For the purpose and provision of this chapter, the City of Neillsville, Wisconsin, is hereby organized into the following districts:
Residential Districts:
R1
One-Family Residential District
R2
Two-Family Residential District
R3
Multiple-Family Residential District
Commercial Districts:
CL
Local Commercial District, i.e., neighborhood shopping centers
CG
General Commercial District
CH
Highway Commercial District
Industrial Districts:
IL
Light Industrial District
IG
General Industrial District
Conservancy Districts:
CN
Urban Transitional Districts:
UT
A. 
The boundaries of the aforesaid zoning districts are hereby established as shown on the maps entitled "Zoning Map of Neillsville, Wisconsin," dated 1975. These Official Maps and all explanatory matter thereon and attached thereto are adopted by reference and declared to be part of this chapter.
B. 
The "Zoning Map of Neillsville, Wisconsin" and all official explanatory matter attached thereto bears the signature of the City Clerk-Treasurer of Neillsville, Wisconsin, and shall be on file in the office of the Zoning Administrator.
When uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of the various districts as shown on the Zoning Maps, the following rules shall apply:
A. 
District boundary lines are either the center lines of railroads, highways, streets, alleys or easements, or the boundary lines of sections, quarter sections, divisions of sections, tracts or lots, or such lines extended or otherwise indicated.
B. 
In areas not subdivided into lots and blocks, wherever a district is indicated as a strip adjacent to and paralleling a street or highway, the depth of such strips shall be in accordance with the dimensions shown on the maps measured at right angles from the center line of the street or highway, and the length of frontage shall be in accordance with dimensions shown on the map from section, quarter section, or division lines, or center lines of streets, highways or railroad rights-of-way unless otherwise indicated.
C. 
Where a lot held in one ownership and of record on the effective date of this chapter is divided by a district boundary line, the entire lot shall be construed to be within the less restricted district, provided that this construction shall not apply if it increases the less restricted frontage of the lot by more than 25 feet.
All streets, alleys, public ways, waterways, and railroad rights-of-way, if not otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be in the same zone as the property immediately abutting upon such alleys, streets, public ways, or waterways and railroad rights-of-way. Where the center serves as a district boundary, the zoning of such areas, unless otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be the same as that of the abutting property up to such center line.
The general purposes of the R1, R2 and R3 Residential Districts are as follows:
A. 
To protect residential areas against fire, explosion, noxious fumes, offensive noise, smoke, vibrations, dust, odors, heat, glare, and objectionable factors.
B. 
To protect residential areas against unduly heavy motor vehicle traffic, especially through traffic control and to minimize congestion by promoting off-street parking.
C. 
To protect and promote the public health and comfort against undue congestion of public streets and other public facilities by controlling the density of population through regulation of bulk of buildings.
D. 
To protect and promote the public health and comfort by providing for ample light and air to buildings and windows thereof.
E. 
To promote public comfort and welfare by providing for usable open space on the same zoning lot with residential development.
F. 
To provide sufficient space in appropriate locations to meet the probable need for future residential expansion and for necessary and desirable development, and to protect the value of land and improvements and so enhance the economic base of the City.
G. 
To preserve, among other things, the following: suitable locations for single-family, two-family, and multiple-family dwellings at a reasonable range of densities, provided that they meet sound standards of public health and safety to ensure adequate light, air, privacy and open space for each dwelling unit; to minimize traffic congestion and to avoid overloading of utilities by preventing the construction of buildings of excessive size in relation to the land around them; to provide off-street parking and loading zones.
[Amended 9-23-1997 by Ord. No. 950; 12-12-1996 by Ord. No. 1013; 7-13-2004 by Ord. No. 1005; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-1082]
A. 
Purpose. The R1 District is intended to provide a quiet, spacious living neighborhood in which residents are protected from hazards such as fire and nuisances such as noise, odors, vibration, congestion, environmental and aesthetic degradation and other uses which are incompatible with the provisions of this chapter for this district.
B. 
Permitted uses. No building or land may be used and no building may be erected, converted, enlarged or structurally altered in the R1 District except for one or more of the following uses, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.
(1) 
One-family detached dwellings, excepting mobile homes.
(2) 
Home occupations as defined in this chapter.
(3) 
Parks, forest preserves, recreational areas when publicly owned and operated, and community buildings.
(4) 
Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the completion date of such construction.
(5) 
Accessory uses, including off-street parking, as provided by this chapter.
(6) 
Churches and schools - elementary, junior and senior high - and libraries.
(7) 
Municipal buildings. This excludes generally buildings whose uses may cause public and private nuisances. Specifically, sewage treatment plants, garbage incinerators, warehouses, public garages, public shops or storage yards, penal or correctional institutions and asylums are excluded.
(8) 
One private garage and accessory buildings.
(9) 
Uses which are customarily attendant or incidental to any of the above uses, provided that such uses do not encroach on the health, comfort and welfare of the neighborhood and do not generate more traffic or create public or private nuisance.
(10) 
Two-family residential.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses.
(1) 
Any conditional use denoted in the conditional use section of this chapter as permitted in the R1 District.
(2) 
Every conditional use permitted in the R1 District shall be located on a lot size which shall be specified at the time a conditional use permit is authorized.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot area per family shall be 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
(3) 
In situations where there are existing open lots in the City, the lot restrictions can be compromised, providing setbacks of present zoning ordinances are adhered to.
E. 
Yards.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 20 feet.
(2) 
Side yard - principal building: eight feet on each side
(3) 
Side and rear yard - accessory building setback: three feet from building overhang.
(a) 
An accessory structure shall maintain a five-foot clearance from a principal building or any other accessory structure on the same lot.
(b) 
Accessory structures shall maintain a minimum of three feet from the rear lot line; except along an improved alley, where five feet is required.
(c) 
On corner lots, an accessory structure shall have side and rear setbacks of not less than three feet. However, for the side yard that fronts on a street, the accessory structure shall meet the front yard setback requirement of the adjoining property.
(4) 
Rear yard setback: 20 feet.
F. 
Height.
(1) 
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
G. 
Prohibited uses: Transitional housing facilities, halfway homes, or any other government-funded program or project or any established program or project designed to house individuals convicted of a crime.
[Amended 7-13-2004 by Ord. No. 1005; 9-9-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-1082]
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the R2 District is to provide pleasant and suitable residences in which citizens are protected from man-made hazards such as fire, and natural hazards such as floods, and nuisances which may include noise, odors, vibration, glare, traffic hazards, environmental and aesthetic degradation, and other uses which are incompatible with this district.
B. 
Permitted uses. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, no building may be erected, converted, enlarged or structurally altered in the R2 District except for one or more of the following uses:
(1) 
One-family detached dwellings.
(2) 
Two-family residential.
(3) 
Home occupations as defined in this chapter.
(4) 
Parks and forest preserves, recreation areas (where publicly owned and operated), historic and cultural features and structures and community buildings.
(5) 
Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the completion date of such construction.
(6) 
Accessory uses, including off-street parking, in accordance with provisions of this chapter.
(7) 
Signs as permitted by this chapter.
(8) 
Churches and schools - elementary, junior, and senior high - and libraries.
(9) 
Municipal buildings. This excludes generally buildings whose uses may cause public and private nuisances. Specifically, sewage treatment plants, garbage incinerators, warehouses, public garages, public shops or storage yards, penal or correctional institutions and asylums are excluded.
(10) 
One private garage and accessory buildings.
(11) 
Uses which are customarily attendant or incidental to any of the above uses, provided that such uses do not encroach on the health, comfort and welfare of the neighborhood and do not generate more traffic or create public or private nuisance.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses.
(1) 
Any conditional use denoted in the conditional use section of this chapter which is permitted in the R1 District is also permitted in this district.
(2) 
Every conditional use permitted in the R2 District shall be located on a lot size which shall be specified at the time a conditional use permit is authorized.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot area shall be 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
E. 
Yard areas. No building shall be erected or enlarged unless the following yards are provided and maintained in connection with such building, structure, or enlargement.
F. 
Yards.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 20 feet.
(2) 
Side yard - principal building: eight feet on each side.
(3) 
Side and rear yard - accessory building setback: three feet from building overhang.
(a) 
An accessory structure shall maintain a five-foot clearance from the principal building or any other accessory structure on the same lot.
(b) 
Accessory structures shall maintain a minimum of three feet from the rear lot line; except along an improved alley, where five feet is required.
(c) 
On corner lots, an accessory structure shall have side and rear setbacks of not less than three feet. However, for the side yard that fronts on a street, the accessory structure shall meet the front yard setback requirement of the adjoining property.
(4) 
Rear yard setback: 20 feet.
G. 
Height.
(1) 
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
[Amended 7-13-2004 by Ord. No. 1005]
A. 
Purpose. It is the intention of the R3 District in furtherance of the general and specific purposes spelled out (in sections dealing with general and specific purposes) to provide a living area or neighborhood that is pleasant, peaceful and devoid of public and private nuisances.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
Any use permitted in the R2 District.
(2) 
Multifamily dwellings and apartments.
(3) 
Home occupations as defined in this chapter.
(4) 
Parks, forest preserves and recreational areas when owned and operated by the public.
(5) 
Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the completion date of such construction.
(6) 
Off-street parking, as provided by this chapter.
(7) 
Signs as permitted by this chapter.
(8) 
Charitable institutions, churches, rest homes, private nonprofit clubs and lodges.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses.
(1) 
Any conditional use denoted in the conditional use section for R3 District may be allowed by a conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Every conditional use permitted in the R3 District shall be located on a lot size of which shall be specified at the time a conditional use permit is authorized.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
The minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square feet and, in addition, 2,200 square feet per multifamily unit building.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
E. 
Yard areas. No building shall be erected or enlarged unless the following yards are provided and maintained in connection with such building, structure, or enlargement.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 20 feet.
(2) 
Side yard - principal building: eight feet on each side.
(3) 
Side and rear yard - accessory building setback: three feet from building overhang.
(a) 
An accessory structure shall maintain a five-foot clearance from the principal building or any other accessory structure on the same lot.
(b) 
Accessory structures shall maintain a minimum of three feet from the rear lot line; except along an improved alley, where five feet is required.
(c) 
On corner lots, an accessory structure shall have side and rear setbacks of not less than three feet. However, for the side yard that fronts on a street, the accessory structure shall meet the front yard setback requirement of the adjoining property.
(4) 
Rear yard setback: 45 feet.
A. 
General purpose. The purpose of these districts is to provide an area for businesses which by their nature cater to the everyday basic needs and special needs of residents.
B. 
Districts established. For this purpose, three commercial districts are designated for the purposes of this chapter.
(1) 
CL — Local Commercial District.
(2) 
CG — General Commercial District.
(3) 
CH — Highway Commercial District.
A. 
Purpose. The Local Commercial District is designated for the convenient shopping of persons residing in adjacent residential areas. Only uses which appear to supplement the daily needs of residents will be permitted.
B. 
Permitted uses. Only the following uses shall be permitted:
(1) 
Bakeries (retail).
(2) 
Barbershops.
(3) 
Beauty parlors.
(4) 
Cafes.
(5) 
Candy and ice cream shops.
(6) 
Delicatessens.
(7) 
Drugstores.
(8) 
Dry cleaning establishments.
(9) 
Dry cleaning, dyeing and laundry pickup stations.
(10) 
Dwelling units.
(11) 
Food stores and grocery stores.
(12) 
Haberdashery.
(13) 
Hardware stores.
(14) 
Laundromats.
(15) 
Meat markets.
(16) 
Shoe repairs.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses. The following uses may be allowed by conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Other retail sales and services accessory to these centers and serving the immediate residential neighborhood.
(2) 
Offices accessory to the business centers and serving the immediate residential neighborhood.
(3) 
Public and community service uses.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot size in this district shall be 7,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 70 feet.
E. 
Yard area.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 20 feet.
(2) 
Side yard setback:
(a) 
When abutting residential, conservancy, and urban transitional districts: eight feet on each side.
(b) 
When abutting industrial or commercial properties, no setback is required.
(3) 
Rear yard setback: 20 feet.
F. 
Height.
(1) 
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
G. 
Conditions of use. Any use permitted in the local commercial district shall be limited as follows:
(1) 
In any structure harboring a commercial use, dwelling units are only permitted above the first floor.
(2) 
In no case shall the overall height of the building exceed 35 feet.
(3) 
All business (off-street parking and loading excluded) shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings.
(4) 
Drive-in types of establishments are not permitted.
(5) 
All business establishments shall be retail or service establishments dealing directly with the consumer.
A. 
Purpose. The General Commercial District is meant to accommodate the general business and commercial needs of the City, including all retail sales and services, which by their nature attract patronage from more than the immediate neighborhood in which they are located but from all over the City.
B. 
Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted in the General Commercial District:
(1) 
Any use permitted in the Local Commercial District.
(2) 
Any use permitted in the Multifamily Residential District.
(3) 
Post offices.
(4) 
Parking lots.
(5) 
Businesses which might not generate smoke, dust, noise, glare, vibration, odors or private or public nuisance. These generally include:
(a) 
Banks, commercial or professional offices.
(b) 
Telephone offices.
(c) 
Hotels and motels.
(d) 
Theaters, bowling alleys, and places of amusement.
(e) 
Restaurants, taverns and bars.
(f) 
Personal services, automotive services and equipment service establishments.
(g) 
Bus depots.
(h) 
Uses customarily incidental to any of the above uses.
(i) 
Package liquor stores.
C. 
Uses prohibited. Uses prohibited in this district are those which by their nature generate noise, odors, smoke and other nuisances. This includes uses such as, but not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Industrial uses as specified in the Industrial District.
(2) 
The sale or storage of materials or products which are not sold on the premises or which are not used in the production of some materials or items which will be sold on the premises.
(3) 
Wholesale trade of farm products or animal products.
(4) 
Sale of metals, minerals, scrap, and waste materials.
(5) 
Warehousing and storage of materials or products which are not sold on the premises or which are not used in the production of some materials or items which will be sold on the premises.
D. 
Lot size, yards and setbacks. In cases where the building occupies two adjacent lots in a row, the building may not occupy more than 96% of total lot area.
(1) 
Front yard setback: None.
(2) 
Side yard setback:
(a) 
When abutting residential, conservancy, and urban transitional districts: 20 feet.
(b) 
When abutting industrial or commercial properties, no setback is required.
(3) 
Rear yard setback:
(a) 
When abutting residential, conservancy, and urban transitional districts: 20 feet.
(b) 
When abutting industrial or commercial properties, no setback is required.
E. 
Height. Maximum building height not to exceed 45 feet.
A. 
Purpose. The Commercial Highway District is designed to enhance and facilitate the orderly and compatible groupings of those commercial establishments which by their nature and locational requirements are attracted to highway locations.
B. 
Permitted uses. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, the following highway-oriented uses are permitted in the Highway Commercial District:
(1) 
Drive-in establishments serving food or beverages for consumption.
(2) 
Motels.
(3) 
Service stations, washing and repair stations and garages, provided that all gas pumps are not less than 30 feet from the existing or proposed street line.
(4) 
Recreational establishments, including drive-in theaters, golf and baseball driving ranges, archery fields, miniature golf courses or similar uses.
(5) 
Warehousing.
(6) 
Uses distinctively similar and related to those listed above.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses. The following uses may be allowed by conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(1) 
All permitted and conditionally permitted uses listed in the General Commercial (CG) District.
(2) 
Public and community service uses.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot size in this district shall be 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
E. 
Yard area.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 25 feet.
(2) 
Side yard setback:
(a) 
When abutting residential, conservancy, and urban transitional districts: eight feet.
(b) 
When abutting industrial or commercial properties, no setback is required.
(3) 
Rear yard setback: 20 feet.
F. 
Height. Maximum building height not to exceed 35 feet.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
A. 
Purpose. The Light Industrial District (IL) is intended to accommodate light industrial, wholesale and research establishments. The IL District may be located in various areas throughout the community and may or may not be in close proximity to the residential districts. Any industrial use may be permitted, except those that would present danger to residents of the community or generate noise, smoke, traffic, or air and water pollution, or that would create a public or private nuisance. Emphasis is placed on providing land for warehousing and light assembly industries. Outdoor storage of raw materials or finished products is not allowed. All other uses (residential, commercial and public) are prohibited, except that a dwelling may be provided for a caretaker or superintendent if the industrial use requires constant supervision.
B. 
Permitted uses. Besides the general uses described in Subsection A above, the following uses may be allowed by conditional use permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Wholesaling and warehousing.
(2) 
Production, processing, servicing, testing, repair, or storage of materials, equipment, and goods.
(3) 
Public and community services.
(4) 
Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the completion date of such construction.
(5) 
Accessory uses, including off-street parking and loading, as permitted or required in this chapter.
C. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot size in this district shall be 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
D. 
Yard area.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 20 feet.
(2) 
Side yard - principal building: 20 feet on each side.
(3) 
Rear yard setback: 40 feet.
E. 
Height. Maximum building height shall be 35 feet.
A. 
Purpose. The General Industrial District is intended to accommodate those industrial uses which are not permitted in the IL District. Such industrial undertakings need not to be enclosed where the type of undertaking requires that the activities by carried on outside. All production, processing, servicing, testing, repair, or storage of materials or goods may take place in enclosed buildings. All outdoor storage shall be screened by a site-obscuring fence or shrubs when the zoning lot is fronting a street or highway and/or is adjacent to residential districts.
B. 
Permitted uses. Any use permitted in the Light Industrial District is also permitted in this district.
C. 
Conditional permitted uses. The following uses may be allowed by conditional permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Any use which may be allowed as a conditional permit in the Light Industrial (IL) District.
(2) 
Stone and gravel pits.
(3) 
Railroad roundhouses, maintenance buildings, and switching yards.
D. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot size shall be 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall be 100 feet.
E. 
Yard area.
(1) 
Front yard setback: 45 feet.
(2) 
Side yard setback: 20 feet.
(3) 
Rear yard setback: 15 feet.
F. 
Height.
(1) 
Maximum building height: 45 feet.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
To discourage development and disturbance to the natural setting in areas with unique features.
(2) 
To provide protected areas to insure proper water conservation and flood control.
(3) 
To give primary consideration to outdoor recreation and forestry pursuits.
(4) 
To provide areas where native flora and fauna may prosper in a natural habitat.
B. 
Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted within the Conservancy District:
(1) 
Management of forestry, wildlife and fish.
(2) 
The harvesting of wild crops such as marsh hay, ferns, moss, berries, fruit trees and tree seeds.
(3) 
Hunting, fishing and trapping.
(4) 
Dams, power stations, transmission lines.
(5) 
Water pumping and storage facilities, golf courses, and public parking grounds are permitted, provided the Common Council acting on the recommendation of the Planning Commission, issues written permission.
(6) 
Bicycle or hiking trails.
(7) 
Parks.
(8) 
Uses customarily incidental to any of the above uses.
C. 
Lot size. Every principal permitted use in this section shall be located on a tract of land not less than one acre in size and have a width at the established building line of not less than 125 feet. This requirement shall not apply to railroad right-of-way and trackage.
D. 
Yard area. No building shall be erected or enlarged unless it is in compliance with the distances specifically enumerated within this section for a specific use, or established when a conditional use permit is approved, as follows:
(1) 
Front yard: 25 feet.
(2) 
Side yard - principal building: 12 feet.
(3) 
Side yard - accessory building: eight feet.
(4) 
Rear yard: 25 feet.
A. 
Purpose. To permit the conduct of limited agricultural pursuits on land within the City or land that may be annexed and to prevent premature urban development of certain lands, which eventually will be appropriate for urban use, until the installation of streets, utilities and community facilities make orderly development possible.
B. 
Required conditions. No uses shall be permitted and no process, equipment or material shall be employed which is found by the Common Council to be objectionable to persons residing or working in the vicinity or injurious to property located in the vicinity by reasons of odor, insect nuisance, fumes, dust, smoke, cinders, dirt, water-carried wastes, noise, vibration, illumination, glare, unsightliness, or traffic or to involve any hazard of fire or explosion.
C. 
Permitted uses. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, no building or land may be used, and no building may be erected, converted, enlarged or structurally altered in the Urban Transitional District except for one of the following uses:
(1) 
Uses commonly classed as agricultural, horticultural, or forestry, including crop and tree farming, truck gardening, gardening, (but not including animal husbandry) together with the operation of any machinery or vehicles incidental to the above uses, provided that the permitted agricultural pursuits are conducted in accord with good practice so as not to be deemed a nuisance.
(2) 
Home occupations as defined in this chapter.
(3) 
Parks, forest preserves and recreational areas when publicly owned and operated.
D. 
Conditional permitted uses.
(1) 
Any conditional use as denoted in § 450-34D for the UT District may be allowed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) 
Every conditional use permitted in the UT District shall be located on a lot the size of which shall be specified at the time the conditional use permit is authorized.
E. 
Lot size.
(1) 
Minimum lot size shall be five acres.
(2) 
Minimum lot width shall not be less than 300 feet.
F. 
Yard area.
(1) 
Front yard: Minimum front yard shall not be less than 30 feet or more than 60 feet.
(2) 
Side yard: Side yard shall be 25 feet for principal building and nine feet for accessory building.
(3) 
Rear yard: Rear yard shall not be less than 25 feet.
(4) 
Maximum building height: 35 feet.