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Jackson County adopts shoreland zoning updates to align with WDNR model ordinance
Summary
The Jackson County Board adopted text amendments to Chapter 16 (Shoreland Zoning) on Oct. 20, 2025 to align the county code with the WDNR model ordinance and state rules (Ch. NR 115, Wis. Stat. § 59.692). The board approved the resolution by voice vote with 19 Aye; county staff answered procedural questions prior to adoption.
The Jackson County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 20 adopted Resolution No. 36-10-2025 to update Chapter 16 of the county’s shoreland zoning ordinance. The changes revise the county code to mirror the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ current model ordinance and to bring county standards into compliance with Chapter NR 115 and Wis. Stat. § 59.692.
The Jackson County Zoning and Land Information Committee recommended the amendments. Supervisor Sarah Peloquin moved to adopt the resolution and Supervisor Ed Chamberlain seconded; the motion passed by voice vote with 19 present voting Aye. Zoning Administrator Jon Hemp and County Surveyor Cody Brommerich were present to answer questions from the board before the vote.
The adopted text clarifies statutory authorization and purpose language, defines shoreland areas and ordinary high-water mark procedures, sets minimum lot sizes for riparian and non-riparian lots, and establishes a 75-foot shoreland setback standard with specified exemptions for limited structures. It also adds vegetative buffer rules (35-foot buffer), impervious-surface calculation methods (a 15% standard with up to 30% allowed with mitigation), a mitigation-point system for trade-offs, and administrative provisions for permits, variances and appeals.
The resolution and ordinance text explicitly cite Wis. Stat. § 59.692 and Wis. Stat. § 281.31. The board record shows the ordinance will take effect upon publication of the official proceedings.
