Town of Pittsfield, WI Article XIV Ponds

§ 275-94 Applicability.

The following regulations shall apply to all ponds hereinafter constructed or developed within the Town of Pittsfield.

§ 275-95 Location.

A. Ponds may be allowed as a permitted use in the R-1, R-1S, R-2, and R-3 Zones.

B. A pond may also be allowed as a permitted use in the A-1 Agriculture and AG-FP Districts, and incidental to the farm operations, or if used as a farm pond for agricultural activity.

§ 275-96 Permit.

A. The property owner, developer, or his/her assigned agent shall make application for a pond permit to the Town Board prior to construction. The pond fee shall be as provided in the Town Fee Schedule,[1] which includes inspection fees.[2]

[1] Editor's Note: The Fee Schedule is on file in the Town offices.

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

B. The Town Planning Commission shall review and approve the site plan before recommending the Town Board issue the pond permit.

C. Construction of a pond before permit is issued will result in the doubling of the permit fee.

§ 275-97 Site plans. [1]

The site plan shall show the following:

A. A map drawn at a minimum scale of one inch to 200 feet showing the proposed pond size and the adjoining property within 500 feet of the site.

B. Layout of the proposed lots and other buildings, if applicable.

C. The type of existing and/or proposed sanitary facilities to be installed in the development.

D. The source of existing and/or proposed water supply for any proposed dwellings or buildings.

E. The water maintenance level for the pond.

F. Surface drainage sources and topography.

G. Existing and proposed roadways.

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

§ 275-98 Pond size.

A. Any pond of less than two acres in area shall adhere to the conditions of this chapter.

B. The center portion of the pond shall be excavated deep enough to maintain a water depth of eight feet, with the sides of the pond having a minimum slope of 3:1.

C. The pond shall be placed no closer than 15 feet to any property line.

§ 275-99 Other requirements.

A. The pond site shall be field reviewed prior to and at the completion of the pond by the Town Zoning Administrator.

B. The pond site shall comply with all sanitary codes.

C. Ponds constructed adjacent to a navigable body of water shall comply with the regulations set forth by the Wisconsin Statutes and the Department of Natural Resources.

D. If constructed as a fish or wildlife facility, it shall comply with the requirements and recommendations of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of Natural Resources.

E. The groundwater table in the surrounding area and adjacent to the pond shall be protected.

F. State permits shall be required if high-capacity wells are drilled on the site.

G. The Department of Natural Resources requirements shall be met to ensure proper safety of swimmers.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).

H. The perimeter of the pond shall be landscaped and seeded within six months after completion of the excavation.

I. All ponds shall be completed within one year of the issuance date of the pond permit. Permits may be extended for cause upon approval of the Town Board.