Village of Balsam Lake, WI Article I General Provisions

§ 300-1 Purpose.

A. The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum requirements to promote the health, safety, morals, prosperity, aesthetics and general welfare of the Village of Balsam Lake.

B. This chapter is intended to encourage development which is economically viable, meets the needs of the community and is environmentally sensitive. The standards are not intended to be arbitrary or to inhibit creative solutions.

C. This chapter is intended to:

(1) Streamline the review of applications for development, including permit review of proposed developments within the areas designated for growth on the Zoning Map.

(2) Offer flexible development regulations that promote innovative and cost-effective site design while protecting the environment.

(3) Promote economic development in areas designated for growth through the use of innovative and flexible techniques.

§ 300-2 Applicability.

A. This chapter applies to all lands and waters within the corporate limits of the Village of Balsam Lake and those lands outside the Village of Balsam Lake corporate limits that are approved by a majority of the members of the appropriate joint extraterritorial zoning committee pursuant to § 62.23(7a), Wis. Stats.

B. No vacant land can be occupied or used and no building can be erected, altered or moved without meeting or exceeding the requirements of this chapter.

§ 300-3 Authority.

The Village Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Community Development Authority, Building Inspector, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Police Department and Village Clerk-Treasurer are authorized to administer this chapter. Their responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Village Clerk-Treasurer.

(1) Responds to permit application requests.

(2) Distributes local ordinances to potential developers and concerned citizens.

(3) Collects requests, applications and submission requirements at Village Hall.

(4) Collects conditional use permit (CUP) applications.

(5) Collects notices of appeal.

(6) Collects requests for certificates of occupancy.

(7) Collects building permit applications.

B. Zoning Administrator.

(1) Reviews and grants zoning permit applications and submissions.

(2) Conducts field inspections, with the Building Inspector, prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

(3) Reviews notices of appeal.

(4) Reviews the design and construction of sewage disposal facilities.

(5) Reviews the CUP application and forwards the CUP application to the Planning Commission.

C. Building Inspector.

(1) Maintains a current file of all nonconforming uses.

(2) Reviews and grants building permit applications and submissions.

(3) Conducts field inspections, with or without the Zoning Administrator, prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.[1]

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

(4) Provides day-to-day administration and interpretation of the Building Code.

D. Planning Commission.

(1) Reviews building permit applications and submissions, as needed.

(2) Makes recommendations to the Village Board for review.

(3) Reviews CUP applications and makes recommendations.

E. Village Board.

(1) Establishes building permit fees.

(2) Reviews building applications and submissions.

(3) Considers recommendations of the Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator.

(4) May amend this chapter or the Zoning Map.

(5) Listens to appeals regarding application of this chapter.

(6) Grants CUP applications.

F. Zoning Board of Appeals.

(1) Reviews notices of appeal with the Zoning Administrator.

(2) Varies regulations of this chapter or rejects notices of appeal.

G. Police Department.

(1) Issues citations at the request of the Zoning Administrator.

(2) Enforces penalties.

§ 300-4 Interpretation.

A. The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted and applied as minimum requirements, shall be construed in favor of the Village and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any power granted by the Wisconsin Statutes.

B. Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.