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_____________________________________________________________________________ Welcome
to the Department of Building, Planning & Zoning. This
interactive _____________________________________________________________________________
PLAN COMMISSIONGeneral InformationThe Village of Elm Grove Plan Commission serves as an advisory board to the Village Board of Trustees. It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to consider and make recommendations on various land use and zoning matters. Specific matters heard before the Commission include the following:
The seven members (which include one Trustee and the Village President) are appointed by the President with confirmation from the Village Board. Regular Plan Commission public meetings are held at Village Hall, 13600 Juneau Boulevard, at 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. These meetings are televised on local cable access (Channel 25). Click here for a 2007 Plan Commission meeting schedule. Downtown Design GuidelinesOn November 25, 2003, the Village Board of Trustees adopted the Downtown Design Guidelines. These guidelines provide criteria to guide the Building Board and Plan Commission as they review proposals for new buildings or significant alterations to existing buildings downtown. Through the downtown design guidelines it is not the intent of the Village to limit architectural creativity, but rather to promote the quaint, traditional Village center that residents desire. Please download a copy of the design guidelines below. Appendix A of the guidelines is a large file that will take a few minutes to download. Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required to read these two documents. Get Adobe Acrobat Reader. DOWNLOADS:
Design Guideline Final
Version 11-25-03
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNINGFor detailed information on the progress of the Village's Comprehensive Plan, click on here to be transferred to that page. ZONING MAPThe Village of Elm Grove enforces a Zoning Ordinance that establishes various use districts throughout the community. Use districts include, but are not limited to: single-family residential, multi-family residential, local business, office business, mid-rise office and professional, limited manufacturing, park and institutional and planned development overlay. These use districts are reflected on a formal map that identifies the various use zones on a parcel by parcel basis. The Village zoning map can be downloaded by clicking here. DisclaimerAll data contained within the zoning map is distributed and transmitted "as is" without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The Village of Elm Grove shall assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided, regardless of how caused. Furthermore, the Village of Elm Grove shall assume no liability for any decision made or action taken or not taken by the reader in reliance upon any information or data furnished herein.
BUILDING BOARDGeneral InformationThe Building Board is charged with the responsibility of evaluating the exterior appearance of residential and commercial building projects and a variety of accessory structures (e.g. signage; sheds; fences) on a case-by-case basis. The Building Board is comprised of nine Village residents, one of which is a Village Trustee (elected official). The Building Board meets twice each month on the first and third Tuesdays. Meetings are held in Village Hall and begin promptly at 5:00 p.m. These meetings are televised on local cable access (Channel 25). Download the General Information Handout to view the Building Board’s 2007 meeting schedule. Building Board Review RequirementsThe Village of Elm Grove Zoning Code requires that most structures proposed for construction in the Village shall first be reviewed and approved by the Building Board. Although by no means all-inclusive, the following list will provide you with a better understanding as to what projects require Building Board approval and what is needed for the Building Board to act on your application. Click on any link to download the corresponding submittal checklist: o Public way disturbance permit
All of the above permits will require both a building permit and building permit addendum. The addendum can be downloaded by clicking here; however, the permit must be picked up at Village Hall. Approval Process TimelineThe Building Board process generally takes at least three weeks. Please plan your project accordingly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BUILDING BOARD REVIEWImproving one’s home is a rewarding experience. However, there are often times of uncertainty that require additional research. Below are commonly asked questions concerning the Building Board review process. Should you have a question that is not on this list, feel free to contact Jessi Balcom, Planning & Zoning Administrator, via phone at (262) 782-6700 or via e-mail. Does the Building Board review AIR CONDITIONERS? No, but the Village Building Inspector reviews the placement of new air conditioning compressors. All air conditioners require an HVAC permit and an electrical permit. Do I need an ARCHITECT for my project? Single family home plans do not have to be designed by an architect. What does the Building Board look for in terms of building size and scale? Building additions shall be in proportion to the primary structure and must compliment the existing design and scale. New homes are reviewed for scale, site density and intensity as well as the relationship to neighboring properties for height, setbacks, site coverage of impervious surfaces and landscape coverage. Total coverage of a lot (includes building footprint and impervious surfaces) may not exceed 30%. When does the Building Board meet? See General Information Handout. What should I bring to the Building Board meeting? See General Information Handout. Do I need to appear in person? The applicant or his/her representative (e.g. contractor; architect) must attend the Building Board meeting to present the plans and respond to questions from the Building Board. If no one is present to speak on behalf of an agenda item, Board action will be deferred until the next regularly scheduled meeting. Do all DECKS require review? Yes, if the deck is 6 inches (6") or greater in height. Does the Building Board review all FENCE proposals? No. Decorative fences (those not greater than 40 feet in length) are approved by Village staff (click here to download a decorative fence application). Fencing that exceeds 40 feet in length must receive approval from the Building Board. I’m removing an old FENCE and putting up a new one. Does this require Building Board action? YES. See fence submittal checklist. When are plans due? See General Information Handout. Can the filing deadline be waived? Generally, the filing deadline cannot be waived. Upon meeting with the Assistant Planner circumstances can be reviewed and a discretionary decision may result. Does the Building Board review sheds, doghouses, and other MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES? The Building Board reviews all structures. The Village Code defines a structure as, "Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having a location on the ground." What are the SETBACK lines on my property? This varies by property location. Please check the zoning map and Village Code to avoid confusion. Deed restrictions may also be applicable and may be more restrictive than Village ordinances. Download Residential Zoning Summary. How do I find out where my house is situated on the parcel? Residents can hire a land surveyor to prepare a Certified Survey Map (CSM) of their lot that will show the location of any structures. In some cases, a survey is already located in the property’s building file. Stop by Village Hall to view the contents of the file for your property. When will the Building Board issue their decision? In many cases, the Board will vote on a proposal at the meeting in which it is presented. The building permit will then be issued approximately ten (10) business days following Building Board approval. For larger projects, such as an addition or a new residence, the Building Board’s review may require a two step process. The first step would be a conceptual design review focusing on style, scale and massing (before plans are finalized). The second step is a comprehensive review of the final plans including the landscape plan. For larger projects, applicants should plan on two meetings with the Building Board and structure their timetable accordingly. Can I begin construction after the Building Board has approved my project? NO. The Building Board approves only the design/architectural merits of the project. All projects, upon approval from the Building Board, are forwarded to the Building Inspector to ensure compliance with applicable building code requirements. The Building Inspector will call you when your building permit is ready to be issued. The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code provides the Building Inspector with ten (10) business days to take action (e.g. approve or deny) on a building permit application. The Building Inspector cannot begin review of your project until all required materials (e.g. plans, Building Board approval, property survey and other submittal requirements) have been filed with the Village. What if I don’t receive a permit prior to beginning work? Permits are required by both Village Ordinances and State Statutes. The permit and accompanying inspections are to assure you that the work is in compliance with the Zoning Code, the appropriate Building Codes, and the Uniform Dwelling Code. The permit process also affords neighbors the opportunity to comment on a project but only if a project is at variance with the codes. If a permit is not obtained prior to the commencement of work, the Village can issue a separate violation for each day the work is not in compliance, per the requirements of Chapters 106 and 335 of the Village Code of Ordinance.
BUILDING INSPECTIONSContact InformationOffice Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Phone #: (262) 782-6700 E-mail: binspector@elmgrovewi.org Scheduling an InspectionThe Village of Elm Grove contracts with Independent Inspections, Ltd. (IIL) to provide its building inspection services. As such, the scheduling of inspections is administered by Independent Inspections, Ltd. Please call the home office of IIL at 1-800-422-5220 to arrange for an inspection. Types of Permits
Permit ExtensionsUnder the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), all permits expire two years after the date of issuance. The Village of Elm Grove requires that any expired permits be renewed by means of a permit extension. Please note that any permit extension will include additional fees payable to the Village. All permit extensions are coordinated through the Building Inspector. Click here to download the permit expiration waiver form. Well RegulationAll residential and commercial structures in the Village are currently serviced by private wells for their primary water source. Depending on the nature of your construction project, the location of the well on your property may become important. Waukesha County is the entity responsible for regulating the use of wells. More information can be found on the County’s website at www.waukeshacounty.gov by first clicking on “Services Index” and then “Environmental Concerns”.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICESThe Village of Elm Grove enforces the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC). This code is designed to ensure that homes in the Village are built and maintained according to acceptable standards. Below are questions commonly asked by Village residents and contractors. Should you wish to contact the Building Inspector concerning a question that is not listed below, you may call (262) 782-6700 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Do I need an ELECTRICAL permit if I am just adding one outlet or a ceiling fan? No. However, if two or more outlets are added, a permit is required. Do I need a HEATING (HVAC) permit if I am relocating a heat register and the related duct work? No. Does my electrician need to be LICENSED by the Village? Yes. Does my plumber need to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin? Yes. Do I need to take out a PLUMBING permit if I am just moving a fixture? Yes, if new piping is involved. If I am a homeowner in the Village, can I do my own electrical work? A property owner may personally perform electrical work in his or her own single-family residence owned by and occupied by or to be occupied by him or her as a permanent residence, provided that: (1) a permit is applied for and secured in accordance with Chapter 106 (Building Construction); 2) all required fees are paid; (3) the work is performed by yourself in accordance with Chapter 106 of Village Code; (4) inspection is applied for and (5) project approval is received from the Building Inspector. If I am a homeowner in the Village, can I do my own HVAC work? According to COMM 5.70 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a homeowner is allowed to service existing HVAC equipment. If any alterations or replacement of existing equipment occurs, a licensed contractor must perform the work. Do I need a PLUMBING permit if I am adding a fixture or appliance? Permits are required for dishwashers and water softeners, but not for garbage disposals. A plumbing permit is also required for a new sink, tub or toilet. Do I need a permit for a GAS SPACE HEATER? Yes, if it is permanently installed. Do I need to submit plans for a permit related to interior building work? YES. Three (3) sets of plans illustrating all interior work to be done must be reviewed and approved by the Building Inspector prior to permit issuance. Please allow up to 10 days for review.
Helpful Website Links
BEING A BUSINESS IN ELM GROVEBusiness Brochure
Legislative Recommendations
Plan of Operation Updates Requested
Grow in the Grove
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ASK THE STAFF
USEFUL LINKS
Waukesha County
State of Wisconsin Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code Wisconsin Contractors
Wisconsin Department of Commerce Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
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Page last updated: 05/13/2008 |
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Village of Elm Grove |
