Oconto County, WI

04/10/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/10/2024 13:30

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Oconto County Land & Water Resources Committee of the Oconto County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on May 13, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM or as soon thereafter as the committee convenes at the Town of Stiles Town Hall, 5718 Watercrest Rd., Lena WI 54139, to solicit comments on proposed text amendments to Chapter 14 Oconto County Zoning Ordinance of the Oconto County Code of Ordinances. The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance text amendments is to clarify ordinance standards to be consistent with the Oconto County Comprehensive Plan. The text amendments to the Oconto County Zoning Ordinance are on file in the office of the Oconto County Clerkfor a period of two weeks prior to the public hearing.

Text amendments to the Oconto County Zoning Ordinance are as follows: Where bold and underlined print is appears it indicates an addition to the Ordinance. Where strikethrough print appears it indicates a deletion from the Ordinance.

A parcel is permitted to have only one dwelling used for human habitation per parcel unless otherwise specifically permitted within a Zoning District and shall conform to the following standards: Furthermore, the regulations contained herein are not intended to conflict with and shall comply with applicable provisions of Wisconsin regulations. Applicable Wisconsin Statutes shall preempt any conflicts:

  1. Any dwelling used for human habitation must contain a minimum of 700 square feet of above ground habitable living area. Living areas in enclosed basements, walkout basements or similar below grade floors shall not be calculated in the minimum habitable living area.
  2. Two existing dwellings cannot be attached, combined or otherwise joined to each other.
  3. The dwelling has a minimum nominal width of 14 feet,
  4. The dwelling has a nominal roof pitch of three (3) inches of rise per twelve (12) inches of run,
  5. An existing dwelling that was constructed no more than 15 years prior to the date of application. Additions to existing conforming structures that are 15 years or older are not prohibited by this ordinance.
  6. A dwelling that does not meet the criteria in 14.427 (c), (d) or (e) may be used for human habitation upon review by the local Town Board or Town authorized official for applicable UDC standards.
  1. Dwelling is to be constructed in accordance with accepted construction practices and building codes. In no case shall a shipping container or cargo container(s), or parts thereof, be used as a dwelling.
  2. In addition to the above standards, parcels zoned R-1, R-2 & R-3 shall only be allowed one (1) attached garage per dwelling unit and in no case shall the footprint of the attached garage exceed the dwelling units exterior dimensions.

14.429 Livestock

  1. Domesticated Fowl
  1. It is the purpose of this section to provide standards for the keeping of domesticated fowl. It is intended to enable residents to keep a small number of fowlin a non-commercial basis on parcels zoned R-1 Residential Single Family District.
  1. Definitions
  1. Fowl - means chickens, ducks or quail.

(B) Pen - shall mean a wire enclosure connected to a coop for the purpose of allowing fowl to leave the coop while remaining in an enclosed, predator-safe environment.

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(D) Coop - shall mean a structure for the sheltering of fowl. An existing shed or garage can be used for this purpose if it meets the standards contained in this section including the required setbacks .

(3) Number and Type of Fowl Allowed

  1. The maximum number of fowl allowed is eight (8) per compliant lot.
  2. Only female chickens are allowed, no roosters. Male or female ducks/quail are allowed. There is no restriction on fowl species.

(4) Coop and Pen Construction

The fowl shall be provided with a covered coop and attached pen. Fowl shall not be allowed out of the coop or pen.

(5) Location

  1. Fowl coops and pens shall not be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any side or rear lot line, fifty (50) feet to any adjacent dwelling and higher than 10ft from existing grade.
  2. Fowl coops and pens shall not be located closer than seventy-five (75) feet from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of any lake, river or stream.
  3. Fowl coops and pens, pursuant to this section are allowed by permit in the R-1 Residential Single Family District.
  4. Fowl coops and pens shall not be located in the front yard of a dwelling.
  1. Conditions of permit
  1. All food supplies shall be kept in a secure and rodent-proof container.

(B) Coops and runs shall be kept clean, dry and in sanitary condition at all times in such a manner as to not disturb the use or enjoyment of adjoining property due to noise, odor or any other adverse impact.

(C) The outdoor slaughtering of fowl is prohibited on residential property.

(D) Rental property requires owner written consent to raise domesticated fowl.

  1. Raising of fowl is prohibited inside of residence.

All persons interested are invited to attend this hearing and provide comments. Written comments may be submitted to Oconto County Land & Water Resources Committee, 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153 or by email to [email protected]. All written comments are to be received at least 24 hours prior to the public hearing.

For viewing of the proposed ordinance text amendments, please refer to the Oconto County Website http://www.co.oconto.wi.us.

Dated this 10th day of April, 2024.

OCONTO COUNTY LAND & WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE OF THE OCONTO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By: Patrick Virtues

Oconto County Zoning Administrator