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Obtaining a Building Permit

Permits are required for most construction activities including moving or demolishing a structure. The permit process gives the City the opportunity to determine if the construction meets the requirements of the Building Ordinance as well to ensure that the use of the property is consistent with surrounding uses and the City Zoning Ordinance. No building is to be constructed, reconstructed, remodeled, erected, altered, enlarged, repaired, moved or demolished, or have ground broken up for construction without a building permit issued by the City.

Download Building & Zoning Permit Application.

Other Permits

Airport Zoning Permit. A permit is required for any proposed structure 35 feet or higher within 3 miles of the airport.

Download Airport Zoning Permit Application.

Sewer and Water Connection/Disconnect. A Utility Permit is required for any connection or disconnection to a water or sewer main. Additionally, any repair to the sewer lateral serving a specific property requires a permit.  Permits can be obtained by contacting Julie Jackson, Municipal Technician, at City Hall at (608) 326-8024 or pdcjack@mhtc.net.

Street Opening. A Utility Permit is required to cut a street curb for such things as installation of a driveway or to open a street for such things as repair of a sewer or water line. Permits can be obtained by contacting Julie Jackson, Municipal Technician, at City Hall at (608) 326-8024 or pdcjack@mhtc.net.

Signs. A permit is generally required for installation of any sign. There are exceptions to this rule, and it is a good idea to check ahead of time with City staff.

Download Sign Permit Application.

Rezoning

All land in the City of Prairie du Chien is designated to one of ten zoning districts specified in the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, there are two floodplain overlay districts. Certain land uses are allowed in each zoning district, and the regulations governing each district vary. The process of changing a parcel’s zoning is called a rezoning.

A rezoning application will be evaluated based upon the proposed zone’s compatibility with existing zoning districts, surrounding uses, consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and potential impacts of the proposed zoning district.

Download Rezoning Application.

Conditional Use Permit

The City of Prairie du Chien Zoning Ordinance allows certain land uses in each zoning district. Some uses are generally permitted in each district. However, some land uses require the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit by the City Plan Commission. A conditional use application will be evaluated based upon the proposed use’s compatibility with surrounding zoning and uses and consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

The City Plan Commission may make approval contingent on certain “conditions” being met. Requirements may include such things as landscaping, architectural design, type of construction, construction commencement and completion dates, sureties, lighting, fencing, planting screens, operational control, hours of operation, improved traffic circulation, time period of permit, deed restrictions, highway access restrictions, increased yards, and parking.

Download Conditional Use Permit Application.

Variance

A variance is a relaxation to the terms or requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. A variance cannot relax the list of permitted and conditional land uses within a zoning district. A variance may be granted when conditions are unique to the property and not the result of the applicant’s actions. The applicant must show a demonstrable hardship that unreasonably restricts the use of the property.

Download Variance Application.

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