A. 
It is the intent of this chapter to ensure that any and all projects that are subject to Adams County Planning and Zoning Department ordinances are executed in accordance with all applicable administrative rules, codes and ordinances. Additionally, it is intent of this chapter to set forth the administration processes and requirements for various ordinances enforced by the Adams County Planning and Zoning Department.
B. 
The Adams County Planning and Zoning Department issues permits under building construction, comprehensive zoning, floodplain zoning, shoreland zoning, mobile services facility and support structures, and sanitary ordinances. Contractors who do work within Adams County should be familiar with the permit and inspection requirements of the ordinances; however, many property owners report being misinformed about permit and inspection requirements by contractors. This leads to property owners being subjected to orders for correction, double fees and citations when they reasonably relied on a professional in the field who should be knowledgeable about such requirements. This chapter addresses this concern by placing responsibility on contractors in addition to property owners.
This chapter is to accompany and apply to all ordinances administered by the Adams County Planning and Zoning Department, whether or not a permit is required, and to provide additional regulations and requirements for permit issuance, compliance and violation correction.
A. 
This chapter and the various parts, sections, subsections, and clauses are declared to be severable. If any part, section, subsection, clause, provision, or portion of this chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected.
B. 
If any application of this chapter to a particular structure, land, or water is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not be applicable to any other structure, land, or water not specifically included in the judgment.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing easements, covenants, deed restrictions, agreements, ordinances, rules, regulations, or permits previously adopted or issued pursuant to law. However, wherever this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the County and shall not be construed a limitation or repeal of any other power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes.
The Zoning Administrator may exercise the following duties and powers:
A. 
Advise applicants as to the provisions of Chapters 382, Land Division, 405, Comprehensive Zoning, 166, Building Construction, 294, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, 370, Floodplain Zoning, 386, Mobile Service Facilities and Support Structures, and 396, Shoreland, Wetland, and Habitat Protection, of the Code and assist them in preparing permit applications.
B. 
Issue permits and inspect properties for compliance with the Code.
C. 
Administer the County Building Construction Code in any municipality that chooses to delegate enforcement authority to the County.
D. 
Keep records of all permits issued, inspections made, work approved and other official actions, such as:
(1) 
All permits issued, inspections made, and work approved;
(2) 
Documentation of certified lowest floor and regional flood elevations;
(3) 
Floodproofing certificates.
(4) 
Water surface profiles, floodplain Zoning Maps and ordinances, and nonconforming uses and structures, including changes, appeals, variances and amendments.
(5) 
All substantial damage assessment reports for floodplain structures.
(6) 
List of nonconforming structures and uses.
E. 
Have access to any structure or premises between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of performing duties. Application for and issuance of a zoning or building permit shall constitute permission by the owner for said access.
F. 
Investigate violations of Chapters 382, Land Division, 405, Comprehensive Zoning, 166, Building Construction, 294, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, 370, Floodplain Zoning, 386, Mobile Service Facilities and Support Structures, and 396, Shoreland, Wetland, and Habitat Protection, of the Code. Violations shall be reported to the Planning and Zoning Committee.
G. 
Issue written orders for correction of chapter violations.
H. 
Issue citations for noncompliance and/or refer violations to Corporation Counsel for prosecution.
I. 
Oversee Zoning Office and staff.
J. 
Per § 91.48(2), Wis. Stats., by March 1 of each year, provide to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection a report of the number of acres that the County has rezoned out of the AG-1 with Farmland Preservation District the previous year and a map that clearly shows the location of those areas.
K. 
Review subdivision plats, county plats and certified survey maps for compliance with Chapter 382 of the Adams County Code of Ordinances, and approve or reject such maps.
L. 
Inspect and assess all damaged floodplain structures to determine if substantial damage to the structures has occurred.
M. 
Submit copies of the following items to the Department of Natural Resources regional office:
(1) 
Within 10 days of the decision, a copy of any decisions on variances, appeals for map or text interpretations, and map or text amendments affecting floodplains;
(2) 
Copies of case-by-case analyses and other required information including an annual summary of floodplain zoning actions taken;
(3) 
Copies of substantial damage assessments performed and all related correspondence concerning the assessments.
N. 
Investigate, prepare reports, and report violations of this chapter to the Planning and Zoning Committee. Copies of the reports shall also be sent to the Department regional office at their request.
O. 
Submit copies of floodplain amendments to the FEMA regional office.
P. 
Review POWTS sanitary permit applications for one- and two-family residences or as approved through agent status by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Review Adams County permit applications for POWTS, non-plumbing sanitation systems or use permits within the scope of this article.
Q. 
Issue sanitary and Adams County permits and keep records of all permits issued, inspections made, work approved, and official actions.
R. 
Apply for and distribute grants obtained through the Wisconsin Fund Grant Program.
Wherever, in the course of administration and enforcement of this chapter or any chapter it applies to, it is necessary or desirable to make any administrative decision, then, unless other standards are in the respective chapter, the decision shall be made so that the result will not be contrary to the spirit and purpose of this chapter or injurious to the surrounding neighborhood.