Housing

VISION:

By the year 2020, Sauk County, which has historically been known as an agricultural and tourist county, will meet the changing needs of its citizens by further developing the technological and industrial sectors of its economy.  To meet these changes in housing needs, Sauk County will successfully establish an environment that allows for the provision of diverse housing options for its residents, while maintaining the uniqueness and character of its communities.  While not hindering housing growht, attnetion should be paid to protecting landmarks, sensitive natural and/or historic areas and areas of exceptional beauty.  Whenever possible, the growth will be directed toward "under populated" developments and to those areas conducive to the provision of public utilities.

GOAL 1

Sauk County should encourage future development to be directed to existing developed and vacant buildable lots within the county.  

POLICY 1.1

Sauk County should encourage the private sector to help residents locate in existing vacant building lots that are for sale in the county.

POLICY 1.2

Sauk County should work with municipalities to encourage and direct growth to those areas where services can be efficiently provided.

POLICY 1.3

All levels of Sauk County Government should work with county residents to clearly define where development will be encouraged and/or discouraged.  This will be done in order to protect residents’ property values, to help local units of government plan for the provision of community services and to protect the important ecological and agricultural areas of the county.

GOAL 2

Sauk County should provide residents and developers with more options for residential development within the county.

POLICY 2.1

Sauk County should add to the number of residential zoning districts within the Sauk County Zoning Ordinance.

POLICY 2.2

Sauk County should provide options and design alternative tools, such as Cluster Development, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR’s) and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR’s) in order to preserve and protect open space and natural beauty.

POLICY 2.3

Through its ordinances, Sauk County should continue and improve upon providing separation between different development types.  Provisions that protect the continued operation of existing land uses from the introduction of incompatible land uses that would negatively affect property values or the quality of life are important.

GOAL 3

Sauk County should establish and enforce consistent design review standards for construction of housing developments, private sewer and water systems within its rural areas.

POLICY 3.1

Sauk County should enforce all state building regulations within the unincorporated areas on newly constructed structures that require land use permits.

POLICY 3.2

The Sauk County Board of Supervisors should create and appoint a “Public Advisory Group” made up of building professionals (i.e. engineers, soil testers, well drillers....)  to help Sauk County staff in the review of rural subdivisions.

POLICY 3.3

In order to protect the future of Sauk County’s groundwater, the county should establish a wellhead protection program.  

GOAL 4

Sauk County should encourage and support local municipalities and towns in the enforcement of consistent design standards for housing developments.

POLICY 4.1

The Sauk County Board of Supervisors should create and appoint  a “Public Advisory Group” made up of building professionals (e.g. engineers, soil testers, well drillers...) to help Sauk County staff in the review of rural subdivisions.

POLICY 4.2

The Sauk County Planning, Zoning and Land Records Committee should be required to visit all proposed subdivisions before granting a final plat.  All supervisors should familiarize them-selves with the developers’ plans before the site review.

POLICY 4.3

Sauk County should establish and enforce a designated open space requirement for development within its subdivision ordinance.  Attention should be taken to ensure that the land designated as open space is conducive for recreational use.

GOAL 5

Sauk County should continue to work to make housing available to all of its residents.

POLICY 5.1

Sauk County should work to locate and provide special needs housing for elderly, handicapped and disabled residents near existing services. 

POLICY 5.2

Sauk County should work to provide housing options to its residents with low to moderate income.

POLICY 5.3

Sauk County should examine the reuse of existing structures for residential use.

GOAL 6

Sauk County should protect landmarks, sensitive natural areas and historic places and areas of exceptional natural beauty.

POLICY 6.1

Sauk County should utilize the Arts, Humanities, Culture and Historic Preservation Committee, to protect landmarks, sensitive natural areas and historic places.