBD by P & D | |
Skating Rinks/Swimming Pools | Full Time Employee (2) | 1 per 3 Persons Based on Maximum Capacity | |
Uses Not Listed | Provisions for a Similar Use Shall Apply as approved by P&D | ||
(b) Handicap Parking Requirements. In addition to any other requirements relating to parking spaces contained in this Ordinance, 346.503 of the State of Wisconsin Administrative Code sections adopted pursuant thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and are made applicable to all parking facilities whenever constructed.
(c) Uses Not Listed. In the case of structures or uses not listed, the provisions for a use which is similar shall apply as determined by Planning & Development.
(d) Adjustments to Number of Required Parking. In all commercial, institutional, residential, and industrial districts, the minimum number of required parking spaces may be adjusted by the Department of Planning & Development on a case-by-case basis. The petition for such adjustment shall show that adequate parking will be provided for customers, clients, visitors, and employees. The following provisions and factors shall be used as a basis to adjust parking requirements:
1. Evidence, such as peak versus off-peak demand, those actual parking demands will be less than the ordinance requirements. The petitioner shall submit written documentation that the operation will require less parking than the ordinance requires.
2. Availability of shared parking.
The petitioner shall submit written documentation that shared parking spaces are available to satisfy the parking demand on either the same or an adjacent parcel.
a. Shared parking agreements shall provide evidence that either parking lots are large enough to accommodate multiple users or that parking spaces will be shared at certain times of the day (i.e. a church uses parking on Sundays, when other businesses are closed).
3. Space set aside for reduced parking.
The site plan for proposed use shall be designed to provide sufficient open space on the subject site to accommodate the additional parking spaces otherwise required by this ordinance. The open space shall be provided which, if converted to parking spaces, would provide off-street parking to meet the full requirements of this ordinance along with all related open space requirements, storm water management standards, and any other code regulation or adopted standards.
4. Changes in occupancy or use.
When the use of a building, structure, or land is changed to another use or occupant that requires more parking spaces than required for the use existing immediately prior to such change, additional parking spaces shall be constructed for the new use or occupant in the amount necessary to conform to this ordinance.
5. Changes in intensity of use. When the intensity of use of a building, structure or land is increased by an addition of employees, gross floor area, seating capacity, or other unit of measurement, additional parking spaces shall be constructed for such additions in the amount necessary to conform to this ordinance.
(e) Combinations of uses. Combinations of any of the above uses shall provide the total of the number of spaces required for each individual use.
(f) Interconnecting Parking Lots. Interconnecting parking lots may be required to promote safe and controlled access points. All required setbacks shall apply. The connecting aisles shall have a maximum width of 24 feet. A cross access easement agreement, including a legal description, specific use and maintenance responsibilities, shall be approved by the Department of Planning & Development and recorded in the Register of Deeds Office.
(g) Adequate Access. Adequate access to a public or private roadway shall be provided for each parking space. Driveways for all single-family and two family residential uses shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width and not exceed 24 feet at the property line. For all other properties, vehicular ingress and egress shall not exceed 35 feet in width at the property line.
(h) Size. The minimum area of each parking space shall be 10 feet wide by 20 feet long, exclusive of the area required for ingress and egress. Parking space width shall exclude the curb gutter width. Parking space length can include the curb gutter width up to the curb face.
(i) Location. The location of each parking space shall be on the same lot or parcel as the principal use, and all parking lots shall have the same zoning district as the principal use. .
(j) Setback. Except for a single-family or two-family residence, parking spaces and driveways shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the established highway right-of-way, a minimum of 10 feet from all rear and side lot lines and a minimum of 75 feet from the Ordinary High Water Mark of a navigable water body. When abutting a residential district or a planned residential district (based on a Town’s adopted Land Use Plan), driveways or parking lots shall be a minimum of 20 feet to the property line.
(k) Surfacing. All off-street parking areas for more than five vehicles shall be graded and surfaced with asphalt or concrete and properly drained.
(l) Markings. Any parking area for more than five (5) vehicles shall have the aisles and spaces identified by surface markings and shall be maintained in a manner so as to be readily visible and accessible at all times. Such markings shall be arranged to provide for orderly and safe loading, unloading, parking and storage of vehicles. Marking shall be maintained in a highly visible condition including striping, directional arrows, lettering on signs and in handicapped-designated areas.
(m) Curbs or Barriers. Curbs or barriers shall be installed so as to prevent vehicles from extending beyond the parking setback requirements. Landscaped islands and planting strips shall be required to be curbed.
(n) Aisle widths. The aisle width within parking lots shall be a minimum of 24 feet between the ends of parking spaces, except for one-way aisles which shall be 18 feet for 60° spaces.
(o) Screening from abutting residential uses. Those parking areas for five (5) or more vehicles if, abutting a residential use, shall be screened from such use by a solid wall, fence, berm, evergreen planting of equivalent visual density or other effective means, built and maintained at a minimum height of four feet at the time of planting or installation.
(p) Landscaping. Those requirements as described in Section 12.18.9-8 and 12.18.9-9 of this ordinance shall apply.
(q) Lighting. Lighting fixtures shall be provided in all parking areas and driveways, except for single-family and two-family residential districts and then according to the requirements as set forth in Section 12.11.040 (m) Exterior Lighting Standards. A photometric plan of all parking areas and driveways shall be submitted to Planning and Development for review and approval.
(r) Vehicle Parking and/or Storage in a Residential District.
1. Semi-truck cabs shall not be parked and/or stored on a parcel in any residential district for more than a total of 4 days in a 30-day period. A day is counted if the semi-truck cab is parked and/or stored for any length of time within in a normal 24-hour day.
2. The following vehicles shall not be parked and/or stored on a parcel in any residential district:
a. Semi-trailers, tow trucks, garbage trucks, septic waste trucks and aerial lift trucks.
b. Dump trucks, flatbed trucks, box trucks, panel trucks, high cube vans, and step vans with licenses rated for a gross weight equal to or greater than 12,000 lbs.
c. Specialized construction type equipment and vehicles such as, but not limited to backhoes, bulldozers, bobcats, skid loaders, and chippers.
3. Exceptions.
a. One dump truck, flatbed truck, box truck, panel truck, high cube van, or step van with licenses rated for a gross weight less than 12,000 lbs.
b. One local electrical power utility emergency response truck is permitted on a parcel with approval by the Department of Planning and Development.
(s) Vehicle Parking and/or Storage in an Agricultural or Conservation District.
1. The following vehicles shall not be parked and/or stored on a parcel in any agricultural or conservation district:
a. Tow trucks, garbage trucks, septic waste trucks and aerial lift trucks.
b. Dump trucks, flatbed trucks, box trucks, panel trucks, high cube vans, and step vans with licenses rated for a gross weight equal to or greater than 12,000 lbs, except when they are engaged in the production, storage, trucking and/or transport of products grown on the property.
c. Specialized construction type equipment and vehicles such as, but not limited to backhoes, bulldozers, bobcats, skid loaders, and chippers, except when they are engaged in the production, storage, trucking and/or transport of products grown on the property.
2. The following vehicles may be parked and/or stored on a parcel in any agricultural or conservation district.
a. One (1) semi-truck cab and one (1) related semi-trailer is permitted to be parked and/or stored on a parcel for every resident of the parcel who is engaged in the profession of over-the-road transport, with a maximum of two (2). Verification of residency and profession may be required by the Department of Planning and Development.
b. Semi-truck cabs and related semi-trailer parking and/or storage are permitted on a parcel when they are engaged in the production, storage, trucking and/or transport of products grown on the property, with a maximum total of four (4)
c. No semi-trailer shall be used for storage or parked for any reason for more than 30 days in a 365-day period, except as stated in a. and b. of this section.
d. One (1) local electrical power utility emergency response truck is permitted on a parcel with approval by the Department of Planning and Development.
(t) Semi-Trailer Storage or Parking in a Business, Manufacturing, or Institutional District.
1. Semi-trailer storage or parking is permitted without exception only within permitted transshipment depots and trucking facilities.
2. No semi-trailer shall be used for storage or parked for any reason for more than 30 days in a 365-day period, except as stated in 1. of this section.
(u) Recreational Vehicle Parking.
1. Recreational vehicles shall include but are not limited to the following: boats, jet skis, mini-bikes, trail bikes, off-road vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers, camping trailers, and boat, motor bike, snowmobile, or vehicle trailers.
2. Recreational vehicles are permitted in any district subject to the following:
a. Parking and/or storage of recreational vehicles are permitted inside an enclosed accessory structure.
b. Parking and/or storage of recreational vehicles shall not be permitted on any vacant lot.
c. No more than two (2) recreational vehicles shall be parked and/or stored in the side or rear yard outside of an enclosed structure. No recreational vehicles shall be parked and/or stored in the street yard. Recreational vehicles stored outside of an enclosed structure shall be owned by the property owner or resident on whose property the vehicle is parked and/or stored, except for approved commercial storage facilities.
3. Recreational vehicles shall not be used as follows:
a. As a dwelling unit or temporary housing at any time, including use during construction of a permanent dwelling.
12.13.040 Driveways and highway access.
All driveways installed, altered, changed, replaced, or extended after the effective date of this Ordinance shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Openings for vehicular ingress and egress shall not exceed thirty (30) feet at the street line and thirty-five (35) feet at the roadway.
(b) Vehicle entrances and exits to drive-in theaters, banks, restaurants, motels, funeral homes, vehicle sales and service, car washes, service stations, garages, or public parking lots shall be not less than three hundred (300) feet from any pedestrian entrance or exit to a school, college, university, church, hospital, park playground, library, or other place of public assembly.
(c) No direct public or private access shall be permitted to the existing or proposed rights-of-ways of freeways, interstate highways, and interchanges and their entrances or exit ramps nor within 500 feet of the most remote end of the taper of the entrances or exit ramp. (see illustration #3).
(d) No direct public or private access shall be permitted to any existing or proposed Federal, State Trunk, or County Trunk Highway within 250 feet of its intersection with another street or highway right-of-way.
(e) Access barriers, such as curbing, fencing, ditching, landscaping, or other topographic barriers, shall be erected to prevent unauthorized vehicle ingress or egress to the above specified streets or highways.
(f) Temporary access to the rights-of-way in section (c), (d) and (e) may be granted by the Board of Adjustments after review and recommendation by the highway agencies having jurisdiction. Such access permit shall be temporary, revocable, and subject to any conditions required and shall be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months. [Code § 12.13-4.]
12.14.005 Intent and purpose.
The purpose of this section is to provide for and regulate the type, construction, image, maintenance and placement of signs in a manner that will ensure that such signs are compatible with surrounding land uses, are aesthetic in design and structure, and express the identity of individual proprietors and the community as a whole. It is the further intent by these regulations to avoid depreciation of property values through indiscriminate location and design of signs, to lessen threats to public safety from poorly constructed and maintained signs to protect against hazards to vehicular traffic movement through improper placement of signs and to clarify the rights and duties of owners and users of nonconforming signs.
12.14.010 Permit required.
(a) No sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a zoning permit, except those signs permitted under Section 12.14.020 and 12.14.030, and further excepting the refacing of existing signs as defined in this Ordinance, without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, Section 84.30 of the Wisconsin Statutes, as hereinafter amended or recreated. The sign shall also meet all the structural requirements of local and state building codes.
(b) Before any sign for which a permit is required by this ordinance is erected, there shall be submitted to the Department of Planning and Development the written consent of the owner of the land upon which the sign is to be located that permission has been so granted, a scale drawing of the proposed sign indicating its location on the premises and its relationship to other structures and property lines, and a computation of the display area as defined in this ordinance.
(c) Back to back signs or V-shaped signs shall constitute but one sign within the meaning of this ordinance.
(d) All street sign setbacks shall be from the outer edge of the highway, street or road right-of-way.
(e) All side and rear setbacks shall be those of the district of which the sign is located. [Code § 12.14-1.]
12.14.020 Signs prohibited.
No signs or any part thereof or sign anchors, braces, or guide rods shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire ladder, or standpipe, and no sign or any part of any sign or any anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be erected, relocated, put up, or maintained so as to hinder or prevent ingress or egress from public or private driveways, parking lots or fire escapes or through a door, doorway, or window or so as to hinder or prevent pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or so as to hinder or prevent the raising or placing of ladders against a building by the fire department as necessity therefore may require. No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility nor be lighted in such a way as to cause glare or impair driver visibility upon public rights-of-way. (6/2/92)
(a) Any sign that creates a hazard or dangerous distraction to vehicle traffic or a nuisance to adjoining property.
(b) Any sign resembling, imitating or approximating the shape, size, form or color of railroad or traffic signs, signals or devices, or obstructing or interfering with the effectiveness of said devices.
(c) Any sign that moves or has moving, rotating or animated parts.
(d) Inflatable Signs.
(e) Any temporary, spring-action metal advertising sign used, for example, to advertise cigarette or gasoline prices.
(f) Any sign located within a vision triangle as defined by 12.13.010.
(g) Any sign installed or constructed within the right-of-way, except for official signs.
(h) Any sign containing statements, words or pictures classified as “obscene material” as defined by sec. 944.21 Wis. Stats or sec. 9.10.2 of the Kenosha County Code of ordinances.
(i) Roof Signs.
(j) Any sign mounted on wheels, trailers, motor vehicles or any other nonpermanent structure parked within sight of a street for the purpose of advertising. This section does not apply to signs which are incidental to the identification of such motor vehicle.
(k) Any sign that produces sound, causes interference with radio, telephone, television or other communication transmissions; produces or reflects motion pictures or video; emits visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.
(l) Obsolete Signs.
(m) Signs which are deteriorated, dilapidated, structurally dangerous or unsafe, as determined by local building inspector.
(n) Off-premise Signs, except for Unified Business Center signs.
(o) Any sign exceeding 30 feet in height. [Code § 12.14-2.]
12.14.030 Signs permitted in all districts without a zoning permit.
The following types of signs shall be permitted in all districts without a zoning permit, located on the premises upon the following conditions:
(a) Agricultural District Signs. Number: Limited to one (1) sign per highway frontage.
Area: Maximum of twenty (20) square feet per sign.
Height: Fifteen (15) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet
Lighting: None permitted.
Landscaping: None required
(b) Blade and Suspended Signs. Number: One (1) per business/tenant.
Area: Maximum of four (4) square feet.
Height: At least eight (8) feet above the public sidewalk or thoroughfare.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
(c) Flagpoles. Number: Three (3) flagpoles per property in any nonresidential district.
Area: No maximum
Height: Forty (40) feet.
Street Setback: Equal to the height of the flagpole.
Lighting: Shall be designed and shielded so as not to direct any light or produce glare onto any adjacent residential districts and shall also be so arranged so as to not adversely affect driver visibility with stray light or glare on adjacent rights-of-way.
Landscaping: None required.
(d) On-Site Informational Signs. Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign(s) shall be submitted to the Department of Planning and Development for approval.
Number: No limit.
Area: Maximum of nine (9) square feet per sign.
Height: Five (5) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
(e) Temporary Signs. Area: Maximum of nine (9) square feet per side of sign, or if located on a county or state trunk highway shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side of sign, maximum sixty-four (64) square feet maximum for all sides.
Height: Five (5) feet, or if on a county or state trunk highway ten (10) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: None permitted.
Landscaping: None required.
(f) Window Signs. Provided not more than 50% of each window is covered by signs or graphics and is located on the inside of the window. [Code § 12.14-3.]
12.14.040 Signs permitted in all districts with a permit.
Except as provided in section 12.14.020 and 12.14.030, the following signs shall be permitted in all districts with a permit:
(a) Temporary Development Signs. A sign for the purpose of designating or promoting a new building, development, business/industrial park or subdivision may be permitted for a limited period of time with the approval of the Department of Planning and Development and subject to the following:
1. Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign.
2. The sign shall be located in the development site. Such sign may be permitted for a period up to two (2) years, and extension may be permitted for a period not to exceed six (6) years total.
Number: Two (2).
Area: Fifty (50) square feet per side of sign.
Height: Fifteen (15) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or ground mounted directional.
Landscaping: As contained elsewhere in this ordinance.
(b) Permanent Development Signs. A sign which is permanently located at entrances or along streets or highways which designates a development, business/industrial park or subdivision with the approval of the Department of Planning and Development and subject to the following:
1. Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign.
2. Only the name of the development shall be permitted on the sign. The sign shall be located in the development site.
Number: One (1).
Area: One-hundred-fifty (150) square feet per side.
Height: Ten (10) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet. If located in an island boulevard the sign shall not be less than 15 feet from the back of the curb of the center boulevard island adjacent to the intersection, highway or street right-of-way and furthermore shall not be less than four (4) feet from the back of the curb of the boulevard island.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or ground mounted directional.
Landscaping: As contained elsewhere in this ordinance. [Code § 12.14-4.]
12.14.050 Signs permitted in residential districts.
Except as provided in section 12.14.020 and 12.14.030, the following signs are permitted only in the residential districts with a permit and only on the premises and subject to the following regulations:
(a) Freestanding Signs. Signs for home occupations permitted under section 12.21.010 and 12.21.020, provided:
Number: One (1).
Area: Maximum of four (4) square feet.
Height: Eight (8) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or ground mounted directional.
Landscaping: None required [Code § 12.14-4.1.]
12.14.060 Signs permitted in all business, manufacturing, institutional, and park-recreational districts.
Except as provided in section 12.14.020 and 12.14.030, the following signs are permitted only in the business, manufacturing, institutional, and park recreation districts with a permit and only on the premises and subject to the following regulations:
(a) Awning and Canopy Signs. Number: One (1).
Area: Maximum of fifteen (15) percent per side of each face.
Height: At least eight (8) feet above the public sidewalk or thoroughfare.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
(b) Menu Boards. Drawings showing the specific design, appearance and location of the sign(s) shall be submitted to the Department of Planning and Development for approval.
Number: Subject to approval of Planning & Development
Area: Thirty-six (36) square feet per sign
Height: Eight (8) feet
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional or internal
Landscaping: None required
(c) Monument Signs. Number: Limited to one (1) per street frontage or drive entrance; provided, that no monument sign is located closer than a minimum of 300 feet to another monument or freestanding sign on the same property.
Area: Eighty (80) square feet per side of sign, one-hundred sixty (160) square feet maximum for all sides.
Height: Ten (10) feet.
Street Setback: Five (5) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional, ground mounted directional or internal.
Landscaping: As contained elsewhere in this ordinance.
(d) Freestanding Signs. Number: Limited to one (1) per street frontage or drive entrance; provided, that no freestanding sign is located closer than a minimum of 300 feet to another freestanding or monument sign on the same property.
Area: One-hundred fifty (150) square feet per side of sign, three-hundred (300) square feet maximum for all sides, except for freestanding signs within an area between Interstate Highway 94 and a distance fifty (50) feet beyond the outermost right-of-way edge of the Frontage Road may be up to three-hundred (300) square feet per side of sign and six-hundred (600) square feet maximum for all sides.
Height: Twenty (20) feet, except for freestanding signs within an area between Interstate Highway 94 and a distance fifty (50) feet beyond the outermost right-of-way edge of the Frontage Road may be up to thirty (30) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top down directional, ground mounted directional or internal.
Landscaping: As contained elsewhere in this ordinance.
Signs with exposed poles or posts shall be individually enclosed or covered.
(e) Portable Signs. Number: One (1).
Area: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
Height: Six (6) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: Internal. No flashing or traveling lights.
Landscaping: None required.
(f) Projecting Signs. Number: One (1).
Area: One-hundred (100) per side.
Height: Twenty (20) feet above the mean centerline street grade and shall not be less than ten (10) feet above a sidewalk or other pedestrian way, nor fifteen (15) feet above a driveway or an alley.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Other Setback: Shall not extend more than six (6) feet in any required yard; shall not be less than ten (10) feet from all lot lines.
Lighting: Full cut-off top down directional or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
(g) Unified Business Center Sign. Number: Limited to one (1) per street frontage and/or entrance. An additional Unified Business Center Sign is permitted per four hundred (400) feet of street frontage, with a maximum of two (2) signs permitted per street frontage.
Area: Three-hundred (300) square feet per side, six-hundred (600) square feet maximum for all sides.
Height: Thirty (30) feet.
Street Setback: Fifteen (15) feet.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top-down directional, ground-mounted directional or internal.
Landscaping: As contained elsewhere in this ordinance.
Signs with exposed poles or posts shall be individually enclosed or covered.
(h) Wall Signs.
1. Single-Tenant Buildings. Number: One (1) per public entrance or wall/façade which fronts upon a public right-of-way or private drive.
Area: Limited to 1.5 times the length of the wall on which the sign is to be placed, up to a maximum of six-hundred (600) square feet.
Height: Shall comply with the height requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located.
Extension: Shall not extend more than twelve (12) inches outside of a building’s wall surface.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top-down directional, or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
2. Multi-Tenant Buildings and Shopping Centers. Number: One (1) per tenant, plus each tenant may place one (1) wall sign per public entrance or wall/façade which fronts upon a public right-of-way or private drive and contained within the tenant’s internal wall space or end cap wall area.
Area: Limited to 1.5 times the length of the wall on which the sign is to be placed, up to a maximum of six-hundred (600) square feet.
Height: Shall comply with the height requirements of the zoning district in which the sign is located.
Extension: Shall not extend more than twelve (12) inches outside of a building’s wall surface.
Lighting: Full cut-off; top-down directional or internal.
Landscaping: None required.
(i) Search Lights. The temporary use of search lights for advertising purposes may be permitted provided that the search light will not be located in any public right-of-way, will not be located closer than ten (10) feet to an adjacent property, and will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining properties. Search light permits shall not be granted for a period of more than 12 days in any six-month period. [Code § 12.14-5.]
12.14.070 Signs permitted in floodplain overlay districts.
Only freestanding signs shall be permitted within the FPO Floodplain Overlay District, subject to the regulations in 12.14.060(d). [Code § 12.14-6.]
12.14.080 Existing nonconforming signs.
Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this Ordinance may be continued or refaced, as defined in this Ordinance, although the use, size, or location does not conform with the provisions of this Ordinance. However, it shall be deemed a nonconforming use or structure and the provisions of Section 12.39.070 or 12.39.080 shall apply as applicable. [Code § 12.14-7.]
12.14.090 General sign construction standards and requirements.
(a) Electronic Message Centers (EMCs). A freestanding sign, monument sign or wall sign may contain an EMC, provided it does not display video. All EMCs are required to have automatic dimming capability that adjusts the brightness to the ambient light at all times of the day and night.
Any EMC that malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner, thereby causing motion, movement, flashing or any other similar effects, shall be repaired or disconnected within 24 hours by the owner or operator of such sign.
Area: Maximum of 66% of total permitted display area.
Brightness: Not to exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured as detailed in the International Sign Association’s “Recommended Night-time
Brightness Levels for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers (EMC’s)”, dated October 2013.
Message Hold Time: Maximum of 5 seconds.
Transition Duration: Maximum of 1 second.
(b) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area.
(c) Protection of the Public. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk or street or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration, or maintenance of a sign is permitted provided the space occupied is roped off, fenced off, or otherwise isolated.
(d) Maintenance. Except for nonconforming signs, the owner of any sign shall keep a sign in good maintenance and repair which includes restoring, repainting, or replacing a worn or damaged sign to its original condition. The owner of all conforming and nonconforming signs shall, however, maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean, safe, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass.
(e) Supporting Members or Braces. All signs shall be constructed of galvanized iron, properly treated steel, copper, brass, or other noncorrosive incombustible material or properly treated and structurally sound wood. All signs, if placed at a right or other angle to the wall or roof of any building, shall be attached by such noncorrosive metal bolts, anchors, cable, or other metal attachments as shall ensure permanent and safe construction, and shall be maintained free from rust or other defects.
(f) Compliance with Electrical Codes. All electric signs shall comply with applicable local and state electrical codes.
(g) External Lighting. All external lighting of signs shall be designed and shielded so as not to direct any light or produce glare onto any adjacent residential districts and shall also be so arranged so as to not adversely affect driver visibility with stray light or glare on adjacent rights-of-ways.
(h) Landscape Requirements. All freestanding or monument signs shall meet the landscape requirements as contained elsewhere in this ordinance. [Code § 12.14-8.]
12.15.010 Exterior lighting standards.
The requirements of this Section apply to all private exterior lighting within the business, manufacturing, institutional and park-recreational districts.
(a) Orientation of Fixtures. Except for security lighting, outdoor recreational facility lighting or flag lighting, in no instance shall an exterior lighting fixture be oriented so that the lighting element (or a transparent shield) is visible from any abutting right-of-way or adjacent property. The use of fully shielded fixtures (as defined in the Wisconsin Model Exterior Lighting Ordinance) is required and careful fixture placement and maintenance is encouraged so as to facilitate compliance with this requirement.
1. Building Lighting. Ground-mounted light fixtures for building lighting shall be carefully located, aimed and shielded so that light is directed only onto the building façade.
2. Service Station Canopy Lighting. Light fixtures mounted on the bottom surface of service station canopies shall be recessed so that the lens cover is flush with the bottom surface (ceiling) of the canopy.
3. Wall Lighting. Wall-mounted light fixtures shall be aimed and shielded so that illumination is directed below a horizontal plane through the top of the lighting fixture.
(b) Intensity of Illumination. In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting as measured at the property line exceed 0.5 footcandles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night. This will be verified by a photometric plan of the property.
(c) Minimum Parking Lot Lighting. All areas designated on required site plans for vehicular parking, loading or circulation and used for any such purpose shall provide artificial illumination in those areas at a minimum average intensity of 2 footcandles.
(d) Height. Light fixtures shall not be more than 25 feet above ground level for parking lots serving 20 or fewer parking spaces, nor more than 30 feet above ground level for parking lots with more than 20 spaces.
(e) Flashing, Flickering and Other Distractive Lighting. Flashing, flickering and/or other lighting which may distract motorists is prohibited.
(f) Nonconforming Lighting. All lighting fixtures existing prior to the effective date of this Section and that do not comply with the provisions of this Section shall be considered as legal nonconforming uses. The replacement of nonconforming fixtures after the effective date of this Section shall be done so with fixtures which fully comply with the provisions of this Section.
(g) Exemptions. Lighting placed in a public right-of-way for public safety shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.
(h) Special Uses. Lighting for outdoor recreational facilities such as athletic fields, courts, tracks, golf courses and driving ranges, shooting ranges, swimming pools, ski hills or amusement parks and fairgrounds may be exempt from the provisions of this Section, but shall meet accepted minimum design standards for the intended use. Lighting plans for outdoor recreational facilities shall be subject to review and approval by Planning and Development. [Code § 12.18.8-1.]
12.16.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this Subchapter is to indicate the minimum requirements for the landscaping of new development and redevelopment of any multi-family residential, business, manufacturing, and institutional district except for development requiring the platting process, in which case the landscaping plan shall be included with the submittal of all preliminary plats to be approved during the platting process by Planning and Development. [Code § 12.18.9-1.]
12.16.020 Landscape plan required.
A landscape plan shall be prepared by a registered Landscape Architect for all new development or redevelopment. The landscape plan shall provide for and address landscaping for open yard area, landscaping for building foundations, landscaping for street frontage, and landscaping for paved areas including loading areas. The Landscape Architect shall stamp and certify in writing that the plan is complete and accurately depicts and complies with the standards set forth in this Ordinance.
Following installation of landscaping, a written certification shall be submitted by the Landscape Architect certifying that all the required landscape materials specified on the plan have been installed in conformance with the landscape plan as approved by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development. The development applicant shall commit, in writing, to maintain all required landscaping. The requirement that landscape plans and specifications be certified by a Landscape Architect may be waived by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development. Refer to the “Tree and Shrub Selection Guide” for plant requirements.
The landscape plan shall be drawn on a site plan that includes:
(a) A graphic scale (not smaller than 1" = 40').
(b) A North Arrow.
(c) Date drafted.
(d) Property lines, easements, and street rights-of-way with dimensions.
(e) Location and dimensions of all landscaped areas; location and botanical name and size of all plant materials and ground cover; and the location of pertinent landscape features.
(f) Location of existing and proposed utility improvements.
(g) Proposed layout of vehicular use areas including the location, dimensions of parking spaces, parking lot islands, interior plantings, pedestrian walkways and circulation aisles.
(h) Location of all existing significant trees on the site that the applicant proposes to remove; the location of all existing trees with a diameter breast height (dbh) greater than 5 inches which are to be retained and counted towards minimum requirements.
(i) The location, design, height and building material of proposed walls, planter boxes, and fences.
(j) The direction of street and parking lot traffic using one-way or two-way arrows.
(k) The location and extent of all waterways, wetlands and water features.
(l) The location and extent of all primary and secondary environmental corridors as mapped by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC). [Code § 12.18.9-2.]
12.16.030 Preservation of existing vegetation.
Every attempt shall be made by the developer/applicant to preserve existing trees with a diameter breast height (dbh) of at least 5 inches and significant trees which are to be counted towards minimum requirements. Significant tree(s) are any tree or grouping of trees which has been determined to be of high value by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development staff because of its size (24" or greater DBH), age, historic significance or other professional criteria. When it is necessary to remove significant trees, the developer shall replace 24" caliper or larger deciduous trees with six 3" caliper deciduous trees, Conifers 24" caliper or larger may be replaced with two 10' tall conifers or three 6'-8' coniferous trees. Existing trees to be saved during construction shall have a protective fence placed around the tree at the drip line. [Code § 12.18.9-3.]
12.16.040 Hardscaping.
On unique site or sites with unique design opportunities, or properties located within the Town Center Overlay District, hard landscaping features (such as sculptures or statues, walls, foundations, benches, scenic viewpoints, and scenic walkways) may be incorporated into a landscape in lieu of plantings, subject to review by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development staff. Landscaping provided by hardscaping shall not preclude the need to provide plantings in other areas of the development. [Code § 12.18.9-4.]
12.16.050 Landscaping required for open yard areas.
All lots shall provide a minimum amount of landscaping provided on the basis of open yard area which shall provide a combination of deciduous, evergreen, ornamental trees and shrubs. Landscaping for open yard area is intended to provide yard shade and to screen detached exterior appurtences such as HVAC, utility boxes, standpipes, storm water discharge pipes and other pipes. Landscaping for this purpose is most effective if located away from buildings. Landscaping for open yard area shall be:
(1) In Multifamily Residential Districts (not requiring the platting process): A minimum of 2 evergreen or deciduous trees per 1,000 square feet of open yard area; 2 ornamental trees or 2 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree.
(2) In Business, Manufacturing and Institutional Districts: A minimum of 1 evergreen or deciduous trees per 1,000 square feet of open yard area; 2 ornamental trees or 2 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree. [Code § 12.18.9-5.]
12.16.060 Landscaping required for building foundations.
All lots shall provide a minimum amount of landscaping for building foundations which shall provide a combination of ornamental trees and shrubs Landscaping required for building foundations shall be placed so that, at maturity, the plants’ drip line is located within 10 feet of the building’s foundation. Larger trees shall not be used to meet this requirement. The intent is to provide a visual break in the mass of buildings and to provide a visual for all appurtenances such as HVAC, utility boxes, standpipes, storm water discharge pipes and other pipes extending from the building. Landscaping for building foundations shall be:
(1) In Multifamily Residential Districts (not requiring the platting process): A minimum of 1 ornamental tree per 20 feet of building foundation.2 shrubs shall equal 1 ornamental tree.
(2) In Business, Manufacturing and Institutional Districts: A minimum of 1 ornamental tree per 20 feet of building foundation.2 shrubs shall equal 1 ornamental tree. [Code § 12.18.9-6.]
12.16.070 Landscaping required for street frontage.
All lots shall provide a minimum of landscaping in those areas that abut the right-of-way of a public highway, street or road to visually soften the appearance of development, which shall provide a combination of deciduous, evergreen, ornamental trees and shrubs. Front yard landscaping shall not, however, impede vehicle or pedestrian visibility and shall comply with the traffic visibility (vision triangle) requirements of Section 12.13.010. Shrubs shall not be used to meet this requirement.
(1) In Multifamily Residential Districts (not requiring the platting process): A minimum of 1 evergreen or deciduous trees per 30 feet of street frontage. 2 ornamental trees or 2 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree.
(2) In Business, Manufacturing and Institutional Districts: A minimum of 1 evergreen or deciduous trees per 50 feet of street frontage. 2 ornamental trees or 2 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree [Code § 12.18.9-7.]
12.16.080 Landscaping required for parking areas.
All parking areas shall provide a minimum of landscaping around the perimeter, which shall provide a combination of deciduous, evergreen, ornamental trees and shrubs. All landscaped areas located adjacent to a parking lot shall be separated from the paved area by a continuous minimum 4-inch curb which is constructed of concrete. The use of berms shall constitute over 75% of the parking areas abutting a right-of-way. The berm shall be designed to be meandering and undulating with a minimum height of four feet with slopes no greater than 4:1. Landscaping for parking lot perimeters shall be:
(1) In Multifamily Residential Districts (not requiring the platting process): A minimum of 1 evergreen or deciduous trees per 25 feet. 2 ornamental trees or 4 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree.
(2) In Business, Manufacturing and Institutional Districts: A minimum of 1 evergreen or deciduous trees per 25 feet. 2 ornamental trees or 4 shrubs shall equal one evergreen or deciduous tree.
(3) In 1. and 2. above, when abutting a residential district or use, deciduous and ornamental trees and/or shrubs are not permitted. [Code § 12.18.9-8.]
12.16.090 Landscaping required in parking area interiors.
All off-street parking areas in which the parking aisle or parking bay does not terminate with a landscaped buffer yard shall have a landscaped island. The minimum size of each landscaped island shall be 160 square feet and contain at least 1 deciduous or ornamental tree. At a minimum, every third parking bay (defined grouping of parking stalls) shall have a continuous landscaped planting strip of not less than eight (8) feet in width running the entire length of the parking bay and shall contain at least 1 deciduous or ornamental tree per 50 feet.
Location of landscaped areas, plant materials, protection afforded the plantings, including curbing and provision for maintenance shall be subject to approval by the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development staff. All plans for proposed parking areas shall include a topographic survey and grading plan which shows existing and proposed grades and location of improvements. The preservation of existing trees, shrubs, and other natural vegetation in the parking area may be included in the calculation of required minimum landscaped area.
[Code § 12.18.9-9.]
12.16.100 Requirements for single-family, two-family and multi-family residential development.
The landscaping plan shall be included with the submittal of all preliminary plats to be approved during the platting process by the Department of Planning and Development. [Code § 12.18.9-10.]
12.17.010 Permit required.
No accessory building shall hereinafter be located, directed, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit from the Division of Planning Operations and without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, and State Statutes and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The accessory building shall also meet all the structural requirements of local and State codes. [Code § 12.18.4-1.]
12.17.020 Districts.
Accessory buildings may be located in all districts except the C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy District and FPO Floodplain Overlay District. [Code § 12.18.4-2.]
12.17.030 Application.
All drawings and plans for the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any such accessory building shall first be presented to the Division of Planning Operations for examination and approval as to proper size, location and construction.
All such plans and drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall indicate thereon all distances and dimensions so as to accurately and explicitly show all lot lines, and all information pertaining to the accessory building. Such plans shall also include vertical elevations of the accessory building. [Code § 12.18.4-3.]
12.17.040 Classification.
Agricultural buildings, on lots of at least 10 acres, such as barns, silos, bins, sheds, and farm machinery sheds in the A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 agricultural districts shall not be considered accessory buildings. Such buildings are principal agricultural buildings and shall comply with the yard and height requirement of the agricultural districts.
Buildings on nonconforming lots in the A-1, A-2, A-3, or A-4 districts less than 10 acres shall be considered accessory buildings and shall comply with the provisions of this section. [Code § 12.18.4-4.]
12.17.050 Location.
Accessory buildings shall be detached from the principal structure; provided, that the accessory building:
(a) Is on the same lot and then permitted only after their principal structure is present or under construction.
(b) Shall be located in the side or rear yard only. [Code § 12.18.4-5.]
12.17.060 Size.
Accessory building size is based upon lot size according to table 12.17.120. [Code § 12.18.4-6.]
12.17.070 Setbacks.
Accessory buildings shall have the following setbacks. (see table 12.17.120)
(a) A building separation of at least 10 feet between all buildings and structures.
(b) A minimum 5-foot side and rear yard setback on lots equal to or less than 39,999 square feet, unless zoned R-9, R-10 or R-11 in which case the setback shall be 10 feet.
(c) A minimum 10-foot side and rear yard setback on lots equal to or greater than 40,000 square feet.
(d) Detached accessory buildings in all other districts shall meet the minimum setback requirements as outlined in each district. [Code § 12.18.4-7.]
12.17.080 Height.
Accessory buildings shall have the following height. (see table 12.18.4.12)
(a) A maximum height of 15 feet for buildings (shed, gazebos, pool house) equal to or less than 150 square feet.
(b) A maximum height of 17 feet for buildings greater than 150 square feet and equal to or less than 720 square feet
(c) A maximum height of 20 feet for buildings greater than 720 square feet.
(d) A maximum height of 24 feet for buildings greater than 3,000 square feet. [Code § 12.18.4-8.]
12.17.090 Number of buildings.
The number of accessory buildings permitted per lot are as follows: (see table 12.17.120)
(a) One of each: shed, gazebo, pool house equal to or less than 150 square feet.
(b) One accessory building, greater than 150 square feet, on lots equal to or less than 79,999 square feet.
(c) Two accessory buildings, greater than 150 square feet, on lots equal to or greater than 80,000 square feet.
(d) If the total number of detached accessory buildings existing on a parcel exceeds the total number permitted in the district, no additional buildings or additions to existing buildings shall be permitted unless buildings in excess of the district standard are removed. [Code § 12.18.4-9.]
12.17.100 Open sided/screened structures (buildings) such as gazebos and screen houses.
Open sided and/or screened structures (buildings) such as gazebos, and screen houses are permitted in the shoreyard setback area provided that the following is satisfied in accordance with § 59.692(1v), Stats.
(a) The part of the structure (building) that is nearest to the water is located at least 35 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark.
(b) The floor area of all structures (buildings) in the shoreland setback area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(c) The structure (building) has no sides or has open or screened sides.
(d) The structure (building) shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
(e) Submittal of a plan, approved by the Division of Planning Operations, that will be implemented by the owner of the property to preserve or establish a vegetative shoreland buffer area that covers at least 70% of the width at least 37.5 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark.
(f) Shoreland buffer area shall be established and maintained with applicable shoreland cutting provisions of section 12.09.020. [Code § 12.18.4-10.]
12.17.110 Boathouses.
Boathouses, accessory to permitted uses, may be located within a shore yard and entirely within the access and viewing corridor, but shall not be closer to a lake, stream, pond, or wetland than the ordinary high water mark. A boathouse is a nonhabitable structure and shall be designed and used exclusively for marine equipment and shall meet the following requirements:
1. Used by the owner or occupant of the parcel;
3. Not to be closer than three (3) feet to any side lot line; and the boathouse shall be constructed in such manner as to orient the main opening of the boathouse toward the lake;
4. Not exceed four hundred and fifty (450) square feet measured outside wall to outside wall;
5. Not to exceed one story, with a maximum wall height of 10 feet;
6. Maximum height of twelve (12) feet above the existing shoreline grade except when bluff and/or steep slope conditions exist, (in such cases, it shall not exceed the height of the top grade elevation of said shoreland lot);
7. Maximum width parallel to the shore of fifteen (15) feet;
8. Not to contain fireplaces, patio doors, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, cooking facilities or other features inconsistent with the use of the structure exclusively as a boathouse;
10. Maximum of 10 square feet of window surface may be allowed on each side;
11. No more than one service door not to exceed 36 inches in width. The service door shall not be on the water body side of the structure;
12. No more than one garage style access door not exceeding 10 feet in width and no less than 8 feet in width. The garage style door shall be on the water body side of the structure.
The roof of a boathouse may be used as a deck provided that:
1. The boathouse has a flat roof.
2. The roof has no side walls or screens.
3. The roof may have a railing that meets the Department of Safety and Professional Services standards. [Code § 12.18.4-11.]
12.17.120 Summary of regulations for detached accessory buildings.
LOT SIZE | MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BUILDINGS | MAXIMUM SIZE (square feet) | MAXIMUM HEIGHT (feet) | YARD LOCATION | SIDE/REAR SETBACK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
<15,000 SF | 1 1 | 150 720 | 15 17 | SIDE OR REAR SIDE OR REAR | 5 FEET 5 FEET |
15,000-19,999 SF | 1 1 | 150 1000 | 15 20 | “ “ | “ |
20,000-39,999 SF | 1 1 | 150 1,500 | 15 20 | “ “ | “ |
40,000-79,999 SF | 1 1 | 150 2,000 | 15 20 | “ “ | 10 FEET 10 FEET |
80,000-119,999 SF | 1 2 | 150 2,500 | 15 20 | “ “ | |
120,000-159,999 SF | 1 2 | 150 3,000 | 15 24 | “ “ | “ |
160,000-4.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 3,500 | 15 24 | “ “ | “ |
5-5.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 4,000 | 15 24 | “ “ | “ |
6-6.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 4,500 | 15 24 | “ | “ |
7-7.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 5,000 | 15 24 | “ | “ |
8-8.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 5,500 | 15 24 | “ | “ |
9-9.9 AC | 1 2 | 150 6,000 | 15 24 | “ | “ |
>10 AC | No Limit | No Limit | 24 | SIDE, REAR, STREET | 25 FEET/50 FEET |
R-9 | No Limit | No Limit | 20 | SIDE OR REAR | “ |
R-10 | No Limit | No Limit | 20 | SIDE OR REAR | “ |
R-11 | No Limit | No Limit | 20 | SIDE OR REAR | “ |
R-12 | 1 1 | 150 720 | 15 17 | SIDE OR REAR SIDE OR REAR | 5 FEET 5 FEET |
[Code § 12.18.4-12.]
12.18.010 Compliance.
It shall be unlawful to construct, install, enlarge, or alter any deck or patio as defined in this ordinance, except in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance, and State Statutes and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. [Code § 12.18.5-1.]
12.18.020 Districts.
Decks may be located in all districts except the C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy District and FPO Floodplain Overlay District.
Patios may be located in all districts except in the C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy District. [Code § 12.18.5-2.]
12.18.030 Permit required.
All decks and only patios within the shoreyard setback, shall not be located, directed, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit from the Division of Planning Operations and without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, and State Statutes and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. [Code § 12.18.5-3.]
12.18.040 Application.
All drawings and plans for the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any such deck and/or patio shall first be presented to the Division of Planning Operations for examination and approval as to proper size, location and construction.
All such plans and drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall indicate thereon all distances and dimensions so as to accurately and explicitly show all lot lines, and all information pertaining to the deck and/or patio. In the case of a deck, such plans shall also include vertical elevations of the accessory building. [Code § 12.18.5-4.]
12.18.050 Setback – Deck.
A deck is permitted in any yard subject to the following:
Street Yard – as required by the district.
Side Yard – 10 feet into any required setback, but not less than 5 feet.
Rear Yard – 10 feet into any required setback, but not less than 15 feet.
Shore Yard – permitted in the required setback, in accordance with §59.692(1v) and subject to the following:
Not less than 35 feet from the ordinary high water mark
Not greater than 200 square feet in area, inclusive of patios, gazebos and screen houses within this setback.
Submittal of a plan, approved by the Division of Planning Operations, that will be implemented by the owner of the property to preserve or establish a vegetative shoreland buffer area that covers at least 70% of the width at least 37.5 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark. The shoreland buffer area shall be established and maintained with applicable shoreland cutting provisions of section 12.09.020. [Code § 12.18.5-5.]
12.18.060 Setback – Patio.
A patio is permitted in any yard subject to the following:
Street Yard – as required by the district.
Side Yard – 5 feet.
Rear Yard – 5 feet.
Shore Yard – permitted in the required setback, in accordance with §59.692(1v) and subject to the following:
Not less than 35 feet from the ordinary high water mark
Not greater than 200 square feet in area, inclusive of patios, gazebos and screen houses within this setback.
Submittal of a plan, approved by the Division of Planning Operations, that will be implemented by the owner of the property to preserve or establish a vegetative shoreland buffer area that covers at least 70% of the width at least 37.5 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark. The shoreland buffer area shall be established and maintained with applicable shoreland cutting provisions of section 12.09.020. [Code § 12.18.5-6.]
12.19.010 Permit required.
No fence, except those fences provided for in section 12.19.020, shall hereinafter be located, directed, moved, reconstructed, extended enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit and without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, and State Statutes and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The fence shall also meet all the structural requirements of local and State codes. All fences shall be constructed in a manner that the finished side of the fence faces the neighboring property. (6/2/92) [Code § 12.15-1.]
12.19.020 Fences permitted without a zoning permit (8/6/02).
The following fences are permitted as specified without a zoning permit subject to the following restrictions and providing that said fence does not in any way interfere with traffic visibility:
(a) A snow fence shall be permitted in all districts when comprised of wooden pickets bound together by wire or molded plastic mesh and not exceeding four feet in height and removed between May 1 and November 1 of each year. No privately-owned snow fence shall extend beyond the highway right-of-way line.
(b) Fences to be installed around swimming pools shall be governed by the provisions of section 12.20.070.
(c) Agricultural fences in the A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 Districts shall be permitted provided that they do not extend beyond the highway or road right-of-way.
(d) Decorative fences not exceeding two feet in height shall be permitted in all districts.
(e) Wire strand fences for agricultural purposes may be constructed or placed within the required shore yard, 100-year floodplain and/or C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy District [Code § 12.15-2.]
12.19.030 Fences or walls for which a zoning permit is required (8/6/02).
(a) Residential fences or walls are permitted up to the side and rear property lines and not closer than two (2) feet to any public right-of-way in residential districts, but shall not be greater than six (6) feet in height in the side yard and rear yard, nor greater than four (4) feet in height in the street yard. Residential fences or walls may be six (6) feet in height in the rear street yard of a double frontage lot or in the side street yard of a corner lot not closer than fifteen (15) feet to the right-of-way of the side street yard. No fence or wall greater than two (2) feet in height shall be placed within the vision triangle. No fence or wall which incorporates barbed wire shall be permitted in a residential district. Residential fences may be constructed or placed within the required shore yard in any district provided the fence is not more than 4 feet in height, is a split-rail or board type with minimum openings of at least 1 foot by 8 foot, and is at least 2 feet from the ordinary high water mark of any navigable waterway.
(b) Security fences or walls are permitted in all districts other than residential districts. Security fences or walls may be placed on side and rear property lines, but shall not be located closer than two (2) feet to a public right-of-way line. Security fences or walls shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. No fence or walls greater than two (2) feet in height shall be placed within the vision triangle. Security fences shall not be constructed or placed within the required shore yard in any district or within the 100-year recurrence interval floodplain. (6/2/92)
(c) No fence, except barbed wire or wire strand fences for agricultural purposes, shall be constructed or placed within the FPO Floodplain Overlay. [Code § 12.15-3.]
12.20.010 Compliance.
It shall be unlawful to construct, install, enlarge, or alter any swimming pool as defined in the Ordinance, in the unincorporated areas of Kenosha County except in compliance with all of the provisions of this section. [Code § 12.17-1.]
12.20.020 Districts.
Swimming pools may be installed in all districts except the C-1 Lowland Resource Conservancy District, FPO Floodplain Overlay District, HO Historic Overlay District, or on any parcel on which an Adult Establishment is located. (3/16/04) [Code § 12.17-2.]
12.20.030 Permit required.
It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any private residential swimming pool and accessories thereto within the unincorporated area of Kenosha County unless permits therefore shall have first been obtained from the Department of Planning and Development. [Code § 12.17-3.]
12.20.040 Application.
All drawings and plans for the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any such swimming pool and the accessories thereto shall first be presented to the Department of Planning and Development for examination and approval as to proper location and construction.
All such plans and drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall indicate thereon all distances and dimensions so as to accurately and explicitly show all lot lines, and all information pertaining to the pool, walk, deck, fence construction, water supply system, drainage and water disposal systems, and all accessories pertaining to the swimming pool. Such plans shall also indicate the vertical elevations of the pool.
All private residential swimming pools and accessories thereto, water supply and drainage systems shall be constructed in conformity with the approved plans. [Code § 12.17-4.]
12.20.050 Location (8/6/02).
Swimming pools and spas shall only be installed in the rear yard of a premise. In the case of a double frontage lot, swimming pools and spas may be installed only in the secondary street yard of the premise so long as the required minimum street yard setback is maintained. No portion of a swimming pool or spa outside a building, including pumps, filters and related pool equipment shall be located at a distance of less than eight feet from any side or rear property line or building line. Such pool shall also comply with any and all state or local regulations with respect to the distances from an on-site sewage disposal absorption system and private well. [Code § 12.17-5.]
12.20.060 Area.
Such pool may be constructed provided however it does not occupy more than 40 per cent of the usable area of the rear yard excluding all garages or other accessory structures located in such area. [Code § 12.17-6.]
12.20.070 Safety features (8/6/02).
No swimming pool shall be installed or maintained unless:
(a) In the case of an in-ground pool, there shall be erected and maintained a good quality safety fence not less than four feet in height completely surrounding the pool or surrounding the yard in which the pool is located.
(b) In the case of an above ground pool, one of the following must be met:
1. Erect and maintain a good quality safety fence of not less than four feet in height completely surrounding the pool or surrounding the yard in which the pool is located, or
2. The total wall height of the pool and surrounding deck/railing must be at least six feet above yard grade.
(c) In the case of a spa/hot tub, a locked safety cover meeting American Society for Testing Materials Specifications may be used, or a spa must be completely enclosed in a structure with locking windows and doors.
(d) Safety fencing must be so constructed as not to have voids, holes or openings larger than four inches in one dimension.
(e) Every gate or other opening in the fence enclosing the pool or yard (including spa safety covers) except an opening to the dwelling or other building shall be kept securely closed and locked at all times when the owner or occupant of the premises is not present at such pool/spa. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices placed at the top of the gate.
(f) The swimming pool shall not be filled with water until all safety features are in place. [Code § 12.17-7.]
12.20.080 Lighting.
No lighting may be installed in connection with the pool which shall throw any rays beyond such property lines. [Code § 12.17-8.]
12.20.090 Water drainage.
No water drained from a pool shall be discharged over or near any septic tank, septic field or well. [Code § 12.17-9.]
12.20.100 Inspection.
The town building inspector or town deputy planning and development administrator shall inspect all swimming pools to determine whether or not the provisions of this ordinance are being complied with. [Code § 12.17-10.]
12.21.010 Requirements.
Customary home occupations and professional home offices may be established in a dwelling or accessory building only in those districts which provide for such home occupations and professions. In such districts, the following requirements shall apply, in addition to all other applicable requirements of this ordinance for the districts in which such uses are located:
(a) The home occupation or profession shall be clearly incidental to the residential use of the dwelling and parcel and shall not change the essential residential character of the dwelling and parcel so that a typical neighbor would not be aware of such use other than for a permitted sign.
(b) Use of the dwelling and parcel for this purpose shall be limited to 25 percent (25%) of one floor of either the dwelling or an accessory building.
(c) No accessory buildings shall be used in connection with the home occupation except as provided in section (b).
(d) No outside storage shall be used in connection with the home occupation.
(e) No chemical, mechanical or electrical equipment that is not normally a part of domestic or household equipment shall be used primarily for commercial purposes, with the exception of medical or dental equipment used for professional purposes.
(f) Machinery that causes noises or other interference in radio or television reception shall be prohibited.
(g) No internal or external alterations inconsistent with the residential use of the building shall be permitted.
(h) Residents of the dwelling only may be engaged in the home occupation. In the case of professional offices, no more than one nonresident may be employed on the premises.
(i) No display of products shall be visible from the street and only articles made on the premises may be sold on the premises.
(j) Instruction in music, dancing and similar subjects shall be limited to two students at a time.
(k) No more than three vehicles used primarily as passenger vehicles only shall be permitted in connection with the conduct of the customary home occupation.
(l) Signs shall be subject to regulations in section 12.14.010 through section 12.14.090, specifically 12.14.040.1 of this Ordinance.
(m) Subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance as set forth in section 12.05.050 of this ordinance. [Code § 12.09-1.]
12.21.020 Permitted and prohibited home occupations (8/6/02).
(a) Examples of permitted home occupations include, but are not limited to:
1. Artist Studio
2. Computer services including desk top publishing and word processing
3. Dressmaker or seamstress
4. Family day care with eight (8) or fewer children or adults
5. Gunsmith for service and repair of firearms licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, provided no discharging; loading of bullets; preparation of ammunition; sale, trade, lease or rental of firearms and/or ammunition takes place within the premises
6. Hair dresser; provided, that no more than two patrons are on the premises at any one time
7. Music or dance instruction
8. Office for construction businesses (no equipment or material storage)
9. Office for accountant, architect, attorney, broker, engineer, financial advisor, insurance agent, interior designer, land surveyor, marketing analyst, real estate sales, telemarketing or transcriber
10. Taxidermy
(b) Examples of prohibited home occupations include, but are not limited to:
1. Auto body repair or maintenance
2. Auto or small engine repair or maintenance
3. Catering and food services
4. Construction and contractors’ services
5. Firearms and/or ammunition sales, trade, lease or rental
6. Landscaping and lawn services
7. Tattoo and body piercing
8. Tree services
9. Welding and machining [Code § 12.09-2.]
12.22.010 Permit required.
It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of an Accessory Living Unit, as defined in this ordinance, without a zoning permit from the Division of Planning & Development and without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, State Statutes and the Wisconsin Administrative Code. [Code § 12.18.6-1.]
12.22.020 Districts.
Accessory Living Units may be located in the A-1, A-2, C-2, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6 Districts. [Code § 12.18.6-2.]
12.22.030 Application.
All drawings and plans for the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any such Accessory Living Unit shall first be presented to the Division of Planning & Development for examination.
All such plans and drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall indicate thereon all distances and dimensions so as to accurately and explicitly show all floor plans, lot lines and all information pertaining to the Accessory Living Unit. [Code § 12.18.6-3.]
12.22.040 Requirements.
The following rules apply to an Accessory Living Unit.
(a) Only one Accessory Living Unit is permitted per single-family dwelling.
(b) The Accessory Living Unit shall not exceed 600 square feet in area.
(c) No more than two people may reside in the Accessory Living Unit.
(d) The entire structure must appear or continue to appear as a single-family dwelling. A separate garage or driveway is not permitted.
(e) No separate address is permitted.
(f) No separate utility connections and/or meters are permitted.
(g) A physical access between the main living unit and the accessory living unit must be present within the single-family dwelling unit. The required connection may not be through an attic, basement, garage, porch or other nonliving area. A door may be used to separate the accessory living unit from the rest of the single-family dwelling unit.
(h) In addition to the internal physical connection required above, only one separate outdoor side or rear access, being a patio door, may be provided; however, the structure shall continue to appear as a typical single-family dwelling.
(i) An external stairway which serves the Accessory Living Unit is prohibited.
(j) The Accessory Living Unit may contain a separate bathroom, laundry, living, efficiency kitchen, sleeping (one bedroom) and recreation areas, including exterior porches, patios, and/or decks.
(k) The Accessory Living Unit shall be occupied by a resident related through blood, marriage or adoption to the resident occupant of the single-family dwelling.
(l) An Accessory Living Unit should be considered and regulated as part of, or as a permitted addition to, a single-family dwelling. It shall not require conditional use approval or special site plan review.
(m) When an application is submitted for a zoning permit to accommodate what is explicitly listed as, or could possibly be, an Accessory Living Unit, the building plan shall be marked as “Not a separate dwelling unit nor apartment.”
(n) A standardized affidavit affecting real estate shall be attached to the zoning permit and recorded in the Register of Deeds. [Code § 12.18.6-4.]
12.23.010 Purpose.
As permitted in 12.08.010(e) of this ordinance, the temporary use regulations of this section are intended to allow such occasional, temporary uses and activities when consistent with the overall purposes of this zoning ordinance and the uses allowed in a particular zoning district, and when the operation of the temporary use will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare.
The nature, character or circumstances of temporary uses are unique and dependent upon specific conditions. Therefore, specifying all temporary uses and associated standards, regulations or conditions necessary or appropriate for a temporary use permit to be granted is not practical. [Code § 12.18.7-1.]
12.23.020 Temporary uses not requiring a zoning permit.
Although it is recognized that it is neither possible nor practical to list all of the temporary uses not needing a zoning permit, the following are allowed subject to the listed conditions:
(a) Handicap Ramp. A temporary handicap ramp is allowed to be constructed to provide access to a residential dwelling that does not meet the setback requirements of this ordinance.
1. The temporary handicap ramp shall be used solely for the purpose of handicapped accessibility to the residential dwelling. Any additional uses other than handicapped accessibility are prohibited (i.e. recreational decks defined as any landing area larger than 4' x 6').
2. The temporary handicap ramp shall be designed to have the least deviation of applicable setbacks.
3. The property owner is responsible for removing the temporary handicapped ramp when it is no longer required by the occupants of the dwelling
4. Additional conditions may be imposed to ensure compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and all local, state and federal requirements.
(b) On-site Construction Trailers.
1. Construction trailer(s) shall be located on the same property in which the construction project it services is taking place.
2. The site on which the construction trailer(s) is proposed to be located shall have an active zoning, erosion control or storm water permit issued by the Division of Planning Operations.
3. Construction trailer(s) shall be located in an area which is accessible for emergency vehicles.
4. Construction trailer(s) shall comply with all local, State and Federal requirements.
5. Construction trailer(s) shall be removed from the property prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for which the building or related site improvements have occurred. Where a project does not require the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance, construction trailer(s) shall be removed from the property prior to the expiration of the permit relative to the project.
(c) Temporary Portable Storage Containers. A temporary portable storage container (such as, but not limited to, those available from PODS or U-Haul) is a purpose-built, fully enclosed, box-like container to provide residential property owners temporary storage space for home remodeling, relocating, fire and/or water damage; and cleaning out attics, basements, garages or other attached storage areas. A temporary portable storage container is not a storage shed, roll-off container, dumpster, cargo/shipping container or the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer.
1. Temporary portable storage containers shall only be permitted on lots with a principal building or structure.
2. Temporary portable storage containers shall not be used in conjunction with a home occupation or used as a principal use or principal building or structure.
3. All temporary portable storage containers shall display the container provider’s contact information. Signs shall not contain other advertising for any other product or services.
4. Temporary portable storage containers shall not be inhabited.
5. Containers may not be placed in any road right-of-way, vision triangle, sidewalk, and landscape or drainage easement.
6. Due to the temporary nature of temporary portable storage containers, location in a driveway or yard may be acceptable.
7. Temporary portable storage containers shall be permitted on a lot for a period not to exceed thirty (30) consecutive days within a six (6) month period. For extensive construction projects a written extension may be granted by Planning & Development.
8. Maximum cumulative size of all temporary portable storage containers on a property may not exceed 130 square feet.
9. Portable storage containers may not exceed a height of 8½ feet. The height of such structures is measured from the lowest ground level adjacent to the structure to the top of the structure. Stacking of containers is prohibited.
(d) Yard Sales.
1. Not to exceed four (4) days in duration
2. No more than one (1) yard sale in any two (2) month period. [Code § 12.18.7-2.]
12.23.030 Temporary uses requiring a zoning permit.
It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of a temporary use, as defined in this ordinance, without a zoning permit from the Division of Planning & Development and without being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance and local, State and Federal requirements. Although it is recognized that it is neither possible nor practical to list all the temporary uses for which a zoning permit is required, the following are allowed subject to the listed conditions:
(a) Two single-family dwellings on one property
A new single-family dwelling is allowed to be constructed on an existing lot with an existing single-family dwelling.
1. The underlying zoning district allows for a single-family dwelling.
2. The existing single-family dwelling is razed no later than a mutually agreed date determined by the Division of Planning Operations and the applicant. Such action may require a raze permit from the Town.
3. The occupant(s) of the existing dwelling is (are) allowed to live in the existing dwelling while the new single-family dwelling is being constructed on the property.
4. Only one dwelling shall be occupied at a time.
5. The new single-family dwelling shall comply with all setback requirements of the underlying zoning district and shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the existing dwelling.
6. A standardized affidavit affecting real estate, referencing the mutually agreed date the second single-family dwelling is to be razed, shall be attached to the zoning permit and recorded in the register of deeds.
(b) Temporary residence during reconstruction of a single-family dwelling due to natural disaster in only the A-1 and A-2 zoning districts
A manufactured home may be used as a temporary dwelling while the existing single-family dwelling is being reconstructed due to a natural disaster.
1. Such use shall only be permitted in the A-1 or A-2 zoning district and then only when there is proven need to provide 24-hour presence on the property for the raising of livestock or horses.
2. Such use shall be granted for six (6) months unless approved for an additional six (6) months.
3. The manufactured home shall be removed from the property within 30 days of obtaining an occupancy permit from the Town or by the expiration date of the zoning permit for the single-family residence to be reconstructed, whichever comes first.
4. Only the occupant(s) of the existing single-family dwelling are allowed to live in the manufactured home while the single-family dwelling is being reconstructed on the property.
5. Only one dwelling shall be occupied at a time.
6. The manufactured home shall comply with all setback requirements of the underlying zoning district and shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the existing dwelling.
7. All sanitary codes shall be complied with.
8. A standardized affidavit affecting real estate shall be attached to the zoning permit and recorded in the register of deeds. [Code § 12.18.7-3.]
12.23.040 Temporary uses requiring approval by the board of adjustments.
It shall be unlawful to proceed with the operation, construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of a temporary use, as defined in this ordinance, without first obtaining approval from the Kenosha County Board of Adjustments in compliance with 12.56.050(a)5 of this ordinance and also obtaining any applicable zoning permit or certificate of compliance from the Division of Planning & Development being in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, and local, State and Federal requirements. Although it is recognized that it is neither possible nor practical to list all the temporary uses for which Board of Adjustment approval is needed, the following are allowed subject to Board of Adjustment approval:
(a) Circus, Concerts and Festival events less than 5,000 people
(b) Christmas Tree sales
(c) Classrooms
(d) Fireworks Stands
(e) Food Stands
(f) Fruit and Vegetable Stands
(g) Horse Shows and Rodeos
(h) Model Home Sales Office
(i) Real Estate Sales Offices
(j) Recreational Vehicle Races and Events
(k) Sales Office
(l) Vacant Lot Tent Sales [Code § 12.18.7-4.]
12.24.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section of the ordinance is to regulate by zoning permit (1) the siting and construction of any new mobile service support structure and facilities; (2) with regard to a class 1 collocation, the substantial modification to an existing support structure and mobile service facilities; and (3) with regard to a class 2 collocation, collocation on an existing support structure which does not require the substantial modification to an existing support structure and mobile service facilities.
It is intended that Kenosha County shall apply these regulations to accomplish to the greatest degree possible the following: (1) minimize adverse effects of mobile service facilities and mobile service support structures; (2) maintain and ensure that a nondiscriminatory, competitive and broad range of mobile services and high quality mobile service infrastructure consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 are provided to serve the community; and (3) provide a process of obtaining necessary zoning permits for mobile service facilities and support structures while at the same time protecting the legitimate interests of Kenosha County citizens.
Kenosha County encourages the use of alternative support structures, co-location of new antennas on existing support structures and construction of supports structures with the ability to locate at least three (3) additional users (minimum of 4 total users required for each mobile tower facility).
It is not the intent of this section to regulate residential satellite dishes or residential television antennas that are used privately. Additionally, it is not intended to regulate satellite dishes or antennas whose regulation is prohibited by Wis. Stat. § 59.69 (4)(d), as it may be amended from time to time. [Code § 12.18.1-1.]
12.24.020 Definitions.
All definitions contained in Wis. Stat. § 66.0404 (1), as amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated by reference. [Code § 12.18.1-2.]
12.24.030 Exceptions.
The following shall be exempt from the requirements to obtain a zoning permit, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Amateur radio and/or receive-only antennas. This ordinance shall not govern the installation of any antenna that is owned and/or operated by a federally licensed amateur radio operator and used for amateur radio purposes or is used exclusively for receive-only purposes.
(b) Mobile services providing public information coverage of news events of a temporary or emergency nature.
(c) Utility pole mounted antenna if the height of the antenna is thirty (30) feet or less above the highest part of the utility pole. [Code § 12.18.1-3.]
12.24.040 Siting and construction.
Siting and Construction of Any New Mobile Service Support Structure and Facilities and Class 1 Collocation:
(a) Application Process. A zoning permit is required for the siting and construction of any new mobile service support structure and facilities for a Class 1 Collocation if the following substantial modifications are added to the existing mobile service support structure:
1. An increase in the overall height of the structure by more than twenty (20) feet, for structures with an overall height of two hundred (200) feet or less.
2. An increase in the overall height of the structure by 10% or more, for structures with an overall height of more than two hundred (200) feet.
3. An increase in width of the support structure by twenty (20) feet or more, measured at the level of the appurtenance added to the structure as a result of the modification.
4. An increase in the square footage of an existing equipment compound to a total area of more than 2,500 square feet.
(b) A zoning permit application must be completed by any applicant and submitted to the Division of Planning Operations (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”). The application must contain the following information:
1. The name, business address and phone number of the contact individual for the applicant. The applicant should include an email address if available.
2. The location of the proposed affected support structure.
3. The location of the proposed mobile service facility.
4. If the applicant does not own the site or the tower, the applicant must provide an agent letter or lease agreement that provides consent from the property owner. The applicant should also provide the legal descriptions and amount of property leased.
5. If the application is to substantially modify an existing support structure, a construction plan which describes the proposed modifications to the support structure and the equipment and network components, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, power supplies, cabling, and related equipment associated with the proposed modifications. The construction plan shall include a sketch concept or rendering of the site and a scaled site plan which shows property lines, lease areas, setback distances, structures including support structure, buildings, equipment pads, and fencing.
6. If the application is to construct a new mobile service support structure, a construction plan which describes the proposed mobile service support structure and the equipment and network components including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, power supplies, cabling, and related equipment to be placed on or around the new mobile service support structure. The construction plan shall include a sketch concept or rendering of the site and a scaled site plan which shows property lines, lease areas, setback distances, structures including support structure, buildings, equipment pads, and fencing. The Department may also request the submittal of propagation maps.
7. If an application is to construct a new mobile service support structure, an explanation as to why the applicant chose the proposed location and why the applicant did not choose collocation, including a sworn statement from an individual who has responsibility over the placement of the mobile service support structure attesting that collocation within the applicant’s search ring would not result in the same mobile service functionality, coverage and capacity; is technically infeasible; or is economically burdensome to the mobile service provider.
(c) An application for a zoning permit shall be made available by the Department upon request by any applicant.
(d) Completed Applications. If an applicant submits to the Department an application for a zoning permit to engage in an activity described in this ordinance, which contains all of the information required under this ordinance, the Department shall consider the application complete. If the Department does not believe that the application is complete, the Department shall notify the applicant in writing, within ten (10) days of receiving the application, that the application is not complete. The written notification shall specify in detail the required information that was incomplete. An applicant may resubmit an application as often as necessary until it is complete.
(e) In the event the department determines that it is necessary to consult with a third party in considering a zoning permit application, all reasonable costs and expenses, excluding travel expenses, associated with such consultation shall be borne by the applicant. Failure to pay such costs and expenses or to provide information requested by the department shall be grounds for denial or revocation of the zoning permit.
(f) Department Responsibilities. Within ninety (90) days of its receipt of a complete application, the Department shall complete all of the following or the applicant may consider the application approved, except that the applicant and the Department may agree in writing to an extension of the ninety (90) day period:
1. Review the application to determine whether it complies with all applicable aspects of the County’s zoning ordinance.
2. Make a final decision whether to approve or disprove the application.
3. Notify the applicant, in writing, of its final decision.
4. If the decision is to disprove the application, include with the written notification substantial evidence which supports the decision.
(g) Disapproval. The Department may disapprove an application if an applicant refuses to evaluate the feasibility of collocation within the applicant’s search ring and provide the sworn statement described under paragraph 12.24.040 (b)6.
(h) Application of Set Back/Fall Zone. If an applicant provides the Department with an engineering certification showing that a mobile service support structure, or an existing structure, is designed to collapse within a smaller area than the set back or fall zone areas required in a zoning ordinance (§ 12.38.010(b)) that zoning ordinance does not apply to such a structure unless the Department provides the applicant with substantial evidence that the engineering certification is flawed.
(i) Fees. The fee for a zoning permit relating to construction of a new mobile service support structure and facility or for a Class 1 Collocation is listed in the Department’s Fee Schedule.
(j) Limitations. The zoning permits for Siting and Construction of any new mobile service support structure and facilities and for any Class 1 Collocation shall only be granted provided the following conditions exist:
1. The applicant has obtained Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license numbers and registration numbers if applicable.
2. The applicant and/or agent have copies of Findings of No Significant Impacts (FONI) statement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Study (EIS), if applicable.
3. The applicant and /or agent have copies of the determination of no hazard from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) including any aeronautical study determination or other findings, if applicable.
4. The applicant and/or agent have copies of an Affidavit of Notification indicating that all operators and owners of public or private airports and landing strips located within five (5) miles of the proposed site have been notified via certified mail.
5. If the location of the proposed mobile service support structure or mobile service facility is on leased land, the lease agreement does not preclude the lessee from entering into leases on the site with other provider(s) and there is no other lease provision operating as a bar to collocation of other providers. [Code § 12.18.1-4.]
12.24.050 Class 2 collocation.
(a) A zoning permit is required for a class 2 collocation. A class 2 collocation is a permitted use, but still requires the issuance of a zoning permit.
(b) A zoning permit application must be completed by any applicant and submitted to the Department. The application must contain the following information:
1. The name, business address and the phone number of the contact individual for the applicant. The applicant should include an email address if available.
2. The location of the proposed or affected mobile service support structure.
3. The location of the proposed mobile service facility.
(c) A zoning permit application will be provided by the Department upon request to any applicant.
(d) Requirements. A class 2 collocation is subject to the same requirements for the issuance of a zoning permit to which any other type of commercial development or land use development is subject.
This will require construction plans which describe the proposed equipment and network components including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, power supplies, cabling, and related equipment to be placed on or around the existing mobile service support structure. The construction plan shall include a scaled site plan which shows property lines, lease areas, structures including support structure, buildings, equipment pads, and fencing.
(e) Completed Applications. If an applicant submits to the Department an application for a zoning permit to engage in an activity described in this ordinance, which contains all of the information required under this ordinance, the Department shall consider the application complete. If any of the required information is not in the application, the Department shall notify the applicant in writing, within five (5) days of receiving the application, that the application is not complete. The written notification shall specify in detail the required information that was incomplete. An applicant may resubmit an application as often as necessary until it is complete.
(f) Department Requirements. Within forty-five (45) days of its receipt of a completed application, the Department shall complete all of the following or the applicant may consider the application approved, except that the applicant and the Department may agree in writing to an extension of the forty-five (45) day period:
1. Make a final decision whether to approve or disprove the application.
2. Notify the applicant, in writing, of its final decision.
3. If the application is approved, issue the applicant the relevant zoning permit.
4. If the decision is to disprove the application, include with the written notification substantial evidence which supports the decision.
(g) Fees. The fee for a zoning permit relating to a Class 2 Collocation is listed in the Department’s Fee Schedule. [Code § 12.18.1-5.]
12.24.060 Abandonment, removal and security for removal.
(a) The recipient of a Zoning permit allowing a mobile service support structure and facility under this section, or the current owner or operator, shall notify the Department within forty-five (45) days of the date when the mobile service facility is no longer in operation.
(b) Abandonment. Any antenna, mobile service facility, or mobile service support structure that is not operated for a continuous period of twelve (12) months shall be considered abandoned. Upon application, the Planning, Development and Extension Education Committee may extend the time limit to abandon once for an additional twelve-month period. Such extension shall be based on the finding that the owner or zoning permit holder is actively seeking tenants for the site.
If abandonment is determined to have occurred, the owner of such antenna, mobile service facility or mobile service support structure shall remove said antenna, mobile service facility or mobile service support structure, including all supporting equipment, building(s) and foundations to the depth as otherwise herein required within ninety (90) days of receipt of notice from the Department notifying the owner of such abandonment. If removal to the satisfaction of the Department does not occur within said ninety (90) days, the Director of Planning Operations may order removal utilizing the established bond or letter of credit discussed below. If there are two or more users of a single tower, abandonment shall not be determined to have occurred until all operation of the tower ceases by all users.
(c) Removal. It is the express policy of Kenosha County and this ordinance that mobile service support structures be removed once they are no longer in use and not a functional part of providing mobile service and that it is the mobile service support structure owner’s responsibility to remove such mobile service support structures and restore the site to its original condition or a condition approved by the Department. After a mobile service support structure is no longer being used for mobile service that is in operation, the mobile service support structure owner shall have ninety (90) days to effect removal and restoration unless weather prohibits such efforts. This restoration shall include removal of any subsurface structure or foundation, including concrete, used to support the mobile service support structure down to 5 feet below the surface. The owner shall record a document with the Kenosha County Register of Deeds showing the existence of any subsurface structure remaining below grade. Such recording shall accurately set forth the location and describe the remaining structure.
(d) Security for Removal. Before the issuance of any zoning permit, a performance bond or letter of credit shall be provided to Kenosha County to guarantee that a structure that has ceased being used for mobile services facilities is removed. The bond amount shall be the lesser of twenty thousand ($20,000) or an amount based on a written estimate of a person qualified to remove such structures. Kenosha County will be named as the recipient of the bond or letter of credit and Kenosha County is entitled to approve the bonding company. If necessary, Kenosha County may require an increase in the bond amount after five (5) year intervals to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index, but at no point shall the bond amount exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000). [Code § 12.18.1-6.]
12.24.070 Mobile service support structure, antenna and facilities requirements.
All mobile service facilities and mobile service support structures, except exempt facilities as defined in subsection 12.24.030, shall be designed as follows:
(a) Mobile service support structures shall be constructed of metal or other nonflammable material, unless specifically permitted by the Department to be otherwise.
(b) Mobile service support structures towers, guy wires, appurtenant equipment, and buildings shall comply with the yard and setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.
(c) Mobile service facilities, support structures and antennas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all other applicable local, state and federal codes.
(d) Equipment compounds shall meet the site plan requirements set forth in Section 12.08.020 and this shall be applicable in all zoning districts.
(e) Mobile service facilities and support structures shall not interfere with or obstruct existing or proposed public safety, fire protection or Supervisory Controlled Automated Data Acquisition (SCADA) operation telecommunication facilities. Any actual interference and/or obstruction shall be corrected by the applicant at no cost to the Kenosha County.
(f) All mobile service facilities and support structures, except exempt facilities, shall be designed to blend into the surrounding environment to the greatest extent feasible. The tower location shall provide for the maximum amount of screening of the facilities. The site shall be landscaped and maintained with a buffer of plant materials that effectively screen the view of all facility structures, equipment and improvements at ground level from adjacent properties. The standard buffer shall consist of a landscaped strip of at least four (4) feet wide outside the perimeter of the area where the tower accessory structures and equipment are located at ground level. In locations where the visual impact of the facility would be minimal the landscaping requirements may be reduced or waived by the Department. Existing mature vegetation and natural landforms on the site shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible or replaced with vegetative screening meeting the intent of this section. Upon project completion, the owner(s)/operator(s) of the facility shall be responsible for maintenance and replacement of all required landscaping during the current growing season.
(g) Access to the mobile service facilities and support structures must be provided by an all-weather gravel or paved driveway.
(h) The applicant has obtained a report prepared by an engineer licensed by the State of Wisconsin certifying the structural design of the tower and its ability to accommodate three (3) additional antennas.
(i) Accessory buildings, structures, cabinets and other accessory facilities may be allowed and shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height, measured from the original grade, and two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area. All visible surfaces shall be constructed of nonreflective materials and designed to blend with the existing architecture in the area to the greatest extent feasible.
(j) Noise and Traffic. All mobile service facilities shall be constructed and operated in such a manner as to minimize the amount of disruption caused to nearby properties. To that end the following measures shall be implemented for all mobile service facilities, except exempt facilities as defined in subsection 12.24.030:
1. Noise producing construction activities shall take place only on weekdays (Monday through Saturday, nonholiday) between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except in times of emergency repair.
2. Backup generators, if present, shall be operated only during power outages and for testing and maintenance purposes. Emergency back-up generators shall be completely enclosed on all sides and other efforts to mitigate noise from such generators may be required.
(k) The Facility or collocation is designed to promote site sharing, such that space is reasonably available to collocators and such that telecommunication towers and necessary appurtenances, including but not limited to parking areas, access road, and utilities, are shared by site users whenever possible. [Code § 12.18.1-7.]
12.24.080 Location and separation requirements.
A good faith effort should be made to have mobile service support structures separated by a minimum of five thousand two hundred eighty (5280) feet, measured from the base of the existing structure to the base of the proposed structure. Two (2) mobile service support structures may be permitted to be located closer if the applicant provides a sworn statement to the Department from an individual who has responsibility over the placement of the mobile service support structure attesting that collocation within the applicant’s search ring would not result in the same mobile service functionality, coverage and capacity, is technically infeasible, or is economically burdensome to the mobile service provider. The Department may request other supporting documentation, drawings and information to evaluate the applicant’s request and/or assist in a third-party review.
A mobile service facility is encouraged to locate on existing mobile towers or on alternative support structures, such as clock towers, chimneys, steeples, barns, silos, light poles, buildings, water towers or similar structures; provided, that the placement of the antenna will not extend more than six (6) feet from the structure. [Code § 12.18.1-8.]
12.24.090 Severability.
If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable. [Code § 12.18.1-9.]
12.24.100 Liability.
The Department does not warrant any mobile service support structure against design or structural failure. The Department does not certify that the design is adequate for any tower and the Department hereby accepts no liability through the issuance of a zoning permit. [Code § 12.18.1-10.]
12.24.110 Transferability of mobile tower siting zoning permits.
Zoning permits granted under this section go with the land and are transferable. Zoning permits granted under this section are not limited in duration. All section and zoning permit requirements shall apply to subsequent owners. The department shall be notified of any change in ownership including, but not limited to facility leases, mortgages, liens or other instruments which may affect title to the property. [Code § 12.18.1-11.]
12.25.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to adopt and incorporate the requirements of Wisconsin Stat. § 66.0401 and Wisconsin Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 as a local ordinance and to establish local regulations on the installation and use of small wind energy systems that are authorized by, compliant with, and no more restrictive than the rules promulgated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and that serve to preserve or protect the public health or safety, do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency, or allow for an alternative system of comparable cost or efficiency.
(a) Statutes, Regulations and Rules.
1. This section is subject to the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder.
2. Wisconsin Stat. § 66.0401 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 are adopted and incorporated by reference. [Code § 12.18.2-1.]
12.25.020 Definitions.
All definitions contained in Wis. Stat. § 66.0401 and Wisconsin Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 as amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated by reference. [Code § 12.18.2-2.]
12.25.030 Zoning permit required.
(a) An owner must apply for and receive a zoning permit from the Department of Planning and Development (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) before installing, constructing, or expanding any small wind energy system.
(b) The owner must pay an application fee at the time the application for a small wind energy system is filed with the Department.
(c) A zoning permit issued by the Department expires if construction of the small wind energy system is not commenced within 18 months from the date of the permit or if the small wind energy system is not installed and functioning within 12 months from the date construction begins. [Code § 12.18.2-3.]
12.25.040 Application requirements.
(a) The owner must file an application that contains the information specified in PSC 128.30, except as modified by PSC 128.61(6).
(b) A plan shall be submitted that includes information specified in Section 12.05.010 (h). The owner must also provide the following additional information on the plan or as part of the permit application:
1. Location of any overhead utility lines on or adjacent to the property.
2. Description and specifications of the components of the small wind energy system, including the manufacturer, model, capacity, blade length, and total height of the small wind energy system; and
3. Blueprints or drawings which have been approved by a registered professional engineer for any tower and tower foundation. [Code § 12.18.2-4.]
12.25.050 Filing requirements.
(a) Any document or paper required to be filed with the County pursuant to PSC 128 or this ordinance must be filed at or delivered to the Department’s office.
(b) Any document, paper, or other material submitted to the County that relates to an application must be delivered to the Department’s office.
(c) Any document or paper filed or otherwise submitted by an owner or any other interested party that relates to an application must be 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size. A person who wishes to submit a paper that is larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size shall also submit reduced copy that is 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size. [Code § 12.18.2-5.]
12.25.060 Conditions required for approval.
(a) An owner shall provide information showing that it has complied with the notification requirements of PSC 128.105(1), as modified by PSC 128.61(1).
(b) An owner shall provide information showing that it has complied with the notification requirements specified in PSC 128.14(6), as modified by PSC 128.61(4). [Code § 12.18.2-6.]
12.25.070 Abandonment and decommissioning.
(a) A small wind energy system that does not generate electricity for a continuous period of 540 days will be deemed abandoned and the Department may issue a Notice of Abandonment to the owner.
(b) If, within 30 days of receipt of a Notice of Abandonment, the owner provides the Department with information showing that the small wind energy system has not been abandoned, the Department will withdraw the Notice.
(c) Unless the Department withdraws the Notice of Abandonment, a small wind energy system tower must be decommissioned as prescribed by PSC 128.19. If the owner fails to remove a small wind energy system and reclaim the site, the County may remove or cause the removal of the small wind energy system and arrange for the reclamation of the site. The cost of removal and reclamation will become a lien upon the property and may be collected in the same manner as property taxes. [Code § 12.18.2-7.]
12.25.080 Code compliance.
A small wind energy system must comply with the National Electrical Code and all applicable state construction and electrical codes. The owner must provide certification from a state licensed inspector showing that the small wind energy system complies with all applicable codes before placing the small wind energy system into operation. [Code § 12.18.2-8.]
12.25.090 Electrical wires.
All electrical wires associated with a small wind energy system, other than wires necessary to connect the wind generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires, must be located underground. [Code § 12.18.2-9.]
12.25.100 Emergency communications corridors.
(a) An owner may not construct wind energy systems facilities within an emergency communication corridor, which is defined as the area within an existing line-of-sight communication path that is used by a government or military entity to provide services essential to protect public safety.
(b) An owner shall provide information showing that wind energy systems facilities will be in compliance with sub. (a).
(c) Kenosha County will provide the locations of emergency communication services and line-of-site corridors that are essential to protect public safety. [Code 12.18.2-10.]
12.25.110 Equipment access.
All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secure to prevent unauthorized access.
(a) An owner shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a wind turbine is not readily climbable except by authorized personnel.
(b) An owner shall ensure that all wind turbine access doors and electrical equipment are locked when authorized personnel are not present.
(c) An owner shall place appropriate warning signage on or at the base of each wind turbine.
(d) An owner shall clearly mark guy wires and supports for a wind energy system, meteorological tower or other device for measuring wind speeds so that the wires and supports are visible to low flying aircraft under fair weather conditions. [Code 12.18.2-11.]
12.25.120 Lighting.
(a) A small wind energy system may be artificially lighted only if lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(b) An owner shall use shielding or control systems approved by the federal aviation administration to reduce visibility of light to individuals on the ground. [Code 12.18.2-12.]
12.25.130 Noise.
(a) The noise generated by the operation of a small wind energy system may not exceed 50 db(A) during the daytime hours and 45 db(A) during the nighttime hours as measured at the outside wall of a nonparticipating residence or occupied community building that existed when the owner gave notice pursuant to PSC 128.105(1) or for which complete publicly available plans for construction were on file with a political subdivision within 30 days of the date when the owner gave notice pursuant to PSC 128.105(1).
(b) The owner of an adjacent nonparticipating residence or adjacent occupied community building may relieve the owner of the small wind energy system of the requirement to meet any of the noise limits in this section by written contract as provided in PSC 128.14(5) and (6).
(c) The owner shall provide the notice as prescribed by PSC 128.61(4).
(d) If an owner receives a complaint of a violation of the noise standards contained in PSC 128.14 and the owner has not provided the Department with the results of an accurate test conducted within 2 years prior to the date of the complaint showing that the small wind energy system is in compliance with the noise standard at the location relating to the complaint, the owner shall promptly conduct a noise study to evaluate compliance with the noise standards at that location using the most current version of the noise measurement protocol as described in PSC 128.50(2). [Code 12.18.2-13.]
12.25.140 Ownership change.
(a) An owner shall provide the County with notice of any change in ownership of the small wind energy system on or before the effective date of the change. [Code 12.18.2-14.]
12.25.150 State and federal permits.
(a) An owner shall submit a copy of all necessary state and federal permits and approvals to the Department. [Code 12.18.2-15.]
12.25.160 Setbacks.
(a) A small wind energy system must be set back at least 1.0 times the maximum blade tip height from any nonparticipating property line, nonparticipating residence, occupied community building or overhead communication and electrical transmission line, not including utility service lines to individual houses or outbuildings.
(b) The owner of an adjacent nonparticipating residence or adjacent occupied community building may waive the required setback distance. [Code 12.18.2-16.]
12.25.170 Signal interference.
(a) An owner shall use reasonable efforts to avoid causing interference with commercial and personal communications in use when the wind energy system begins operation to the extent practicable.
(b) If necessary, an owner shall, under a protocol established by PSC 128.50(2), implement a new technology solution that becomes commercially available before the small wind energy system is decommissioned to address interference. [Code 12.18.2-17.]
12.25.180 Utility interconnection.
(a) A small wind energy system that connects to the electric utility must comply with Wis. Admin. Code § PSC 119, Rules for Interconnecting Distributed Generation Facilities. [Code 12.18.2-18.]
12.25.190 Construction, operation and maintenance standards.
(a) An owner shall construct, operate, repair, maintain and replace wind energy system facilities as needed to keep the wind energy system in good repair and operating condition in a manner that protects individuals from injury.
(b) An owner shall notify the County of the occurrence and nature of a wind energy system emergency within 24 hours of the wind energy system emergency. [Code 12.18.2-19.]
12.25.200 Application processing.
(a) The application for a zoning permit will be processed following the procedures set forth in Stat. § 66.0403).
(b) An owner shall, on the same day that it files an application for a small wind energy system, use commercially reasonable methods to provide written notice of the filing of the application to property owners and residents located adjacent to the small wind energy system. The notice shall contain the information specified in PSC 128.30(5).
(c) Upon receipt of an application, the Department shall publish the notice required by Wis. Stat. § 66.0401(4)(a)(1) and PSC 128.30(5)(b).
(d) The Department will accept written comments on the application for a period of 10 days following the date of the published notice.
(e) If the permit application is denied, the Department will notify the owner in writing and provide a written statement of the reason why the application was denied. The owner may appeal the Department’s decision to the Board of Adjustments as provided by Section (Need correct reference). [Code 12.18.2-20.]
12.25.210 Completeness review.
(a) An application is complete if it complies with the filing requirements of this ordinance and of PSC 128.30(2) and 128.50(1).
(b) An application is considered filed the day the owner notifies the Department in writing that all the application materials have been filed.
(c) The Department shall determine the completeness of an application and shall notify the owner in writing of the completeness determination no later than 45 days after the day the application is filed.
(d) If the Department determines that the application is incomplete, it shall provide the owner with written notice stating the reasons for the determination. The owner shall provide additional information specified in the notice, and an additional 45-day completeness review period will begin the day after the Department receives responses to all items identified in the notice.
(e) If the owner fails to provide additional information specified in the notice of an incomplete application within 90 days, the application will be deemed abandoned. The owner may refile the application at a later date, subject to payment of a new application fee. There is no limit to the number of times that an owner may refile an application.
(f) If the County does not make a completeness determination within the applicable review period, the application is considered to be complete. [Code 12.18.2-21.]
12.25.220 Requests for additional information.
(a) The Department may request additional information necessary to understand the small wind energy system after determining that an application is complete.
(b) An owner shall provide additional information in response to all reasonable requests.
(c) An owner shall respond to all inquiries made subsequent to a determination of completeness in a timely, complete and accurate manner.
(d) If the owner fails to provide additional information requested within 90 days, the application will be deemed abandoned. The owner may refile the application at a later date, subject to the payment of a new application fee. There is no limit to the number of times that an owner may refile an application. [Code 12.18.2-22.]
12.25.230 Approval review.
(a) The Department shall have 90 days from the date that it notifies the owner that the application is complete in which to approve or disapprove the application.
(b) The review period may be extended upon written notice to the applicant for one or more of the following reasons; but the total time for all extensions may not exceed an additional 90 days:
1. Up to 45 days if additional information is needed.
2. Up to 90 days if the applicant makes a material modification to the application.
3. Up to 90 days for other good cause specified in writing.
(c) If the Department fails to act within the 90 days, or within any extended time period, the application will be considered approved. [Code 12.18.2-23.]
12.25.240 Written decision.
(a) The Department shall issue a written decision to grant or deny an application for a small wind energy system. The written decision must include findings of fact supported by evidence in the record. If an application is denied, the decision must specify the reason for the denial.
(b) The Department shall provide a duplicate original of its written decision to the owner and the public services commission (hereinafter referred to as the “commission”).
(c) The owner shall record the duplicate original of a decision approving an application with the register of deeds. [Code 12.18.2-24.]
12.25.250 Modifications.
(a) An owner shall comply with PSC 128.35 before making any material change to a small wind energy system.
(b) The Department will conduct a review of any application for a material change in a small wind energy system as provided for in PSC 128.35(2). [Code 12.18.2-25.]
12.25.260 Decommissioning review.
(a) An owner shall file a notice of decommissioning completion with the County and any political subdivision within which its small wind energy systems facilities are located when a small wind energy system approved by the County has been decommissioned and removed.
(b) The Department shall conduct a decommissioning review to determine whether the owner has decommissioned and removed the small wind energy system as required by PSC 128.19(1)(a).
(c) The owner shall cooperate with the County by participating in the decommissioning review process. [Code 12.18.2-26.]
12.25.270 Appeals.
(a) A decision by the Department that the application is incomplete, or to approve or disapprove the application, or to impose a restriction on a small wind energy system may be appealed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 12.55.010 to 12.55.080 or by appealing to the commission under Section 66.0401(5) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
(b) Any action by the County to enforce a restriction on a small wind energy system may be appealed to the commission.
(c) An appeal must be filed with the commission within 30 days after the date of the decision or the start of the enforcement action that is being appealed. [Code 12.18.2-27.]
12.25.280 Complaint process.
(a) An aggrieved person who has made a complaint to an owner in accordance with PSC 128.40 may petition the County for review of the complaint if it has not been resolved within 45 days of the day the owner received the original complaint.
(b) The petition for review must be filed with the Department within 90 days of the date of the original complaint.
(c) The petition must include the following:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the petition
2. Copy of the original complaint to the owner
3. Copy of the owner’s initial response
4. Statement describing the unresolved complaint
5. Statement describing the desired remedy
6. Any other information the complainant deems relevant to the complaint
7. Notarized signature of the person filing the petition.
(d) The Department shall forward a copy of the petition to the owner by certified mail within 10 days of the Department’s receipt of the petition.
(e) The owner shall file an answer to the petition with the Department and provide a copy of its answer to the complainant within 30 days of its receipt of the petition.
(f) The answer must include the following:
1. Name, address and telephone number of the person filing the answer
2. Statement describing the actions taken by the owner in response to the complaint
3. Statement of the reasons why the owner believes that the complaint has been resolved or why the complaint remains unresolved
4. Statement describing any additional action the owner plans or is willing to take to resolve the complaint
5. Any other information the owner deems relevant to the complaint
6. Notarized signature of the person filing the answer.
(g) The complainant and the owner may, within 30 days following the owner’s filing of its answer, file such additional information with the Department as each deems appropriate.
(h) The Department may request such additional information from the complainant and the owner as it deems necessary to complete its review.
(i) The Department may retain such consultants or experts as it deems necessary to complete its review.
(j) The Department shall issue a written decision and may take such enforcement action as it deems appropriate with respect to the complaint.
(k) The Department’s decision and enforcement action is subject to review under Wis. Stat. § 66.0401(5). [Code 12.18.2-28.]
12.26.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to adopt and incorporate the requirements of Wis. Stat. § 66.0401 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 as a local ordinance and to establish local regulations on the installation and use of large wind energy systems that are authorized by, compliant with, and no more restrictive than the rules promulgated by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and that serve to preserve or protect the public health or safety, do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency, or allow for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. Local regulations on the installation and use of small wind energy systems are contained in Section 12.25.010.
(a) Statutes, Regulations and Rules.
1. This section is subject to the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder.
2. Wis. Stat. § 66.0401 and Wis. Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 are adopted and incorporated by reference. [Code § 12.18.3-1.]
12.26.020 Definitions.
All definitions contained in Wis. Stat. § 66.0401 and Wisconsin Admin. Code Ch. PSC 128 as amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated by reference. [Code § 12.18.3-2.]
12.26.030 Zoning permit required.
(a) An owner must obtain the County’s approval before constructing a wind energy system or expanding an existing or previously approved wind energy system, and no wind turbine may be installed, constructed, or expanded without a zoning permit issued for a principal commercial structure by the Department under Section 12.05.010.
(b) The owner must pay an application fee at the time the application for a wind energy system is filed with the Department. See Section 12.26.220 for additional required fees.
(c) A zoning permit issued by the Department expires if construction of the wind energy system is not commenced within 24 months from the date of the permit. [Code § 12.18.3-3.]
12.26.040 Application requirements.
(a) An owner shall file an original application which contains the information required by PSC 128.30(2) with the Division of Planning and Development (hereinafter referred to as the “Department.)
(b) The owner shall submit 11 copies of the application to the Department and one copy of the application to the clerk of each town in which any wind energy system facility is proposed to be located.
(c) The owner may submit 1 digital copy of the application to the Department in a format that is acceptable to the Department.
(d) Each copy of the application shall include all documents, drawings, maps, worksheets, and other materials that are included in the original application. [Code § 12.18.3-4.]
12.26.050 Filing requirements.
(a) Any document or paper required to be filed with the County pursuant to PSC 128 or this ordinance must be filed at or delivered to the Department’s office.
(b) Any document, paper, or other material submitted to the County that relates to an application must be delivered to the Department’s office or submitted to the Department on the record at a public hearing.
(c) Any document or paper filed or otherwise submitted by an owner or any other interested party that relates to an application must be 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size. A person who wishes to submit a paper that is larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size shall also submit a reduced copy that is 8-1/2 x 11inches in size. [Code § 12.18.3-5.]
12.26.060 Conditions required for approval.
(a) An owner shall provide information about whether it has consulted with and received any nonbinding recommendations for construction, operating, or decommissioning the wind energy system from any federal or state agency and whether the owner has incorporated the nonbinding recommendation into the design of the wind energy system.
(b) An owner shall cooperate with any study of the effects of wind energy systems that is coordinated by a state agency.
(c) An owner shall submit a copy of all necessary state and federal permits and approvals to the County.
(d) An owner shall provide information showing that is has complied with the notification requirements specified in PSC 128.105(1), PSC 128.14(6) and PSC 128.15(5).
(e) An owner shall provide information showing that it has complied with the financial responsibility requirements specified in sec. 12.26.100.
(f) An owner shall submit a copy of all necessary state and federal permits and approvals to the County within 30 days of the owner’s receipt of any permit or approval that was not provided with the owner’s application. [Code § 12.18.3-6.]
12.26.070 Aerial spraying.
An owner shall offer an agreement that includes monetary compensation to a farm operator farming on a nonparticipating property located within one-half mile of a constructed wind turbine if the farm operator demonstrates all of the following:
(a) Substantial evidence of a history, before the wind energy system owner gives notice under PSC 128.105(1), of using aerial spraying for pest control or disease prevention for growing potatoes, peas, snap beans, or sweet corn on all or part of the farm field located within one-half mile of a constructed wind turbine.
(b) A material reduction in potato, pea, snap bean, or sweet corn production or a material increase in application costs on all or part of a farm field located within one-half mile of a constructed wind turbine as a result of the wind energy system’s effect on aerial spraying practices. [Code § 12.18.3-7.]
12.26.080 Annual reports.
An owner shall, on or before January 31 of each year, file an annual report with the Department documenting the operation and maintenance of the wind energy system during the previous calendar year. [Code § 12.18.3-8.]
12.26.090 Emergency procedures.
(a) An owner shall establish and maintain a liaison with each political subdivision within which its wind energy system facilities are located and with fire, police, and other appropriate first responders serving the area in which the wind energy system facilities are located in order to create effective emergency plans as required by PSC 128.18(4)(b).
(b) An owner shall distribute a copy of its emergency plans to the following:
1. Kenosha County Office of Emergency Management. Attn: Emergency Management Director
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140-3707
2. Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Attention: Kenosha County Sheriff
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
3. Clerk for any town or village within which its wind energy system facilities are located or that are within one-half mile of any of its wind energy systems facilities.
4. Clerk for any city within one-half mile of any of its wind energy systems facilities
5. Any fire, police, or other first responder identified by the County’s emergency management director or the clerk of any city, village, or town who has received a copy of the owner’s emergency plans.
(c) An owner shall provide annual training for the County’s emergency management department, sheriff’s department, and any other fire, police, or other first responder identified in the owner’s emergency plans. An owner shall provide at least 8 hours of training during each calendar year and is responsible for all direct training costs.
(d) If an owner is required to implement its emergency plans as the result of a wind energy system emergency, it shall conduct a review of employee activities to determine whether the procedures were effectively followed. The owner shall provide the County’s emergency management director with a copy of its review. If the review results in any changes to its emergency plans, the owner shall distribute the revised emergency plans as provided in sub. (b).
(e) An owner shall notify the County of the occurrence and nature of a wind energy system emergency within 24 hours of the wind energy system emergency. [Code § 12.18.3-9.]
12.26.100 Financial responsibility.
(a) An owner with a nameplate capacity of one megawatt or larger shall provide the County with financial assurance of the owner’s ability to pay the actual and necessary cost to decommission the wind energy system before commencing major civil construction activities.
(b) An owner shall provide the County with 3 estimates of the actual and necessary cost to decommission the wind energy system. The cost estimates shall be prepared by third parties agreeable to the owner and the County. The amount of financial assurance required by the County will be the average of the 3 estimates.
(c) An owner shall establish financial assurance that is acceptable to the County and that places the County in a secured position. The financial assurance must provide that the secured funds may only be used for decommissioning the wind energy system until such time as the County determines that the wind energy system has been decommissioned, as provided for in PSC 128.19(5)(b), or the County approves the release of the funds, whichever occurs first. The financial assurance must also provide that the County may access the funds for the purpose of decommissioning the wind energy system if the owner does not decommission the system when decommissioning is required.
(d) The County may periodically request information from the owner regarding industry costs for decommissioning the wind energy system. If the County finds that the future anticipated cost to decommission the wind energy system is at least 10 percent more or less than the amount of financial assurance provided under this section, the County may correspondingly increase or decrease the amount of financial assurance required.
(e) The County may require an owner to submit a substitute financial insurance of the owner’s choosing if an event occurs that raises material concern regarding the viability of the existing financial assurance. [Code § 12.18.3-10.]
12.26.110 Information.
(a) An owner shall, within 30 days of consulting with any federal or state agency about the construction, operation, or decommissioning of the wind energy system, provide the County with information about the reason for the consultation.
(b) An owner shall, within 30 days of receiving any nonbinding recommendation for the construction, operation, or decommissioning of the wind energy system from any federal or state agency, provide the County with information about the consultation and recommendation and whether the owner has incorporated the nonbinding recommendation into the design of the wind energy system. [Code § 12.18.3-11.]
12.26.120 Equipment access and condition.
(a) An owner shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a wind turbine is not readily climbable except by authorized personnel.
(b) All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secure to prevent unauthorized access. An owner shall ensure that all wind turbine access doors and electrical equipment are locked when authorized personnel are not present.
(c) An owner shall place appropriate warning signage on or at the base of each wind turbine.
(d) An owner shall post and maintain up−to−date signs containing a 24−hour emergency contact telephone number, information identifying the owner, and sufficient information to identify the location of the sign within the wind energy system. An owner shall post these signs at every intersection of a wind energy system access road with a public road and at each wind turbine location.
(e) An owner shall clearly mark guy wires and supports for a wind energy system, meteorological tower or other device for measuring wind speeds so that the wires and supports are visible to low flying aircraft under fair weather conditions.
(f) An owner shall construct, operate, repair, maintain and replace wind energy system facilities as needed to keep the wind energy system in good repair and operating condition in a manner that protects individuals from injury. [Code § 12.18.3-12.]
12.26.130 Lighting.
An owner shall use shielding or control systems approved by the federal aviation administration to reduce visibility of light to individuals on the ground. [Code § 12.18.3-13.]
12.26.140 Monetary compensation for nonparticipating residences.
(a) An owner shall offer an agreement to the owner of a nonparticipating residence, if the residence is located within one-half mile of a constructed wind turbine, that includes the following initial annual monetary compensation of $600 for 1 turbine located within one-half mile of a nonparticipating residence, $800 for two turbines located within one-half mile of a nonparticipating residence, and $1,000 for 3 or more turbines located within one-half mile of a nonparticipating residence.
(b) The initial annual monetary compensation under this subsection shall apply to agreements entered into in 2014. For agreements entered into in 2015 and thereafter, the initial annual amounts shall increase each year by the greater of two percent or the increase in the Consumer Price Index, as described in Wis. Stat. § 196.374(5)(bm)2 from the previous year.
(c) An agreement offered under this subsection shall specify in writing any waiver of a requirement or right under this ordinance or PSC 128 and whether the landowner’s acceptance of payment establishes the landowner’s property as a participating property under this ordinance or PSC 128. [Code § 12.18.3-14.]
12.26.150 Noise.
If an owner receives a complaint of a violation of the noise standards contained in PSC 128.14 and the owner has not provided the Department with the results of an accurate test conducted within 2 years of the date of the complaint showing that the wind energy system is in compliance with the noise standard at the location relating to the complaint, the owner shall promptly conduct a noise study to evaluate compliance with the noise standards at that location using the most current version of the noise measurement protocol as described in PSC 128.50(2) [Code § 12.18.3-15.]
12.26.160 Ownership change.
(a) An owner shall provide the County with notice of any change in ownership of the wind energy system on or before the effective date of the change.
(b) A notice of change in ownership of the wind energy system shall include information showing that the financial responsibility requirements specified in sec. 12.26.100 will be met following the change in ownership. [Code § 12.18.3-16.]
12.26.170 Signal interference.
(a) An owner shall use reasonable efforts to avoid causing interference with commercial and personal communications in use when the wind energy system begins operation to the extent practicable.
(b) An owner shall use reasonable and commercially available technology to mitigate interference with personal communications that were in use when the wind energy system began commercial operations. An owner shall also use reasonable and commercially available technology to mitigate interference with personal communications that were not in use when the wind energy system began commercial operations, if the wind energy system is causing the interference and the interference occurs at a location at least one-half mile from a wind turbine.
(c) An owner shall use reasonable and commercially available technology to mitigate interference caused by a wind energy system with commercial communications in use when a wind energy system begins operation.
(d) Before implementing mitigation measures, the owner shall consult with the affected parties regarding the preferred mitigation solution for personal and commercial communications interference problems. Except as provided in sub. (e), an owner shall mitigate personal communications interference caused by the wind energy system by making the affected party’s preferred reasonable mitigation solution effective until either the wind energy system is decommissioned or the communication is no longer in use, whichever is earlier.
(e) An owner shall, under a protocol established by PSC 128.50(2), implement a new technology solution that becomes commercially available before the wind energy system is decommissioned to address interference for which mitigation is required under PSC § 128.16(2) and (3) and for which the original mitigation solution is only partially effective. [Code § 12.18.3-17.]
12.26.180 Emergency communications corridors.
(a) Wind energy system facilities shall not be located within an emergency communication corridor, which is defined as the area within an existing line-of-sight communication path that is used by a government or military entity to provide services essential to protect public safety.
(b) Kenosha County will provide the locations of emergency communication services and line-of-site corridors that are essential to protect public safety. [Code § 12.18.3-18.]
12.26.190 Soil and drainage system protection.
(a) An owner shall utilize all applicable best practices in the placement, construction, operation, and maintenance of its wind energy facilities in order to minimize soil compaction, protect the topsoil, prevent topsoil mixing, and avoid and repair any damage to drainage systems on agricultural land.
(b) An owner shall describe the applicable best practices that it intends to use in the placement, construction, operation, and maintenance of its wind energy facilities in its application. [Code § 12.18.3-19.]
12.26.200 Studies.
An owner shall cooperate with any study of the effects of wind energy systems that is coordinated by a state agency. [Code § 12.18.3-20.]
12.26.210 Costs and fees.
(a) An applicant shall pay an application fee to the County at the time that it files its application. The fee will be applied to the cost of reviewing the application.
(b) An applicant is responsible for paying all costs incurred by the County in connection with the review and processing of the application, including the cost for services provided by outside attorneys, engineers, environmental specialists, planners, and other consultants and experts.
(c) An owner is responsible for paying all costs incurred by the County in connection with monitoring compliance during construction and assessing when wind energy facilities are not maintained in good repair and operation condition.
(d) The County shall invoice the applicant or owner for the actual and necessary costs incurred pursuant to this ordinance. The applicant or owner shall reimburse the County for those costs within 15 days of the date of invoice. [Code § 12.18.3-21.]
12.26.220 Consultants.
(a) The Department is authorized to contract with one or more engineers, environmental specialists, planners, and other consultants and experts to perform necessary services in connection with this ordinance.
(b) The corporation counsel is authorized to contract with outside attorneys to perform necessary services in connection with this ordinance. [Code § 12.18.3-22.]
12.26.230 Completeness review.
(a) An application is complete if it complies with the filing requirements of this ordinance and of PSC 128.30(2) and 128.50(1).
(b) An application is considered filed the day the owner notifies the Department in writing that all the application materials have been filed.
(c) The Department shall determine the completeness of an application and shall notify the owner in writing of the completeness determination no later than 45 days after the day the application is filed.
(d) If the Department determines that the application is incomplete, it shall provide the owner with written notice stating the reasons for the determination. The owner shall provide additional information specified in the notice, and an additional 45-day completeness review period will begin the day after the Department receives responses to all items identified in the notice.
(e) If the owner fails to provide additional information specified in the notice of an incomplete application within 90 days, the application will be deemed abandoned. The owner may refile the application at a later date, subject to payment of a new application fee. There is no limit to the number of times that an owner may refile an application.
(f) If the County does not make a completeness determination within the applicable review period, the application is considered to be complete. [Code § 12.18.3-23.]
12.26.240 Requests for additional information.
(a) The Department may request additional information necessary to understand the wind energy system after determining that an application is complete.
(b) An owner shall provide additional information in response to all reasonable requests.
(c) An owner shall respond to all inquiries made subsequent to a determination of completeness in a timely, complete, and accurate manner.
(d) If the owner fails to provide additional information requested within 90 days, the application will be deemed abandoned. The owner may refile the application at a later date, subject to the payment of a new application fee. There is no limit to the number of times that an owner may refile an application. [Code § 12.18.3-24.]
12.26.250 Approval review.
(a) The Department shall have 90 days from the date that it notifies the owner that the application is complete in which to approve or disapprove the application.
(b) The review period may be extended upon written notice to the applicant for one or more of the following reasons; but the total time for all extensions may not exceed 90 days:
1. Up to 45 days if additional information is needed.
2. Up to 90 days if the applicant makes a material modification to the application.
3. Up to 90 days for other good cause specified in writing.
(c) If the Department fails to act within the 90 days, or within any extended time period, the application will be considered approved.
(d) The Planning and Zoning Committee shall hold one public hearing during the initial 90-day application review period for the purpose of receiving public comments on the application. A hearing notice will be published and the hearing will normally be held at the first commission meeting following notice to the applicant that the application is complete.
(e) Written comments will be accepted for 10 days following the close of the hearing. [Code § 12.18.3-25.]
12.26.260 Written decision.
(a) The Department shall issue a written decision to grant or deny an application for a wind energy system. The written decision must include findings of fact supported by evidence in the record. If an application is denied, the decision must specify the reason for the denial.
(b) The Department shall provide a duplicate original of its written decision to the owner and the commission.
(c) The owner shall record the duplicate original of a decision approving an application with the register of deeds. [Code § 12.18.3-26.]
12.26.270 Modifications.
(a) An owner shall comply with PSC 128.35 before making any material change to a wind energy system.
(b) The Department will conduct a review of any application for a material change in a wind energy system as provided for in PSC 128.35(2). [Code § 12.18.3-27.]
12.26.280 Third-party construction inspector.
The Department may contract with a third-party inspector to monitor and report to the Department regarding the owner’s compliance with permit requirements during construction as provided for in PSC 128.36(2). The owner shall reimburse the County for the actual and necessary cost of the inspector. [Code § 12.18.3-28.]
12.26.290 Postconstruction filing requirement.
Within 90 days of the date a wind energy system commences operation, the owner shall file with the Department and the commission an as-built description of the wind energy system and all other information described in PSC 128.34(3). [Code § 12.18.3-29.]
12.26.300 Compliance monitoring.
(a) An owner shall maintain a maintenance log for each wind turbine. The log must contain the following information regarding any maintenance performed on the wind turbine:
1. date and time maintenance was performed.
2. nature of the maintenance performed.
3. reason for the maintenance.
(b) An owner shall, at the owner’s expense, provide the Department with a copy of the maintenance log for each wind turbine for each month within 5 calendar days after the end of the month.
(c) The Department may retain such consultants or experts as it deems necessary to assess and determine whether the wind energy system facilities are compliant or to assess whether the wind energy system facilities are being maintained in good repair and operating condition. [Code § 12.18.3-30.]
12.26.310 Abandonment and decommissioning.
(a) A large wind energy system that does not generate electricity for a continuous period of 360 days will be deemed abandoned and the Department may issue a Notice of Abandonment to the owner.
(b) If within 30 days of receipt of Notice of Abandonment, the owner provides the Department with information showing that the large wind system has not been abandoned, the Department will withdraw the notice.
(c) Unless the Department withdraws the Notice of Abandonment, the large wind energy system must be decommissioned as prescribed by PSC 128.19. If the owner fails to remove the large wind system and reclaim the site, the County may remove or cause the removal of the large wind energy system and arrange for reclamation of the site. The cost of removal and reclamation will become a lien upon the property and may be collected in the same manner as property taxes. [Code § 12.18.3-31.]
12.26.320 Decommissioning review.
(a) An owner shall file a notice of decommissioning completion with the County and any political subdivision within which its wind energy systems facilities are located when a wind energy system approved by the County has been decommissioned and removed.
(b) The Department shall conduct a decommissioning review to determine whether the owner has decommissioned and removed the wind energy system as required by PSC 128.19(1)(a) and whether the owner has complied with its site restoration obligation under PSC 128.19(4).
(c) The owner shall cooperate with the County by participating in the decommissioning review process. [Code § 12.18.3-32.]
12.26.330 Appeals.
(a) A decision by the Department that the application is incomplete, to approve or disapprove the application, or to impose a restriction on a wind energy system may be appealed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 12.55.010 to 12.55.110 or by appealing to the commission.
(b) Any action by the County to enforce a restriction on a wind energy system may be appealed to the commission.
(c) An appeal must be filed with the commission within 30 days after the date of the decision or the start of the enforcement action that is being appealed. [Code § 12.18.3-33.]
12.26.340 Complaint notice requirements.
(a) An owner shall comply with the notice requirements contained in PSC 128.42(1) and (2).
(b) An owner shall, before construction of a wind energy system begins, provide the Department with a copy of the notice issued pursuant to PSC 128.42(1), along with a list showing the name and address of each person to whom the notice was sent and a list showing the name and address of each political subdivision to which the notice was sent.
(c) An owner shall, before construction of a wind energy system begins, file with the Department the name and telephone number of the owner’s contact person for receipt of complaints or concerns during construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. The owner shall keep the name and telephone number of the contact person on file with the Department current. [Code § 12.18.3-34.]
12.26.350 Complaint monitoring.
(a) An owner shall maintain a complaint log as required by PSC 128.40(2)(d).
(b) An owner shall, at the owner’s expense, provide the Department with a copy of the complaint log for each month within 5 calendar days after the end of the month.
(c) An owner shall, before construction of a wind energy system begins, provide the Department with a written copy of the owner’s complaint resolution process. An owner shall provide the Department with a written copy of any changes to the complaint resolution process at least 30 days prior to implementing the change. [Code § 12.18.3-35.]
12.26.360 Complaint process.
(a) An aggrieved person who has made a complaint to an owner in accordance with PSC 128.40 may petition the County for review of the complaint if it has not been resolved within 45 days of the day the owner received the original complaint.
(b) The petition for review must be filed with the Department within 90 days of the date of the original complaint.
(c) The petition must include the following:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the petition.
2. Copy of the original complaint to the owner.
3. Copy of the owner’s initial response.
4. Statement describing the unresolved complaint.
5. Statement describing the desired remedy.
6. Any other information the complainant deems relevant to the complaint.
7. Notarized signature of the person filing the petition.
(d) The Department shall forward a copy of the petition to the owner by certified mail within 10 days of the Department’s receipt of the petition.
(e) The owner shall file an answer to the petition with the Department and provide a copy of its answer to the complainant within 30 days of its receipt of the petition.
(f) The answer must include the following:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the answer.
2. Statement describing the actions taken by the owner in response to the complaint.
3. Statement of the reasons why the owner believes that the complaint has been resolved or why the complaint remains unresolved.
4. Statement describing any additional action the owner plans or is willing to take to resolve the complaint.
5. Any other information the owner deems relevant to the complaint.
6. Notarized signature of the person filing the answer.
(g) The complainant and the owner may, within 30 days following the owner’s filing of its answer, file such additional information with the Department as each deems appropriate.
(h) The Department may request such additional information from the complainant and the owner as it deems necessary to complete its review.
(i) The Department may retain such consultants or experts as it deems necessary to complete its review.
(j) The Department shall issue a written decision and may take such enforcement action as it deems appropriate with respect to the complaint.
(k) The Department’s decision and enforcement action is subject to review under Wis. Stat. § 66.0401(5). [Code § 12.18.3-36.]
12.27.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to adopt and incorporate the requirements and standards of Sections 66.0401 and 66.0403, Wis. Stats., to regulate solar energy systems (hereinafter referred to as “SES”) for the production of electricity and/or conversion of energy for uses on site as well as those systems which produce electricity for off-site use and distribution. The regulations of this section have been established to ensure SES are sited, constructed, maintained, operated, and decommissioned in a manner that maximizes utilization of Kenosha County’s solar energy resources, while also balancing the need for clean renewable energy and protecting the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
(a) SES equal to 100 MW or greater shall follow the requirements of the PSC and must enter into a MOU with the County and the Town.
(b) SES less than 100 MW designed to provide energy to off-site uses and/or export to the wholesale or retail sale market, are considered a commercial use and are subject to the conditional use permit process as described in section 12.40 of the Municipal Code of Kenosha County.
(c) The Department will use the most recent industry accepted standards (U.S. Department of Energy) as it relates to average single-family electrical usage, daily watt hours formula, local peak sun hour numbers, or any other related standards for SES determinations.
(d) Kenosha County is not responsible to remove or force the removal of any structures or vegetation on adjacent properties that may exist at the time of installation or may be constructed/installed in the future to block any portion of the SES.
(e) All applications regulated by this section may be subject to additional conditions and restrictions consistent with but no more restrictive than those in Section 66.0401(1m), Wis. Stats., where such conditions are considered and applied on a case-by-case basis, as well as satisfy one of the following:
1. Serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety.
2. Does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency.
3. Allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. [Ord. 6 (2022).]
12.27.020 Definitions.
“Battery energy storage system (BESS)” means a device that enables stored energy to be released when users need it most.
“Individual use solar energy system” means a solar energy system, on-grid or off-grid, that generates electricity for the individual property owner with either building-mounted or ground-mounted solar collectors that are an accessory use for consumption to the principal use of the property not exceeding the capacity limits of this section.
“Off-grid solar energy system” means a solar energy system that is not connected to an existing substation or electric transmission infrastructure.
“On-grid solar energy system” means a solar energy system that is connected to an existing substation or electric transmission infrastructure.
“Operation and maintenance (O&M)” means a plan that details how the SES will be maintained and operated in a manner that maximizes utilization of Kenosha County’s solar energy resources, while also balancing the need for clean renewable energy and protecting the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
Reflector or Reflector System. Used in SES to concentrate sunlight onto the solar structure.
“Solar collector” means as defined in Section 66.0403(j), Wis. Stats: a device, structure or part of a structure whose substantial purpose is to transform solar energy into thermal, mechanical, chemical or electrical energy.
“Solar energy systems (SES)” means equipment that directly converts and then transfers solar energy into usable forms of thermal or electrical energy. A solar energy system is either for individual users or a commercial user who develops a solar farm. A solar energy system includes solar collectors, frames, supports and any mounting hardware, battery storage equipment, converters or invertors.
“Solar farm” means a solar energy system that generates electricity to serve many customers by wholesale or retail sale and not primarily for consumption on the property on which the system is located and is on-grid. The main land use of the property is to the solar energy system, requiring conditional use approval. [Ord. 6 (2022).]
12.27.030 Zoning permit required.
(a) An owner must obtain the County’s approval before constructing a SES or expanding an existing or previously approved SES, and no SES may be installed, constructed, or expanded without a zoning permit issued by the Department of Planning and Development (hereinafter referred to as the “Department”) under section 12.05.010 of the Municipal Code of Kenosha County.
(b) The owner must pay an application fee at the time the application for a SES is filed with the Department.
(c) A zoning permit issued by the Department expires if construction of the SES is not commenced within 18 months from the date of the permit. [Ord. 6 (2022).]
12.27.040 Districts.
(a) An individual use SES may be located, as an accessory use, in all zoning districts subject to the requirements, standards, and processes set forth in this section.
(b) A solar farm ground-mounted SES may be located in the A-1, A-2, A-4, and I-1 Districts as a conditional use, subject to the requirements set forth in section 12.40 of the Municipal Code of Kenosha County and this section. [Ord. 6 (2022).]
12.27.050 Application requirements.
(a) Plan applications for a SES shall meet the requirements of section 12.05.010(h) of the Municipal Code of Kenosha County, contain the information specified in Sections 66.0401 and 66.0403, Wis. Stats., and be accompanied by to-scale horizontal and vertical (elevation) drawings.
(b) Provide the manufacturer name, model number and total capacity.
(c) Roof-mounted SES except flat roofs, the elevation drawing(s) must show the highest finished slope of the solar collector and the slope of the finished roof surface on which it is mounted.
(d) Flat-roof-mounted SES, a drawing shall be submitted showing the following:
1. The distance to the roof edge and any parapets on the building and shall identify the height of the building on the street frontage side.
2. The proposed distance to property lines, right-of-way, and/or easement.
3. The highest finished height of the solar collector as well as the finished surface of the roof. [Ord. 6 (2022).]
12.27.060 Conditions required for approval.
(a) Capacity.
1. Residential Districts.
a. Less than one acre in area: capacity of the SES shall not exceed seven kilowatts in rated capacity.
b. Equal to or greater than one acre, but less than 10 acres in area: capacity of the SES shall not exceed 15 kilowatts in rated capacity.
2. Agricultural, Commercial, Manufacturing, Institutional and Park-Recreational Districts. Capacity of the SES shall not exceed over 110 percent of the electricity needs of the property. Property owner shall furnish applicable data.
3. Solar Farm. Capacity of the SES less than 100 MW.
(b) Height. SES must meet the following height requirements:
1. Roof-mounted SES shall not exceed the maximum allowed height in any zoning district, unless the system extends less than one foot from the surface from which it is directly attached or if the roof pitch is 2/12 or less then the system shall not extend more than six feet.
2. Ground- or pole-mounted SES shall not exceed 15 feet in height when oriented at maximum tilt.
(c) Setback(s).
1. Roof-Mounted SES. In addition to the structure setback, the collector surface and mounting devices shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted or built.
2. Ground- or Pole-Mounted SES. Ground- or pole-mounted SES may not extend into the required yard setbacks for the district when oriented at minimum design tilt.
(d) Location.
1. Shall not be located in the 100-year floodplain.
2. Shall not be located in a designated wetland.
(e) Coverage. Roof-mounted SES, excluding building-integrated systems, shall plan for adequate roof access for fire-fighting purposes to the south-facing or flat roof upon which the panels are mounted.
(f) Grades. The area of the SES shall not be artificially elevated to bring fill as to elevate the SES area higher than the existing grades of the property.
(g) Visibility. SES shall be designed to blend into the architecture of the building to the extent such provisions do not diminish solar production or increase costs, consistent with Section 66.0401, Wis. Stats.
(h) Reflectors. All SES using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize reflected light from the reflector affecting adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize reflected light include selective placement of the system, screening on the north side of the solar collector, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit reflected light.
(i) Historic Buildings. SES on buildings within HO Historical Overlay District adopted under this chapter or on locally designated historic buildings (exclusive of state or federal historic designation) must receive approval from the Advisory Historical Preservation Commission, consistent with the standards for SES on historically designated buildings published by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
(j) Other Standards and Codes. All commercial use SES shall be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulatory codes, including the State of Wisconsin Uniform Building Code, as amended; and the National Electric Code; and, if necessary, the Wisconsin State Plumbing Code, as amended.
1. All roof-mounted and/or integrated SES shall only be permitted if it is determined the additional weight, infrastructure, and/or modifications will not compromise the structural integrity of the building.
(k) Wires. All electrical wires associated with a ground-mounted solar energy system, other than wires necessary to connect the solar energy system to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires, must be located underground.
(l) Noise. All converters and inverters shall be located away from adjacent residences.
(m) Good Repair. An owner shall construct, operate, repair, maintain and replace solar energy system facilities as needed to keep the solar energy system in good repair and operating condition in a manner that protects the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.
(n) Utility Notification. All on-grid SES shall comply with the interconnection requirements of the electric utility. [Ord. 6 (2022).]