Chapter 7 Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Over the past two years, the Land Resources and Environment Department has been working on an amendment to the Sauk County Chapter 7 Zoning Code. The amendment to the ordinance was generated from changes to state law, requests from Towns, changing land use patterns and addressing local land use issues. Changes have been made throughout Chapter 7 that include updated use and development standards, Planned Rural Developments, and Temporary Use Permits. New zoning districts are being proposed, including: Limited Commercial (LC), Rural Residential (RR), and Public Open Space (POS), and the addition of Overlay Zoning Districts including Planned Unit Development (PUD), Scenic Corridor (SC), and Tri-County Airport (TAP). Significant changes to permitted land uses include solar and wind energy systems, accessory dwellings and agricultural tourism.

We invite you to join us for an overview presentation of the County’s Chapter 7 Zoning Ordinance amendment and a chance to discuss any zoning or amendment concerns with  county  staff members. Sauk County staff will be conducting the following meetings in order to present the proposed ordinance amendment and gather input from the public and Town officials:

• Plain: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Kraemer Library and Community Center located at 910 Main St, Plain at 5:00 p.m.

• La Valle: Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at the La Valle Town Hall located at 314 State Rd 33/58, La Valle at 5:30 p.m.

• Baraboo: Monday, September 15, 2025, at the Sauk County West Square Building, County Board Room 326 (3^rd Floor) at 6:00 p.m.

The full draft of the proposed amendment to the Chapter 7 Zoning Ordinance is available below. Also, as part of the amendment, the department is launching an educational video series. We will be reviewing the basics of zoning, an overview of the amendment process and review individual land uses and subjects being addressed with the changes. These videos will be sent out weekly via email subscription, Facebook, and posted to this page. To view the videos, please use the web links below. If there are any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Cassandra Fowler at Cassandra.fowler@saukcountywi.gov or at (608) 355-4832.