Land Use, Zoning, and Sanitary

County zoning helps guide how land is used and developed so growth is safe and well organized.

Where it applies

County zoning applies in 13 of Outagamie County's 19 townships. Cities, villages, and some towns have their own zoning. Check your property location to confirm who handles zoning.

What to expect

Zoning rules may affect what you can build and where, and whether you need County approval before starting a project.

Additional Resources

Zoning Permit Information Guide(PDF, 446KB)

Zoning Committee

The Zoning Committee reviews and acts on zoning-related items, and makes recommendations for County action.

The Committee meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. in the County Board Room. Minutes are draft until approved at the following meeting.

Zoning Committee Meeting Packets

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The BOA is appointed by the County Executive and has five members (three members and two alternates).

What the BOA does

The BOA reviews appeals and requests for exceptions related to County zoning, shoreland, and floodplain rules. BOA decisions can be appealed to Circuit Court.

Meetings and applying

The BOA typically meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, as needed. Submit a complete application at least 3 weeks before the meeting.

For questions, contact the Zoning Administrator.

Meeting materials

Packets are available below. For materials before 9/2/2022, contact DLS staff.

• 2026- January 16(PDF, 3MB)
• 2025- December 5(PDF, 9MB)
• 2024- March 15(PDF, 8MB)
• 2023- May 19(PDF, 43KB)
• 2023- February 17(PDF, 2MB)
• 2023- February 3 Adjourned
• 2022- August 5 Cancelled
• 2022- September 2(PDF, 2MB)

Members of the BOA

• Roy Hegard (term exp. 7/1/2026)
• George Fickau (term exp. 6/30/2026)
• Diane Rowe (term exp. 6/30/2026)
• Melissa Kraemer-Badtke- Alternate (term exp. 6/30/2026)
• Harold Steenbock- Alternate (term exp. 6/30/2026)

Land division rules guide how property can be split or reconfigured. The County's review helps ensure new parcels are legal, buildable, properly served (sewer or septic), and have safe access, while coordinating with local municipalities and state requirements.

What counts as a land divison

A land division usually means creating new lots/parcels or changing lot lines in a way that affects buildability or access.

Common land division types

Most requests are reviewed as a Certified Survey Map (CSM) or a subdivision plat, depending on size and complexity.

Stormwater and Erosion Control

Stormwater and erosion control rules help prevent flooding, soil loss, and water pollution during construction and other land-disturbing work. Depending on your project, you may need a permit and approved controls before you start.

MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System)

An MS4 is a public stormwater system- like storm sewers, ditches, and ponds- that carries runoff to lakes, streams, and wetlands. Communities with MS4 permits must take steps to reduce pollution in runoff. The County supports MS4 compliance by coordinating stormwater requirements with permitted municipalities and the Wisconsin DNR.

MS4 Annual Reports

• 2025 MS4 Annual Report(PDF, 684KB)
• 2024 MS4 Annual Report(PDF, 297KB)
• 2023 MS4 Annual Report(PDF, 69MB)

Outagamie County administers Airport Zoning to support safe operations at Appleton International Airport (ATW) and protect nearby airspace. These rules set land use and height limits near the airport to reduce hazards such as tall structures, certain lighting/glare, and uses that attract wildlife. They help protect public safety and provide clear development expectations for nearby properties. 

If public sewer is not available, new construction will need a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)- often called a septic system.

When a sanitary permit is required

A Sanitary Permit is required before any construction begins and before a building permit can be issued. Permits are typically needed for new systems, replacements, changes to an existing system, or added use (such as an addition that increases wastewater flow).

Who applies

Property owners cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted electronically in CityView by a licensed plumbing contractor. Questions can be directed to a Code Inspector.

Plan ahead

Soil testing, review, and inspections take time. Do not start excavation (including topsoil stripping) until all required permits are issued- starting early may result in double permit fees.

Resources

WOWRA Septic System Booklet(PDF, 621KB)

Care & Maintenance of Residential Septic Systems(PDF, 853KB)

Outagamie County's Shoreland Zoning Ordinance guides development near lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands to help protect water quality, reduce erosion and runoff, and support public safety. Shoreland rules often work alongside County zoning, septic (POWTS), and stormwater/erosion control requirements.

Where it applies

Shoreland zoning generally applies to property within 300 feet of navigable waters and in mapped shoreland-wetland areas. Because maps and site conditions matter, confirm shoreland status early in project planning.

When review is commonly needed

County review is often required for new buildings or additions, decks/retaining walls and other shoreline improvements, grading or filling, vegetation removal, and work close to the water.

Outagamie County's Floodplain Ordinance guides development in mapped flood hazard areas to help protect people and property, reduce flood damage, and meet state and federal floodplain standards. It also helps ensure projects do not increase flood risk for neighboring properties and supports eligibility for flood insurance and disaster assistance.

Where it applies

Floodplain rules generally apply to properties in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas and other County-adopted floodplain districts. Because mapping can be parcel-specific, confirm floodplain status early- especially before buying, designing, or placing fill.

When review is commonly needed

County review is often required for new buildings or additions, major remodels, fill/grading/excavation, changes to drainage or crossings, and repairs or replacement after flood damage.