Pierce County, WI Article I Statutory Authorization; Finding of Fact; Statement of Purpose; Title

§ 242-1 Statutory authorization.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authorization in § 59.692, Wis. Stats., to implement §§ 59.692 and 281.31, Wis. Stats.

§ 242-2 Finding of fact.

Uncontrolled use of the shorelands and pollution of the navigable waters of Pierce County will adversely affect the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare and impair the tax base. The Legislature of Wisconsin has delegated responsibility to the counties to further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions; prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life; control building sites, placement of structures, and land uses; and preserve shore cover and natural beauty. This responsibility is hereby recognized by Pierce County, Wisconsin.

§ 242-3 Purpose and intent.

For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and to promote and protect the public trust in navigable waters this chapter has been established to:

A. Further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions and prevent and control water pollution through:

(1) Limiting structures to those areas where soil and geological conditions will provide a safe foundation.

(2) Establishing minimum lot sizes to provide adequate area for private on-site waste treatment systems.

(3) Controlling filling and grading to prevent soil erosion problems.

(4) Limiting impervious surfaces to control runoff which carries pollutants.

B. Protect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life through:

(1) Preserving wetlands and other fish and aquatic habitat.

(2) Regulating pollution sources.

(3) Controlling shoreline alterations, dredging, and lagooning.

C. Control building sites, placement of structures, and land uses through:

(1) Prohibiting certain uses detrimental to the shoreland-wetlands.

(2) Setting minimum lot sizes and widths.

(3) Setting minimum building setbacks from waterways.

(4) Setting the maximum height of near shore structures.

D. Preserve and restore shoreland vegetation and natural scenic beauty through:

(1) Restricting the removal of natural shoreland cover.

(2) Preventing shoreline encroachment by structures.

(3) Controlling shoreland excavation and other earthmoving activities.

(4) Regulating the use and placement of boathouses and other structures.

§ 242-4 Title.

This chapter shall be known as the "Pierce County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance," hereinafter referred to as "this chapter" or "this ordinance."