Building - Planning - Zoning


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Welcome to the Department of Building, Planning & Zoning.  This interactive 
web page is designed to provide relevant and timely information to Village 
residents and businesses, contractors and other interested parties concerning 
zoning, building, remodeling and planning related issues.
 

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POINTS OF REFERENCE

Plan Commission
- updated 3-20-2009
Zoning Map 
- updated 02-03-2006
Zoning Code 
- updated 2-03-2006
Building Board
FAQ's
- updated 3-20-2009
Building Inspections
FAQ's
- updated 3-20-2009
Being a Business in Elm Grove 
- updated 3-20-2009
Fees
- updated 3-15-2010
Ask the Staff 
- updated 11-27-2007
Useful Links  
- updated 2-03-2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAN   COMMISSION

General Information 

The 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:

Development of a Village-wide Comprehensive Plan

Rezoning (change in zoning classification for property within the Village)

Zoning Code Amendments (textual changes to the Zoning Code; the Plan Commission recommends and the Village Board of Trustees adopt such changes) 

Conditional Use Permits (required for those uses listed as conditional uses in the Village Zoning Code)

Plans of Operation (required to operate a business in Elm Grove)

Special Exceptions (required for most additions to legal nonconforming principal structures)

Demolition Permits (required for the tearing down of structures within the Village)

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 2009 Plan Commission meeting schedule.

Downtown Design Guidelines

On 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 

Appendix A: Facades

Downtown Overlay District Map

 

COMPREHENSIVE  PLANNING

For detailed information on the progress of the Village's Comprehensive Plan, click here.

ZONING   MAP

The 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.  

Disclaimer

All 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.

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BUILDING   BOARD

General Information 

The 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 2009 meeting schedule.

Building Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes

Building Board Meeting Schedule    12-23-2009

Building Board Review Requirements

The 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:

  New Home Construction

o   Sewer lateral form

o  Driveway permit 

o  Public way disturbance permit

  Building Addition (includes decks)

  Building Alteration (no increase in building footprint)

  Fence  

  Retaining Walls and Like Structures

  Accessory Structure (e.g. shed; gazebo; arbor)

  Pool

  Sign 

All of the above permits will require both a building permit and building permit addendum.  The forms can be downloaded by clicking on the links or may be picked up at Village Hall.  6-15-2010 

Approval Process Timeline 

The Building Board process generally takes at least three weeks.  Please plan your project accordingly.

All materials listed on any submittal checklist must be delivered to Village Hall by 4:30 PM at least ten (10) business days prior to the desired meeting date.  New home construction submittals must be received by 4:30 PM at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the desired meeting date.

Jessi Balcom, Planning & Zoning Administrator, reviews all proposals to insure that all necessary information has been submitted and that proposals meet all Code of Ordinance requirements.

The Building Board reviews and approves the proposal for architectural appeal and functional plan.  The applicant or his or her designee is required to attend the Building Board meeting to answer questions.  Applications are forwarded to the Building Inspector only after they are approved by the Building Board.

The Building Inspector reviews and approves the proposal for building code requirements after the Building Board has approved the project.  The Building Inspector notifies the applicant that their building permit is ready for pick-up at Village Hall and schedules all necessary inspections.  Please allow up to ten (10) business days for processing by the Building Inspector after Building Board approval.

After called by the Building Inspector, the applicant may pick-up his/her permit at Village Hall Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 12:00 until 1:00 PM.  Permit fee (for building code review) is paid to the Building Inspector at the time of pick-up.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BUILDING BOARD REVIEW

Improving 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.

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BUILDING   INSPECTIONS

Contact Information

Office 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 Inspection

The 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

  • Building/Construction

    • Rough and final inspections are required.

    • Building/construction permits are issued for work done to both the exterior AND the interior of all structures in the Village.  Generally speaking, exterior work will also require review from the Village Building Board (click here to be taken to the Building Board section).  

  • Electrical

  • Plumbing

    • Rough and/or final inspections, depending on the nature of the project.

  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

    • Rough and/or final inspections, depending on the nature of the project.

Permit Extensions

Under 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 Regulation

All 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.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES

The 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.

 

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BEING  A  BUSINESS  IN  ELM  GROVE

Elm Grove Business Association

The Elm Grove Business Association is formed to bring together business owners and professionals of Elm Grove to advance and promote their         business interests and the community’s general welfare. Membership is open to the businesses and professionals who operate or conduct a business in Elm Grove.

Click here to download the Elm Grove Business Association mission and information.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the Elm Grove Business Association, please download the membership form.

Legislative Recommendations

In December of 2005 the Village Plan Commission reviewed a commercial parking study, which provided an analysis of current parking conditions in the Village.  From the study it was learned that certain ordinance revisions would be required, and in response Village staff drafted proposed legislative changes to Sections 335-32 (Parking) and 335-85 (Plans of Operation).  

At the March 9, 2006 Legislative Committee meeting, it was determined that additional input from the business community would be necessary for purpose of completing the ordinance revision process.  Workgroup meetings, which included representation from business owners, business operators, Plan Commissioners and Village staff, were held on March 28, March 30 and April 5 of 2006.  

In October of 2006 the Board of Trustees approved the ordinance amendments for the Plans of Operation and Parking sections of the Village Zoning Code.  The approved documents can be downloaded in PDF format:

Parking Requirements

Parking Ordinance

Plan of Operation

Plans of Operation Ordinance

Plan of Operation Application

Questions regarding this process can be directed to Jessi Balcom, Zoning and Planning Administrator.  She can be reached via phone at (262) 782-6700 or via e-mail at jbalcom@elmgrovewi.org

FEES

The Village of Elm Grove requires fees for permits, applications and related processes.  Click here to review the current fee schedule.  Should you have a questions regarding the fee schedule, please call (262) 782-6700.

 

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ASK THE STAFF

Do you have a question that was not answered during your time on the web page?  Please feel free to e-mail staff your question at any time:

If you have a question concerning building demolition, planning, or the Building Board procedure  in the Village, you can e-mail Jessi Balcom, Zoning and Planning Administrator, at jbalcom@elmgrovewi.org  

Questions concerning building inspections can be directed to: binspector@elmgrovewi.org

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USEFUL   LINKS

 

Waukesha County

www.waukeshacounty.gov    (Waukesha County Land and Water Resource Management Plan)

http://maps.waukeshacounty.gov/GISweb/waukco/waukco.asp    (Geographic Information Systems – GIS Page)

State of Wisconsin

www.wisconsin.gov 

Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code 

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/comm/comm020.html

Wisconsin Contractors 

http://www.buildingtradesdir.com/contract/contractors_wisconsin/wisconsin.html 

Wisconsin Department of Commerce 

 http://commerce.wi.gov 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

www.dnr.wi.gov 

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

www.mmsd.com 

 

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Page last updated:  07/02/2010

 

Village of Elm Grove      13600 Juneau Boulevard      Elm Grove     Wisconsin      53122      262-782-6700