AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SAUK COUNTY SHORELAND ORDINANCE

Wis. Stats. 59.692 and 281.31  provide the authority for Counties to administer shoreland protection ordinance regulations.  NR 115 establishes Wisconsin’s Shoreland Protection Program, which sets the requirements that must be met by development to comply with state law.  Both Wisconsin Statute and Administrative Code recognize that shoreland protection zoning is a necessary tool to protect public health, safety, and general welfare, and the public trust in navigable waters.  The proposed ordinance is established to (1) protect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life; (2) control building sites, placement of structures and land uses; (3) preserve and restore shoreland vegetation and natural scenic beauty, and (4) further the maintenance of safe and healthy conditions and prevent and control water pollution.

Following the enactment of Act 55 and additional legislation adopted in 2016 narrowed the implementation of shoreland zoning.  On October 2, 2018, Sauk County received notification from the WI DNR that our Shoreland Ordinance was substantially compliant; however, due to recent legislative changes additional text amendments were required.  In addition, through the implementation of the ordinance over the last several years, staff noted a number of areas that needed improvement and clarity to ensure consistent, efficient, and effective administration of the ordinance provisions.  Overall amendments are summarized in a staff memo, which was provided to all of the townships and lake protection districts for review and comment prior to the hearing.