This chapter shall be known, cited, and referred to as the "Village of Williams Bay Zoning Ordinance", except where as referred to herein, where it shall be known as "this chapter."
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by statutes of the State of Wisconsin. Specific statutory references are provided within the body of this chapter solely as a means of assisting the reader. Such references are not to be considered as all-inclusive and shall in no manner be construed so as to limit the application or interpretation of this chapter. See §§ 62.23(7), 61.351 and 87.30, Wis. Stats.
This chapter is adopted for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the public.
A. 
In consonance with the basic purpose stated in § 390-0103 and to implement the same, the regulations herein are intended to provide a regulatory framework for land use within the Village, which will aid in achieving a harmonious and compatible relationship between various uses consistent with the rights of property ownership, the general public welfare, and the established goals for community development and character. To this intent, it is designed to relate realistically to those physical, economic, and environmental factors that would significantly influence the appropriate development and use of land and to provide maximum flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to changing physical and economic conditions and societal concerns.
B. 
The regulations are designed to utilize performance standards wherever possible to evaluate the actual impact of uses or activities upon the community rather than to rely solely on preset and fixed formulas. Recognizing the unique character of the Village resulting from its topography, its location on the shores of Geneva Lake, and its development as a predominantly residential, lake-oriented community, these regulations are also specifically designed to preserve this character, to protect the waters of Geneva Lake, and to effectively harmonize the rights and concerns of Village residents with those of the general public attracted by the resort and recreational facilities on the lake.
C. 
Further, it is the intent of this chapter to regulate the use of all structures, lands, and waters; regulate lot coverage, population distribution, and density; and regulate size and location of all structures so as to control and lessen congestion on and promote the safety and efficiency of the streets and highways; secure safety from fire, flooding, panic, and other dangers; provide adequate light, air, sanitation, and drainage; protect groundwater resources; prevent overcrowding of land; avoid undue population concentration; facilitate the adequate provision of public facilities and utilities; facilitate the use of solar devices and other innovative development techniques; stabilize and protect property values; preserve and protect burial sites; further the appropriate use of land and conservation of natural resources; preserve and promote the beauty of the community; and implement the goals and objectives of the Village of Williams Bay Comprehensive Plan.
D. 
In addition, the floodway and floodplain fringe overlay zoning regulations set forth in this chapter have been adopted to prevent and control erosion, sedimentation, and other pollution of surface waters; to further the maintenance of safe and healthful water conditions and prevent flood damage to persons and property; and to minimize expenditures for flood relief and flood control projects. To this end, it is further intended to provide for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and to provide penalties for its violation.
E. 
In addition, the Shoreland-Wetland Overlay zoning regulations set forth in this chapter have been adopted to preserve, protect, and enhance the ponds, streams, shorelands, and wetland areas to maintain safe and healthful conditions. To this end, it is further intended to provide for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and to provide penalties for its violation.
This chapter is applicable to all territory located within the corporate limits of the Village of Williams Bay.
A. 
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the Village of Williams Bay Village Board that provisions of this chapter are separable in accordance with the following:
(1) 
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge any provision of this chapter to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect any other provisions of this chapter not specifically included in said judgment.
(2) 
If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge invalid the application of any portion of this chapter to a particular property, water, building, or structure, such judgment shall not affect the application of said provision to any other property, water, building, or structure not specifically included in said judgment.
B. 
If any requirement or limitation attached to an authorization given under this chapter is found invalid, it shall be presumed that the authorization would not have been granted without the requirement or limitation and, therefore, said authorization shall also be invalid.
C. 
The Village does not guarantee, warrant, or represent that only those areas designated as floodplain will be subject to periodic inundation and hereby asserts that there is no liability on the part of the Village, its officers, employees, agents, or representatives for any flood damages, sanitation problems, or structural damages.
It is not intended that this chapter abrogate or interfere with any constitutionally protected vested right. It is also not intended that this chapter abrogate, repeal, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing easements, covenants, deed restrictions, agreements, 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.
A. 
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare, and shall be liberally construed in favor of the Village and shall not be construed to be a limitation or repeal of any other power now possessed by the Village of Williams Bay.
B. 
Where property is affected by the regulations imposed by any provision of this chapter and by other governmental regulations, the regulations that are more restrictive or that impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail. Regardless of any other provision of this chapter, no land shall be developed or used, and no structure erected or maintained, in violation of any state or federal regulations. Where there are conflicts between or among regulations within this chapter, the regulations that are more restrictive or that impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail. In all instances, where there are conflicts between the text of this chapter and any tables or figures of this chapter, the text shall prevail.
C. 
No structure, land, water, or air shall hereafter be used and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a building permit, except structures not requiring a building permit (e.g., swing set, clothesline, etc.), and without full compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable local, county, and state regulations.
D. 
Nothing herein contained shall require any changes in plans, construction, size, or designated use of any building or part thereof for which a building permit has been issued before the effective date of this chapter, and the construction of which shall have been started within one year from the date of such permit.
E. 
Except as provided in this chapter, under provisions for nonconforming uses, nonconforming developments, substandard lots, and nonconforming structures and buildings (see Article 6), no building, structure, development, or premises shall be hereinafter used or occupied, and no applicable permit granted, that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter. In cases of mixed occupancy or mixed use, the regulations for each land use shall apply to the portion of the structure or land so occupied or so used.
F. 
Except for outlots authorized under the Village land division regulations to contain permanently protected green space area, no yard or other open space area shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for a building or structure on any other lot.
The degree of flood protection provided by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on engineering experience and scientific methods of study. On rare occasions, larger floods may occur or the flood height may be increased by man-made or natural causes such as ice jams or bridge openings restricted by debris. Therefore, this chapter does not imply that areas outside of the delineated floodplain or land uses permitted within the floodplain will be totally free from flooding and the associated flood damages, nor shall this chapter create a liability on the part of, or a cause of action against, the Village of Williams Bay or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that may result from reliance on this chapter.
A. 
This chapter, in part, carries forward by reenactment some of the provisions of the regulations governing zoning and related matters previously known collectively as the "Zoning Ordinance," Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code for the Village of Williams Bay, adopted prior to the effective date of this chapter. It is not the intention of this chapter to repeal, but rather to reenact and continue in force such existing provisions so that all rights and liabilities that have accrued thereunder are preserved and may be enforced, unless explicitly surrendered by specific provisions of this chapter or altered by the Official Zoning Map.
B. 
All provisions of Chapter 18 of the Village of Williams Bay Municipal Code that are not reenacted herein are hereby repealed.
C. 
The adoption of this chapter shall not adversely affect the Village's right to prosecute any violation of the predecessor Zoning Ordinance, provided the violation occurred while that chapter was in effect.
This chapter shall become effective upon passage and posting according to law, following the date of repeal and reenactment of the Official Zoning Map. All plans approved under previous zoning regulations shall be valid and may be used to obtain permits for a period of not more than one year after the effective date of this chapter, except where subject to developer agreement provisions.
The interpretation of this chapter shall abide by the provisions and rules of this section, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, or where the result would clearly be inconsistent with the apparent intent of this chapter.
A. 
Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and derivative forms.
B. 
Words in the singular number shall include the plural number, and words in the plural number shall include the single number.
C. 
The masculine gender shall include the feminine, and vice versa.
D. 
The words "shall," "must," and "will" are mandatory.
E. 
The words "may," "can," and "might" are permissive.
F. 
The word "person" includes individuals, firms, corporations, partnerships, associations, trusts, and any other legal entity.
G. 
The word "Village" shall mean the Village of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
H. 
The word "county" shall mean the County of Walworth, Wisconsin.
I. 
The word "state" shall mean the State of Wisconsin.
J. 
The words "Plan Commission" shall mean the Village of Williams Bay Plan Commission.
K. 
The words "Village Board" shall refer to the Village of Williams Bay Board of Trustees.
L. 
If there is any ambiguity between the text of this chapter and any illustration or figure, the text shall control.
The abbreviations used in this chapter are intended to have the meanings listed in Figure 390-0113:
Figure 390-0113
Abbreviation
Meaning
Ac
Acre
CUP
Conditional use permit
Db
Decibel
WisDNR
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Du
Dwelling unit
Fc
Footcandles
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Administration
ft
Foot
GSA
Gross site area
GSR
Green space ratio
ISR
Impervious surface ratio
LSR
Landscape surface ratio
Max
Maximum
MBS
Maximum building size
MGD
Maximum gross density
Min
Minimum
MH
Maximum height
MLA
Minimum lot area
N/A
Not applicable
NDA
Net developable area
RPA
Resource protection area
sf or sq. ft.
Square feet
Wis. Adm. Code
Wisconsin Administrative Code
Wis. Stats.
Wisconsin Statutes
The following words, terms, and phrases, wherever they occur in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them by this section. For definitions applicable to the Shoreland-Wetland and Floodplain overlay districts, see §§ 390-0706 and 390-0707.
ABUTTING
Having a common border with or being separated from such common border by an alley or easement.
ACCESS
A means of providing vehicular or nonvehicular egress from or ingress to a property, highway, or private roadway.
ACCESS, DIRECT
A condition of immediate physical connection resulting from a highway, alley, or private road abutting a property.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315E.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
A use or structure subordinate to and serving the principal use or structure on the same lot, and customarily incidental thereto.
ACRE
43,560 square feet.
ACTIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0309B.
ADDITION
Any walled and roofed expansion to the perimeter and/or height of a building to which the addition is connected by a common load-bearing wall. Any walled and roofed addition that is connected by a fire wall or is separated by independent perimeter load-bearing walls shall be instead considered new construction.
ADDRESS SIGN
An accessory wall sign containing only the address of the premises on which it is located.
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307G.
AIR RIGHT PADS
The area of land above which the property owner has the right to control, occupy, and use the vertical space (air space).
AIRPORT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0313D.
ALLEY
A public or private right-of-way, usually of reduced width as compared to a street, primarily intended to provide a secondary means of access to the side or rear of an abutting property fronting upon another street right-of-way. Alleys are not intended to be used for through traffic.
ANIMAL UNIT
A measure that represents a common denominator for the purpose of defining a husbandry or intensive agricultural land use. The animal unit measure relates to the maximum carrying capacity of one acre of land and is related to the amount of feed various species consume and the amount of waste they produce. Figure 390-0114A indicates the number of common farm species that comprise a single animal unit:
Figure 390-0114A: Species/Animal Unit Conversions
Type of Livestock
# of Animals/Animal Unit
Type of Livestock
# of Animals/Animal Unit
Type of Livestock
# of Animals/Animal Unit
Horse (>2 years)
1
Calves (<1 year)
5
Lambs
14
Colt (<2 years)
2
Brood snow or boar
2
Chickens: egg layers
30
Cattle (>2 years)
1
Hogs (up to 220 pounds)
3
Chickens: fryers
60
Cattle (<2 years)
2
Sheep
10
Turkeys
50
Source: The Stockman's Handbook
APARTMENT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306G.
APPEAL
A means of obtaining review of a decision, determination, order, or failure to act pursuant to the terms of this chapter as expressly authorized by the provisions of § 390-1217.
ARTERIAL STREET
See "street, arterial."
ARTISAN PRODUCTION WORKSHOP (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310D.
ARTISAN STUDIO (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310C.
ARTWORK
A sculpture, monument, or structure erected solely for aesthetic purposes, which in no way identifies a product or business or is used for commercial purposes.
AWNING
Roof-like cover, often made of fabric, metal, or glass, designed and intended for protection from the weather and/or as a decorative embellishment, and that projects from a wall or roof of a structure over a window, walk, or door.
BASEMENT
A portion of a building located below grade or partly below grade.
BATHHOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315X.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310J.
BEDROOM
A room in a residence marketed, designed, or otherwise likely to function primarily for sleeping.
BOARDING HOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310L.
BUFFER YARD
Any permitted combination of distance, vegetation, fencing, and berming that results in a reduction of visual and other interaction with an adjoining property.
BUILDING
A structure having a roof and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or chattels.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The percentage of a lot covered by principal and accessory buildings.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
A component of a group development (see § 390-0821) that conforms to the lot lines that would otherwise be applicable for a development not considered a group development. To determine the area of a building envelope, required minimum setback distances must be met for each principal structure in the group development, as measured from the building to the building envelope "line."
BUILDING FRONT
The exterior wall of a building that faces the front lot line of the lot.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of the finished lot grade to the highest point of the roof. Such measurement shall be taken from the side yards at the midpoint of the principal structure immediately adjacent to the building. The finished lot grade elevation shall be measured from the average of the two side yard elevations. See § 390-0114B.
Figure 390-0114B: Building Height390 Figure 18-0114B.tif
BUILDING LINE
A line on a lot, generally parallel to a lot line or public or private street right-of-way line, located a sufficient distance from either to provide the minimum yards required by this chapter. The building lines on a lot determine the area in which buildings are allowed to be developed subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter. Building lines are also referred to as "setbacks."
BUILDING SEPARATION
The narrowest distance between two buildings (see "minimum building separation").
BUILDING SIZE
The total gross floor area of a building (see "maximum building size").
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
A. 
A building that meets all of the following criteria:
(1) 
Is subordinate to and serves a principal structure or a principal use;
(2) 
Is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal structure or use served;
(3) 
Is located on the same lot as the principal structure or use served, except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this chapter; and
(4) 
Is customarily incidental to the principal structure or use.
B. 
Any portion of a principal building devoted to or intended to be devoted to an accessory use shall be considered an accessory use and not an accessory building.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which the main or principal use of the lot is conducted.
BULK (OF A BUILDING)
The combination of building height, size, and location on a lot.
CALIPER
A measurement of the size of a tree equal to the diameter of its trunk measurement four feet above natural grade.
CAMPGROUND (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310N.
CANDLEPOWER
The amount of light that will illuminate a surface one foot distant from a light source to an intensity of one footcandle. The maximum (peak) candlepower is the largest amount of candlepower emitted by any lamp, light source, or luminary.
CANOPY (BUILDING)
A rigid multisided structure covered with fabric, metal, or other material and supported by a building.
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)
A rigid multisided structure covered with fabric, metal, or other material and supported by columns or posts embedded in the ground.
CARETAKER HOUSE or GUESTHOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315F.
CARPORT
An open-sided, roofed vehicle shelter, usually formed by extension of the roof from the side of a building. The carport shall meet the building code.
CLEAR CUTTING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307E.
COLLECTOR STREET
See "street, collector."
COMMERCIAL ANIMAL BOARDING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310P.
COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE/GARDEN CENTER (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310T.
COMMERCIAL INDOOR LODGING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310K.
COMMUNICATION TOWER (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311E.
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
The overall impression a community or area of a community makes on a person as a function of the type, intensity, density, quality, appearance, age of development, and the relationship between the built and natural environment.
COMMUNITY GARDEN (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307H.
COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENT (LAND USE)
See §§ 390-0308F, 390-0308G and 390-0308H.
COMPANY CAFETERIA (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315M.
COMPANY ON-SITE RECREATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315N.
COMPOSTING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0314B.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan of the Village of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.
CONCESSION STANDS AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315W.
CONDITIONAL USE
A land use that requires a conditional use permit in order to develop.
CONSTRUCTION, START OF
See "start of construction."
CULTIVATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307A.
DECK
A structure that has no roof or walls and is considered part of a building or structure.
DEDICATION
The transfer of property interest from private to public ownership for a public purpose. The transfer may be of fee simple interest or of a less than fee simple interest, including an easement.
DENSITY
A term used to describe the number of dwelling units per acre.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner(s) of a lot of any land proposed for inclusion in a development.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more lots; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any buildings; any use or change in use of any buildings or land; any extension of any use of land; and/or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land for which permission may be required pursuant to this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
An agreement by a developer with the Village that clearly establishes the developer's responsibility regarding project phasing, the provision of public and private facilities and improvements, and any other mutually agreed to terms and requirements.
DEVELOPMENT PAD
The area of land where development will occur, including building areas, paved areas, yard and septic system areas, and other areas of nonnative vegetation.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER (LAND USE)
See § 390-0313B.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading, or other means. Drainage includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after development, and the means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of flooding [see also stormwater facilities (land use) in § 390-0315T].
DRIVE-THROUGH SALES AND SERVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310I.
DRIVE-THROUGH SALES AND SERVICE INCIDENTAL TO ON-SITE PRINCIPAL LAND USE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315U.
DUPLEX (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306D.
DWELLING
A building or one or more portions thereof, containing one or more dwelling units, but not including habitations provided in nonresidential uses such as lodging uses and commercial campgrounds.
DWELLING UNIT
A room or group of rooms providing or intended to provide permanent living quarters for not more than one "family," as defined in this section.
DWELLING UNIT SEPARATION
The narrowest distance between two dwelling units.
DWELLING, ATTACHED
A dwelling unit joined to another dwelling unit at one or more sides by a shared wall or walls.
DWELLING, DETACHED
A dwelling unit entirely surrounded by open space on the same lot.
EASEMENT
Written authorization, recorded in the Register of Deeds office, from a landowner authorizing another party to use any designated part of the landowner's property for a specified purpose.
ENCROACHMENT
Any fill, structure, building, use, or development that advances beyond proper limits.
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Facilities that meet the following criteria:
A. 
Owned or maintained by public utility companies or public agencies;
B. 
Located in public ways or in easements provided for the purpose, or on a customer's premises and not requiring a private right-of-way;
C. 
Reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate water, sewer, gas, electric, communication, or similar services to adjacent customers; and
D. 
Not including any cross-country line on towers.
EXTERIOR COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315R.
EXTRACTION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0314A.
EXTRATERRITORIAL AREA
The area outside of the Village limits within which the Village of Williams Bay may exercise extraterritorial powers of planning, land division, and/or zoning review.
FACADE
The entire building front including the parapet.
FAMILY
One person or two or more persons, related by blood, foster relationship, marriage or adoption, and, in addition, any domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof; or one or more persons who need not be so related, and, in addition, domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof, who are living together in a single, nonprofit dwelling unit and maintaining a common household with single cooking facilities. A roomer, boarder or lodger shall not be considered a member of the family. 
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315B.
FARM BUILDING
Any building, other than a dwelling unit, used for storing agricultural equipment or farm produce or products, having livestock or poultry, or processing dairy products.
FARM RESIDENCE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315G.
FARMERS MARKET (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316I.
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material used to enclose, screen, or separate areas.
FENCE, SOLID
Any fence that cannot be seen through. Such fences include basket-weave fences, stockade fences, plank fences, and similar fences.
FILLING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315Y.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The ratio calculated by dividing the gross floor area of all buildings on a site by the gross site area (see "maximum floor area ratio").
FOOTCANDLE
A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle.
FREIGHT TERMINAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0313C.
GENERAL FLOOR PLANS
A graphic representation of the anticipated utilization of the floor area within a building or structure, but not necessarily as detailed as construction plans.
GLARE
The brightness of a light source that causes eye discomfort.
GREEN SPACE RATIO (GSR)
The percentage of the gross site area that is preserved as permanently protected green space. The green space ratio is calculated by dividing the area of permanently protected green space by the gross site area.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
GROSS DENSITY
The result of dividing the number of dwelling units located on a site by the gross site area (see "maximum gross density").
GROSS FLOOR AREA
The sum of the horizontal areas of all floors of a building, including interior balconies, mezzanines, attached accessory buildings, stairs, escalators, enclosed porches, detached accessory buildings utilized as dead storage, heating and utility rooms, and inside off-street parking or loading space. Basements and unenclosed porches shall not be included in this calculation. Measurements shall be made from the inside of the exterior walls and to the center of interior walls.
GROSS SITE AREA (GSA)
The total area within a development site, including floodplain areas, wetlands, steep slopes, wooded areas, street rights-of-way, alleys, easements, stormwater management areas, parks, and dedicated open space areas.
GROUP DAY-CARE CENTER (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310O.
HEARING NOTICE
Publication or posting meeting the requirements of Ch. 985, Wis. Stats. A Class 1 notice, published once at least 10 days prior to public hearing, is the minimum required for appeals. A Class 2 notice, published twice, once each week consecutively, the last at least 10 days before the public hearing, is the minimum required for all zoning ordinances and amendments including map amendments.
HEAVY INDUSTRIAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311B.
HEIGHT
See "building height."
HOME OCCUPATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315A.
HUSBANDRY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307B.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
An accessory wall sign containing only the name of the premises on which it is located.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Surfaces that prohibit infiltration of stormwater into the ground. Homes, buildings, and other structures with roofs, as well as concrete, brick, stone, asphalt, gravel, and similar paved surfaces, are considered impervious.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIO
A measure of the intensity of land use, determined by dividing the total of all impervious surfaces on a site by the gross site area.
IN-HOME SUITE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315D.
INCIDENTAL INDOOR SALES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315P.
INCIDENTAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315Q.
INCIDENTAL OUTDOOR DISPLAY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315O.
INDOOR AQUACULTURE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311D.
INDOOR COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310G.
INDOOR INSTITUTIONAL – GENERAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0308A.
INDOOR INSTITUTIONAL – INTENSIVE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0308B.
INDOOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310Q.
INDOOR SALES AND SERVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310E.
INDOOR STORAGE AND WHOLESALING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0312A.
INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0308E.
INTENSITY
A term used to describe the amount of gross floor area or landscaped area on a lot or site compared to the gross area of the lot or site.
INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307F.
INTENSIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0309C.
INTERMEDIATE DAY-CARE HOME (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315C.
IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT
An agreement entered into by a bank, savings and loan, or other financial institution that is authorized to do business in the State of Wisconsin and that has a financial standing acceptable to the Village of Williams Bay, and that is approved, as to form, by the Village Attorney.
JUNK OR SALVAGE YARD (LAND USE)
See § 390-0314D.
LAKE-RELATED RECREATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0309D.
LAKE SHORE
Those lands lying within the following distances from the ordinary high-water mark of navigable waters: 1,000 feet from a lake, pond, or flowage; 300 feet from a river, stream or to a landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater. Lake shores shall not include those lands adjacent to farm drainage ditches where such lands are not adjacent to a navigable stream or river; those parts of such drainage ditches adjacent to such lands were not navigable streams before ditching or had no previous stream history; and such lands are maintained in nonstructural agricultural use.
LAND USE
The type of development and/or activity occurring on a piece of property.
LANDSCAPE SURFACE RATIO (LSR)
The percentage of the gross site area or lot area that is preserved as permanently protected landscaped area.
LANDSCAPED AREA
The area of a site that is planted and continually maintained in vegetation, including grasses, flowers, herbs, garden plants, native or introduced ground covers, shrubs, bushes, and trees. The landscaped area also includes any area located within planted and continually maintained landscaped planters.
LARGE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311G.
LARGE WIND ENERGY SYSTEM (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311F.
LAWN CARE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315S.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311A.
LOADING AREA
A completely off-street space or berth on the same lot as the principal use it serves intended for the loading or unloading of freight carriers. Loading areas shall have adequate ingress and egress to a public street or alley.
LOT
A piece of land that meets the following criteria:
A. 
Undivided by any street or private road;
B. 
Is occupied by, or designated to be developed with, one building or principal use (except in the case of a group development under § 390-0821);
C. 
Contains the accessory buildings or uses customarily incidental to such building, use, or development, including such open spaces and yards as designed and arranged or required by this chapter for such building, use, or development; and
D. 
Has been described in a certified survey map or in a metes and bounds description approved by the Village or by Walworth County and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the property boundaries of a recorded lot.
LOT DEPTH
The average distance between the front lot line and the rear lot line of a lot.
LOT FRONTAGE
The lot width as measured at the front lot line. For double-frontage lots and corner lots, lot width shall be measured and the minimum lot width required by this chapter shall be provided for both frontages.
LOT LINE
The line (including the vertical plane established by the line and the ground) bounding a lot, except that where any portion of a lot extends into the public right-of-way or a proposed public right-of-way, the line of such public right-of-way shall be the lot line for applying the regulations of this chapter.
LOT LINE, FRONT
A lot line that abuts a public or private street right-of-way. For corner lots, the lot line along the street from which the house is addressed shall be the front lot line. (See also "lot line, street side.") For double-frontage lots, there shall be two front lot lines, or one front lot line and one shore lot line, and no rear lot lines.
LOT LINE, INTERIOR SIDE
Any boundary of a lot that is not a front lot line, street side lot line, or a rear lot line.
LOT LINE, REAR
In the case of rectangular or most trapezoidal-shaped lots, the lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line of the lot is the rear lot line. In the case of an irregular, triangular, or gore-shaped lot, a line 20 feet in length, entirely within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front line shall be considered to be the rear lot line. In the case of a double-frontage lot, there shall be no rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SHORE
The lot line that abuts a navigable waterway.
LOT LINE, STREET SIDE
For corner lots, the lot line that abuts a public or private street right-of-way but that is not the front lot line. (See also "lot line, front.")
Figure 390-0114C
390 Figure 18-0114C.tif
LOT OF RECORD
A platted lot or lot described in a certified survey map or in a metes and bounds description that has been approved by the Village or by Walworth County and has been recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.
LOT WIDTH
The maximum horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured parallel to the front lot line and at the rear of the required front yard (see also "minimum lot width").
LOT, CORNER
A lot situated at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting streets, or a lot at the point of deflection in alignment of a continuous street, the interior angle of which does not exceed 135°. See Figure 390-0114C.
LOT, DOUBLE-FRONTAGE
A lot, other than a corner lot, that has frontage on more than one street, or with frontage on a street and a navigable waterway. Double-frontage lots shall have two front yards, or one front yard and one shore yard, and no rear yard. See Figure 390-0114C.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot. See Figure 390-0114C.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest enclosed floor (including a basement). Any unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosed area is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of this chapter.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A type of housing unit that is largely assembled in factories and then transported to sites of use.
MARKET GARDEN (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307I.
MAXIMUM BUILDING SIZE (MBS)
The largest total gross floor area a building is allowed to contain (see "building size").
MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The largest percentage of floor area allowed on a lot (see "floor area ratio").
MAXIMUM GROSS DENSITY (MGD)
The maximum number of dwelling units allowed per acre of gross site area (see "gross density").
MAXIMUM HEIGHT
The tallest allowable height of a structure (see "building height").
MIGRANT EMPLOYEE HOUSING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315H.
MINIMUM BUILDING SEPARATION
The narrowest allowable building separation.
MINIMUM DWELLING UNIT SEPARATION
The narrowest allowable dwelling unit separation.
MINIMUM LANDSCAPE SURFACE RATIO (LSR)
The smallest allowable landscape surface ratio (see "landscape surface ratio").
MINIMUM LOT AREA
The smallest allowable size of a lot.
MINIMUM LOT WIDTH
The smallest allowable lot width as measured at any point throughout the entire length of the lot, unless the lot has a specific building line assigned to it by this chapter, in which case such measurements shall be taken at the assigned building line.
MINIMUM REQUIRED YARD
The smallest yard depth allowable based on the setback regulations for the zoning district in which such lot is located.
MINIMUM SETBACK
The shortest distance allowed between a lot line and a structure.
MINOR STRUCTURES
Structures not requiring a building permit (e.g., swing set, clothesline, etc.). Such structures are movable and shall be less than 12 feet in height.
MIXED USE
Some combination of residential, business, industrial, office, institutional, and/or other land uses within a district, development, or building.
MIXED USE DWELLING UNIT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306K.
MOBILE HOME (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306H.
MOBILE HOME PARK (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306J.
MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306I.
MULTIPLEX (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306F.
MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY
The municipal water supply of the Village of Williams Bay.
NET DEVELOPABLE AREA (NDA)
The area of a site that may be disturbed by development activity. Net developable area is the result of subtracting required resource protection areas (RPA) from the gross site area.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
See § 390-0603.
NONCONFORMING SITE AND BUILDING DESIGN
See § 390-0605.
NONCONFORMING USE
See § 390-0602.
NOXIOUS MATTER OR MATERIALS
Material capable of causing injury to living organisms by chemical reaction or capable of causing detrimental effects to the physical or economic well-being of individuals.
NURSERY
Any enterprise that conducts the sale of plants that are grown on the premises.
OFF-SITE PARKING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0313E.
OFFICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310A.
OFFICIAL MAP
The map adopted and designated by the Village as being the "Official Map" pursuant to § 62.23(6), Wis. Stats., which shows current and proposed municipal improvement sites and rights-of-way.
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
The map adopted and designated by the Village as being the "Official Zoning Map."
ON-SITE
Located on the lot in question, except in the context of on-site detention, when the term means within the boundaries of the development site as a whole.
ON-SITE AGRICULTURAL RETAIL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307C.
ON-SITE PARKING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315L.
OPACITY
The degree to which vision is blocked by a buffer yard. Opacity is the proportion of a buffer yard's vertical plane that obstructs views into an adjoining property.
OTHER PERMANENTLY PROTECTED GREEN SPACE
Permanently protected green space areas that are not constrained by one of the protected natural resources (i.e., wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, lake shores, and woodlands). Examples include portions of private lots or outlots commonly held by a property owners association and that are deed restricted from site disruption.
OUTDOOR DISPLAY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307E.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310H.
OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310R.
OUTDOOR OPEN SPACE INSTITUTIONAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0308C.
OUTDOOR STORAGE AND WHOLESALING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0312B.
OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
A zoning district that imposes uniform restrictions on all properties within its mapped area and that are in addition to the restrictions specific to the base zoning district(s).
OWNER
The person, persons, or entity having the right of legal title to a lot or parcel of land.
PARAPET
The extension of a false front or wall above the roofline.
PARCEL
A lot or contiguous group of lots in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for the purposes of development.
PASSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION (LAND USE)
See § 390-0309A.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criterion established to control and limit the impacts generated by, or inherent in, uses of land or structures.
PERMANENTLY PROTECTED GREEN SPACE
An area in which site disruption and/or development is strictly limited.
PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310B.
PERSONAL STORAGE FACILITY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0312C.
PLAN COMMISSION
The Plan Commission of the Village of Williams Bay.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
See § 390-0709.
PORCH
A covered platform, usually having a separate roof, at an entrance to a dwelling, or an open or enclosed gallery or room that is not heated or cooled and that is attached to the outside of a building.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
See "building, principal."
PRINCIPAL USE
Any and all of the primary uses of a property treated as a use permitted by right or as a conditional use (rather than as an accessory use or a temporary use).
PRIVATE INSTITUTION
An established organization belonging to a particular person or persons or private entities dedicated to the advancement of interests or causes such as education or culture.
[Added 5-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01]
PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEM
A sewage treatment and disposal system serving a single structure with a septic tank and soil absorption field located on the same lot as the structure. This term also means an alternative sewage system approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services including a substitute for the septic tank or soil absorption field, a holding tank, a system serving more than one structure, or a system located on a different lot than the structure.
PRODUCTION GREENHOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0311C.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
Any improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for public needs, such as: streets, roads, alleys, or pedestrian walks or paths; storm sewers; flood control improvements; water supply and distribution facilities; sanitary sewage disposal and treatment; and public utility and energy services.
PUBLIC INSTITUTION
An established organization which is a governmental entity dedicated to the advancement of interests or causes such as education or culture.
[Added 5-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01]
PUBLIC SCHOOL
An elementary or secondary school supported by public funds and providing free education for children of the Williams Bay School District.
[Added 5-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01]
PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0308D.
PUBLIC SEWER
Includes the Village of Williams Bay sewer system and other forms of sewer systems approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and maintained by a public agency authorized to operate such systems.
RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY
A strip of land that includes tracks and auxiliary facilities for track operation, but not including freight depots or stations, platforms, train sheds, warehouses, car or locomotive shops, or car yards.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A sign that is used to offer the sale, lease, or rent of the property upon which the sign is placed.
RECHARGE AREA
An area in which water reaches the zone of saturation by surface infiltration. This encompasses all areas or features that supply groundwater recharge to a well.
RECORDED LOT
See "lot of record."
RECYCLING AND WASTE DISPOSAL (LAND USE)
See § 390-0314C.
REQUIRED RESOURCE PROTECTION AREA (RPA)
The area of a site that may not be disturbed by development activity and that must also be reserved as permanently protected green space. The required resource protection area is the result of subtracting the net developable area (NDA) from the gross site area (GSA).
RESIDENTIAL GARAGE OR SHED (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315I.
RESIDENTIAL KENNEL OR STABLE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315K.
RESIDENTIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315J.
RESTRICTIVE, MORE/LESS
A regulation imposed by this chapter is more/less restrictive than another if it prohibits or limits development to a greater/lesser extent or by means of more/less detailed specifications.
SCALE (OF DEVELOPMENT)
The gross floor area, height, or volume of a single structure or group of structures.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity, or other natural means as a result of erosion.
SELECTIVE CUTTING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0307D.
SETBACK
The shortest distance between the exterior of a building or structure and the nearest point on the referenced lot line (see "minimum setback").
SEWER SERVICE AREA
Those areas in and around existing communities that are most suitable for urban development and capable of being provided with a full range of urban services.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED LAND USE
See § 390-0310U.
SHADE TREE
A tree that would occupy the uppermost canopy of a forest in a natural ecological situation (e.g., hickory, oak, maple, etc.).
SHORELAND LOT
A lot abutting a navigable lake, stream, or watercourse.
SIGN
Any medium visible from a public way, including its structure, words, letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, designs, trade names, or trade marks by which information or message is made known.
SIGN COPY
The message or advertisement and any other symbols on the face of a sign.
SIGN FACE
The area or display surface used for the sign copy.
SIGN, AWNING
A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning, canopy, or marquee.
SIGN, GROUND
Any sign placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure.
SIGN, PORTABLE
A sign that is not permanently placed, affixed to a building, structure, or to the ground. Such sign may be mounted on wheels to make it transportable.
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and that projects more than 12 inches from such building.
SIGN, ROOF
A sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building.
SIGN, WALL
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not project more than 12 inches from such building or structure.
SIGN, WINDOW
A sign located completely within an enclosed building and visible from a public way.
SINGLE-FAMILY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306A.
SITE AREA
See "gross site area."
SMALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315V.
SOLID FENCE
See "fence, solid."
STANDARD ZONING DISTRICTS
Zoning districts that primarily regulate the use of land and intensity or density of such use. See Article 2.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The date the building permit is issued, provided the actual start of activity was within 365 calendar days of the permit date. The actual start of activity means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on the site such as the pouring of a slab or footings, the installation of piles, or the construction of columns. Construction activity does not include any of the following: land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; installation of streets and/or walkways; excavation for basements, footings, piers, or foundations; erection of temporary forms; installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or part of the main structure.
STEEP SLOPE
Areas that contain a gradient of 12% or greater.
STORMWATER FACILITIES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0315T.
STORY (BUILDING)
That portion of a building included between the surface of any building floor and the surface of the floor next above or, if there is no floor above, the space between the floor and the ceiling next above. Basements shall not be counted as building stories.
STREET
Unless specifically designated otherwise by the Village, any public or private way that is dedicated or permanently open to pedestrian and vehicular use. Newly platted public and private streets shall be located on a right-of-way or easement with a minimum of 50 feet of width.
STREET, ARTERIAL
A street that provides primary access to and through an area.
STREET, COLLECTOR
A street that disperses traffic throughout an area.
STREET, LOCAL
A street that provides access to individual properties.
STREET, LOCAL RESIDENTIAL
A local street that primary serves to provide access directly to residential driveways and private residential courts and streets.
STREET, RESIDENTIAL COLLECTOR
A collector street serving primarily residential land uses and that primarily serves to connect local residential streets to collector or arterial streets.
STRING OF LIGHTS
Decorative lighting for store fronts, displays, or signage.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS
Any change in the integral supporting or framing members of a structure or any change in the roof structure or in the exterior walls or any change in any interior walls. Structural alterations do not include the replacement of existing windows or doors with new windows or doors of the same size.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a more or less permanent location on the ground, or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground, excepting public utility fixtures and appurtenances.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the present equalized assessed value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. The term does not, however, include either:
A. 
Any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications that are solely necessary to ensure safe living conditions; or
B. 
Any alteration of a structure or site documented as deserving preservation by the Wisconsin State Historical Society or listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
SWALE
A linear depression in the land running downhill or having a marked change in contour direction in which sheet runoff would collect and form a temporary watercourse (also see bioswale in § 390-0911).
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION STORAGE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316F.
TEMPORARY FARM PRODUCT SALES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316A.
TEMPORARY GARAGE OR ESTATE SALE (AUCTION) (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316H.
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316C.
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR SALES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316B.
TEMPORARY PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316E.
TEMPORARY RELOCATABLE BUILDING (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316G.
TEMPORARY SHELTER STRUCTURE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0316D.
TEMPORARY USE
A land use that is present on a property for a limited and specified period of time.
TOURIST ROOMING HOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310M.
TOWNHOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306E.
TRANSIT CENTER (LAND USE)
See § 390-0313A.
TWIN HOUSE (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306C.
TWO-FLAT (LAND USE)
See § 390-0306B.
UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP
The circumstance where special conditions affecting a particular property, which were not self-created, have made strict conformity with restrictions governing areas, setbacks, frontage, height, or density unnecessarily burdensome or unreasonable in light of the purposes of the chapter.
URBAN SERVICES
Those additional public services normally provided or needed in urban areas, including public water supply and distribution systems, sanitary sewerage systems, police and fire protection, solid waste collection, urban storm drainage systems, streets with curbs and gutters, streetlighting, neighborhood facilities such as parks and schools, and urban transportation facilities such as sidewalks and trails, on-street bicycle lanes, taxi service, and mass transit.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or any building thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
USE, ACCESSORY
See "accessory use."
USE, CONDITIONAL
See "conditional use."
USE, PRINCIPAL
See "principal use."
VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign that displays words, numbers, lines, logos, figures and/or symbols that can change electronically to provide different information.
[Added 5-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-01]
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the requirements of this chapter, granted pursuant to § 390-1215.
VEHICLE SALES (LAND USE)
See § 390-0310S.
VISITOR ENTRANCE
Entrance to an industrial, institutional, or business use for customers and visitors.
WELL FIELD
Land used primarily for the purpose of locating wells to supply a municipal water system.
WETLAND
An area that is saturated by surface water or groundwater, with vegetation adapted for life under those soil conditions.
WOODLAND
Areas of trees whose combined canopies cover a minimum of 80% of an area of one acre or more, as shown on USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps for the Village of Williams Bay and its environs.
YARD
A required open space on a lot, which is unoccupied and unobstructed by a structure from its lowest ground level to the sky, except as expressly permitted in this chapter. A yard shall extend along a lot line and at right angles to such lot line to a depth or width specified in the setback regulations for the zoning district in which such lot is located.
YARD, FRONT
The yard between the side lot lines extending from the front lot line to the nearest part of the nearest principal building. For corner lots, the yard on which the property is addressed shall be the front yard. For double-frontage lots in which the lot has frontage on more than one street (see "lot, double frontage"), there shall be two front yards.
YARD, INTERIOR SIDE
The yard between the front and rear lot lines extending from the interior side lot line to the nearest part of the nearest principal building.
YARD, REAR
The yard between the side lot lines extending from the rear lot line to the nearest part of the nearest principal building. For double-frontage lots (see "lot, double-frontage"), there shall be no rear yard.
YARD, SHORE
The yard between the side lot lines extending from the shore lot line to the nearest part of the nearest principal building.
YARD, STREET SIDE
For corner lots, the yard between the front and rear lot lines, extending from the street side lot line to the nearest part of the nearest principal building.
ZERO-LOT-LINE STRUCTURE
A structure that is built on the property line, such as a twin house, townhouse, or downtown unit.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
The person authorized and charged by the Village with the administration of this chapter.