This chapter shall be known as the "Pierce County
Zoning Ordinance," hereinafter referred to as "this chapter."
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority
granted by §§ 59.51, 59.696, 59.697, 56.698, 59.69
and 59.692, Wis. Stats. Additionally, it employs those powers or provisions
provided for in §§ 59.694, 91.71 through 91.79 and
281.31, Wis. Stats. This chapter shall constitute a comprehensive
revision, as described in § 59.69(5)(d), Wis. Stats., of
the 1972 Pierce County Zoning Ordinance and its subsequent amendments.
This chapter consists of written text and zoning
maps, which shall, at all times, be considered as parts of a whole.
In addition, other maps and materials referenced in the text are used
to support this chapter.
[Amended 10-26-1999 by Ord. No. 99-11; 4-22-2008 by Ord. No. 07-09]
The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect public
health, safety, aesthetics and other aspects of the general welfare.
Further purposes of this chapter are to:
A. Aid in implementing the adopted County Land Management Plan.
B. Promote public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.
C. Encourage planned and orderly land use development.
D. Protect property values and the property tax base.
E. Permit the careful planning and efficient maintenance of highway
systems.
F. Ensure adequate highway, utility, health, educational and recreation
facilities.
G. Recognize the needs of agriculture, forestry, industry and business
in future growth.
H. Encourage uses of land and other natural resources which are in accordance
with their character and adaptability.
I. Provide adequate light and air, including access to sunlight for
solar collectors and to wind for wind energy systems.
J. Encourage the protection of groundwater resources.
L. Conserve soil, water and forest resources.
M. Protect the beauty and amenities of landscape and man-made developments.
N. Provide healthy surroundings for family life.
O. Promote the efficient and economical use of public funds.
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed
to be minimum requirements. Further, interpretation and application
of the provisions of this chapter shall take into account the purposes
of this chapter.
If any section, paragraph, clause, provision
or portion of this chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter
shall not be affected thereby. If any application of this chapter
to a particular structure, land or water is adjudged unconstitutional
or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall
not be applicable to any other structure, land or water not specifically
included in said judgment.
This chapter shall not create liability on the
part of, or cause of action against, Pierce County or any officer
or employee thereof for any damages that may result from reliance
on this chapter.
No rights to any particular use vest in any
property owner simply because the use is permitted by this chapter.
Such use may be prohibited by future amendment to this chapter. However,
the approval and issuance of a permit shall vest in the property owner
the right to use the property in the manner specifically approved
by the permit unless and until the permit expires. Rights afforded
to nonconforming uses and structures under this chapter will not be
interfered with as a result of application of this chapter.
Headings are used throughout this chapter to
assist users of this chapter. If a heading should conflict with the
text in interpreting this chapter, the text shall control.