FAQs • Douglas County, WI • CivicEngage

What is the difference between a land use permit and a conditional use permit?: The Douglas County Zoning Ordinance includes a map of the county identifying the zoning districts. Each zoning district has a number of allowed uses and uses allowed with a conditional use permit. The primary difference is that a land use permit is approved by the Zoning Administrator and does not require approval by the Zoning Committee. A conditional use permit does require a public hearing and approval by the Zoning Committee.

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Planning & Zoning

1. I live out in the country. Do I need a permit to build?: The Douglas County Zoning Ordinance states that a land use permit is required to be applied for and issued prior to construction of any structure. Due to the complexity of each situation it is best to contact our office directly to describe your project. The experienced Zoning Department staff will ask a series of questions to identify the property and will guide you through the entire permitting process.

2. Do I need five acres to build?: Not necessarily. Contained in the Douglas County Zoning Ordinance are minimum lot width and area dimensions for newly created parcels of land in each zoning district. The ordinance includes lot dimensions for lots in the shoreland district near lakes and streams.

3. What is the difference between a land use permit and a conditional use permit?: The Douglas County Zoning Ordinance includes a map of the county identifying the zoning districts. Each zoning district has a number of allowed uses and uses allowed with a conditional use permit. The primary difference is that a land use permit is approved by the Zoning Administrator and does not require approval by the Zoning Committee. A conditional use permit does require a public hearing and approval by the Zoning Committee.