Bolthole Index

Burnett County, Wisconsin

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Burnett County, Wisconsin

73Index Score / 100
#28 of 72 in Wisconsin

Burnett County, Wisconsin requires a county Land Use Permit before a structure is built or placed, while the town serving the parcel issues any required dwelling-code building permit1. Burnett County Land Services handles county zoning and sanitary review23. General county zoning covers participating towns, with separate shoreland, floodplain, wetland and subdivision rules potentially applying elsewhere4.

At a glance

Building permit
County land-use approval plus a town-issued dwelling permit where required1
Zoning
General county zoning applies in participating towns; separate overlays may still apply4
Septic permit
Burnett County Land Services administers private-system and privy permits outside villages5
RV living
Camping units are regulated, but the exact occupancy limit was not confirmed6
Tiny home
No tiny-home-specific occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the controlling zoning authority and town inspector78
Owner-builder
An owner-occupant may obtain construction and erosion-control permits, but permits remain required9
Private well
State advance notification applies before most new private-well construction10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Burnett County Land Services/Zoning

County land-use, zoning, sanitary, shoreland, floodplain and subdivision questions

715-349-2109

7410 County Road K, Suite 120, Siren, WI 54872

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Burnett County Highway Department

Driveway and entrance permits for county roads

715-349-2285

[email protected]

8150 State Road 70, Siren, WI

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Burnett County, Wisconsin?

Yes. Burnett County requires a Land Use Permit before building or placing a structure, and Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code separately requires a building permit for covered new homes111. The county land-use approval and the town building permit are different approvals, so a rural home project may need both1.

Wisconsin's dwelling code applies statewide to new one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 19808. Permit requirements for additions and alterations can vary by municipality11. An owner who currently occupies or will occupy the home may take out the construction and erosion-control permits, but owner-builder status does not waive the permits or code compliance12. Begin construction only after plans are approved and the required building permit is issued and posted11.

Who handles Burnett County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Start with Burnett County Land Services/Zoning at 715-349-2109, 7410 County Road K, Suite 120, Siren, WI 54872, for the county side of the project3. Burnett County publishes applications for land-use, sanitary, camper, subdivision and related approvals13.

Burnett County does not issue the town-level dwelling permit. The building permit for a covered dwelling comes through the UDC inspection agency serving the parcel's town1. Ask Land Services or the town clerk to identify the current inspector before submitting plans. Wisconsin requires completed forms, fees, supporting documents, local prerequisite approvals and at least 2 plan sets for covered homes14. Permit fees vary by municipality, and the state permit-seal fee for each new dwelling is $3015.

Does Burnett County have zoning?

Yes, but the answer depends on the parcel. Burnett County reports that 17 of its 21 towns participate in general county zoning, while villages are exempt and areas outside the shoreland zone are exempt from county general zoning4. A town outside county zoning may have its own town ordinance or may be unzoned, so identify the town and zoning authority before relying on a listing's description16.

Separate county rules may still govern shoreland, floodplain, wetland and subdivision issues4. In Wisconsin shoreland zoning areas, buildings and structures generally must stand at least 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, subject to listed exceptions and setback averaging17. Burnett County's countywide minimum dwelling size and minimum lot size were not confirmed; ask Land Services and the controlling town before finalizing a small-home plan or dividing land318.

How do septic permits work in Burnett County?

Burnett County Land Services administers private on-site wastewater treatment systems and privies outside villages; villages are not regulated by the county under the reviewed policy5. Wisconsin does not allow a building permit for a new dwelling using a private septic system until the sanitary permit has been issued11. Put the soil evaluation and sanitary design ahead of the dwelling-permit application.

Countywide soil data rates 0% of Burnett County soils as being without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so a site-specific evaluation is essential and an alternative design may be needed19. Wisconsin requires private wastewater systems to be visually inspected at least once every 3 years20. An off-grid building with plumbing fixtures still needs a suitable method to treat, recycle, disperse or hold wastewater21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Burnett County?

Burnett County regulates camping units as a land-use subject, but the reviewed county material did not establish the exact duration, location or permit conditions for living in an RV on private land6. Ask Burnett County Land Services and the parcel's town whether the proposed stay, utilities and location are allowed before placing a camper3. Wisconsin state-park camping limits do not answer private-land occupancy questions.

A tiny-home-specific occupancy rule and a countywide minimum dwelling size were not confirmed. A tiny home intended as a dwelling still needs review under the parcel's zoning authority, sanitary rules and Wisconsin dwelling-code framework758. Manufactured homes can fall within the statewide dwelling-code framework, but local land-use and sanitary approvals may also apply22.

How do you build a home in Burnett County, step by step?

  1. Give Burnett County Land Services the parcel number and proposed site plan, then confirm whether general zoning, shoreland, floodplain or subdivision rules apply43.
  2. Arrange a soil evaluation and obtain the county sanitary permit before seeking a dwelling permit for a home using private septic511.
  3. Apply for the Burnett County Land Use Permit and any required zoning relief113.
  4. Identify the town's UDC inspection agency and submit the building application, required documents and at least 2 plan sets114.
  5. Obtain state advance notification before constructing most new private wells10.
  6. Secure access approval from the correct road authority; county-road permits come from the Burnett County Highway Department, while state-highway connections require WisDOT approval2324.
  7. Request each required UDC inspection before covering that phase of construction25.

What should you check before buying land in Burnett County?

Confirm the parcel's town, zoning authority, zoning district, shoreland status and floodplain status with Burnett County Land Services before treating the land as buildable43. Make an acceptable soil evaluation a purchase contingency because countywide data rates 0% of soils as being without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field19. Confirm legal access and whether the entrance meets town, county or state-highway requirements2324.

Wisconsin requires advance notice before most new private wells, but a separate Burnett County well permit was not confirmed10. The median property-tax bill is about $2,052 a year at an effective rate near 1%, and the typical home-insurance premium is about $1,299 a year262728. Farmland value averages about $3,584 per acre, while the typical home value is about $300,3512930.

Watch-outs

  • Do not treat a town outside general county zoning as rule-free; town zoning and county shoreland, floodplain, wetland or subdivision requirements may still apply416.
  • A Burnett County Land Use Permit is distinct from the dwelling permit issued through the town's UDC inspection agency1.
  • Burnett County's exact private-land RV occupancy limit, tiny-home standard and separate well-permit requirement could not be confirmed; ask Land Services and the parcel's town before purchase or placement6310.

Sources

  1. Burnett County Land Services - Application Forms and Information (2026 county census)
  2. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy (2026 county census)
  3. Burnett County Land Services/Zoning (burnettcountywi.gov)
  4. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy, quoted and re-checked
  5. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy, quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy, quoted and re-checked
  7. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy (2026 county census)
  8. One- & Two-Family (Uniform Dwelling Code) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Wisconsin DSPS - Building a Home in Wisconsin (UDC Guide) (2026 county census)
  10. Well and heat exchange notification (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Application Forms and Information, quoted and re-checked
  14. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 320.09 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 302.34 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Local Land Use Regulations and Comprehensive Planning Status Inventory Project (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning/Land Use Ordinance Violation Enforcement Policy, quoted and re-checked
  19. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  20. Wisconsin Maintenance Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Wisconsin Administrative Code, SPS 382 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Burnett County Highway Department (burnettcountywi.gov)
  24. State highway connection permits (driveways & more) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  30. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Burnett County in Wisconsin

73
County map
Burnett County highlighted among the Wisconsin counties · colored by Index score

How Burnett County scores

Seclusion80100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness46100% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy70100% ev.
Carry Cost69100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$300kTypical home
1%Property tax
$3,584Land / acre
31.7"Annual rain
4.3% of yrsSevere drought
1.2 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
13.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.81" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.77×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,299Home insurance / yr
2.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.67%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,985People within 30 min
2,008,356People within 2 hr
13,905Radius comparison (15 mi)
20.8People / sq mi
1.5%Federal land
85.8%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
47 acWorkable land screen
62.8%Wooded land
30.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Burnett County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Burnett County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Burnett County general land-use/zoning regulation.

    • 17 of 21 towns are enrolled in general zoning.
    • Villages are exempt from County general zoning.
    • Areas outside the shoreland zone are exempt from County general zoning.
    • Shoreland, floodplain, wetland, and subdivision rules may apply separately.
    “17 of the 21 towns in Burnett County are enrolled in general zoning. Villages are exempt from County general zoning. Areas outside of the shoreland zone are exempt from County general zoning.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning coverage across Burnett County towns, villages, shoreland areas, and county-regulated areas.

    • 17 of 21 towns are enrolled in general zoning.
    • Villages are exempt from County general zoning.
    • Areas outside the shoreland zone are exempt from County general zoning.
    • The conclusion aggregates township/municipal and county zoning coverage; the county does not administer every local ordinance.
    “17 of the 21 towns in Burnett County are enrolled in general zoning. Villages are exempt from County general zoning. Areas outside of the shoreland zone are exempt from County general zoning.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping units and temporary camping uses subject to Burnett County land-use regulation.

    • Camping units are listed among county land-use/zoning subjects.
    • Specific duration, location, and permit conditions were not established in the reviewed excerpt.
    “Land Use (Zoning) – includes land use permits, dwellings, additions, accessory structures, bunkhouses, conditional use permits, variances, rezones, communication towers, signs, short-term rentals, filling/grading, parking, driveways, density, animal units, building height, camping units, etc.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private on-site wastewater treatment systems and privies in Burnett County.

    • The county policy states sanitary utilities apply to all areas in the county.
    • Areas within villages are not regulated by the county; local or other authority may apply there.
    • Servicing must be performed by Wisconsin-licensed pumpers/inspectors and reported to Burnett County.
    “Utilities (Sanitary) – includes POWTS (Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems) and privies. Applies to all areas within the County. Areas within the Villages are not regulated by the County.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions, certified survey maps, and plats in Burnett County.

    • The county policy states subdivision regulation applies to all areas in the county.
    • Areas within villages are not regulated by the county.
    “Subdivisions – Land divisions, Certified Survey Maps (CSM) and plats. Applies to all areas within the County. Areas within the Villages are not regulated by the County.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County land-use, sanitary, subdivision, short-term-rental, and camper permit processes.

    • The county publishes application forms and a fee schedule.
    • Conditional-use applications have deadline and hearing procedures shown on the application page.
    • A Town of Oakland permit may also be required and may affect county hearing timing.
    “COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WITH REQUIRED FEE IS DUE BY THE 15TH OF THE MONTH (if this is a holiday or weekend then it will be the preceding business day) TO APPEAR ON THE AGENDA TWO MONTHS AFTER THE 15TH.”

Wisconsin rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    New one- and two-family dwellings covered by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, including covered additions and alterations.

    • The cited brochure states that permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
    • Construction begins only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted.
    • The enforcing jurisdiction may be the municipality, county, or state.
    • Local zoning, land-use, floodplain, sanitary, well, driveway, utility, and other approvals may also be required.
    • A building permit cannot be issued for a new dwelling using a private onsite wastewater treatment system until a sanitary permit has been issued.
    “Begin construction after plans are approved and building permit is issued and posted.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner obtaining construction and erosion-control permits for a dwelling covered by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.

    • The owner must occupy the home currently or will occupy it after completion.
    • The exemption permits the owner to take out the construction and erosion-control permits without the state-certified Dwelling Contractor and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier arrangement described for contractors.
    • The owner-occupancy statement must be checked on the permit application if the applicant does not possess Dwelling Contractor certification.
    • The source describes an owner-occupancy condition; it does not establish a general exemption for non-occupant owners.
    “The construction and erosion control permits must be taken out by a state-certified Dwelling Contractor, who also employs a state-certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, or by the owner who occupies the home currently or will after completion.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction and erosion-control permits for a home occupied by the owner currently or after completion.
      “The construction and erosion control permits must be taken out by a state-certified Dwelling Contractor, who also employs a state-certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, or by the owner who occupies the home currently or will after completion.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Public buildings, places of employment, and multifamily buildings subject to Wisconsin's commercial building code.

    • The Division of Industry Services reviews plans before construction for compliance with state statutes and building codes.
    • Local certified municipalities may provide plan review and inspection services for certain building types.
    • The Wisconsin Commercial Building Code adopted the 2021 ICC effective September 1, 2025; plans submitted November 1, 2025 or later must comply with the updated code.
    • Municipalities may have grandfathered fire detection, prevention, and suppression ordinances under 2013 Act 270.

    2021 ICC adoption date: September 1, 2025 (The deadline for building plan compliance was delayed.) · updated-code plan-submission deadline: November 1, 2025 (Plans submitted on or after this date must comply with the updated Commercial Building Code.)

    “2013 Act 270 establishes a uniform commercial building code in Wisconsin while allowing municipalities to grandfather fire detection, prevention, and suppression ordinances”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin, including Burnett County.
      “The statewide code for new homes in Wisconsin is the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), SPS 320-325 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and its adopted references. It is a uniform building code that applies across the state.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin built since June 1, 1980.
      “The Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Each phase of construction of a one- or two-family dwelling governed by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.

    • Inspections are called for before each phase is covered up.
    • The local inspector’s instructions apply.
    • The inspector has two business days after the inspection request and the work being ready to inspect before the work may be covered.
    • Inspections check compliance with the code and may also check compliance with approved plans.
    • The UDC is enforced by municipal or county building inspection departments or the Wisconsin Division of Industry Services.

    inspection response period: 2 business days (After the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before the work may be covered up.)

    “Call for inspections of each phase of construction prior to covering it up - check the local inspector’s instructions. The inspector has two business days after the date that you make the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before you may cover up the work. Inspectors will check for compliance with the code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy of UDC-covered new dwellings in Wisconsin.

    • Occupancy follows a final inspection with no major health or safety violations.
    • Some municipalities issue occupancy permits; the state source does not say that every municipality requires one.
    • The dwelling exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.

    exterior completion deadline: 2 years after permit issuance

    “Take occupancy after receiving a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found. (Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits.) Also, the dwelling’s exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of a dwelling governed by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code after construction.
      “Take occupancy after receiving a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found. (Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits.) Also, the dwelling’s exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Statewide floodplain zoning guidance; the Wisconsin DNR publishes a model floodplain ordinance for communities but does not thereby establish every local zoning district.

    • The source describes a model ordinance that communities should use when amending, repealing, or recreating a floodplain ordinance.
    • The source does not provide a statewide inventory or complete publication of local zoning districts.
    • Local community adoption and local ordinance details remain necessary.
    “This is the model version that should be used by any community amending or repealing and recreating a floodplain ordinance.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and structures in unincorporated Wisconsin shoreland zoning areas measured from the ordinary high water mark.

    • The standard applies in the shoreland zone and is implemented through county shoreland zoning ordinances.
    • Exceptions include piers, boat-hoists, fishing rafts, utilities, walkways, stairways or rail systems, decks or gazebos complying with s. 59.692(1v), and boathouses.
    • If an existing pattern of development exists, counties may allow new homes closer than 75 feet through setback averaging.
    • Counties may adopt additional requirements.

    minimum setback from ordinary high water mark: >= 75 feet (Listed structures and setback averaging exceptions.)

    “All buildings and structures must be set back at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark of navigable waters in Wisconsin shoreland zoning areas.

    • The DNR model ordinance identifies this as the NR 115.05(1)(f) height standard for county shoreland ordinances.
    • The prohibition does not extend beyond 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark under the stated standard.
    • Counties may regulate height beyond 75 feet through local ordinance.

    maximum structure height within 75 feet of ordinary high water mark: <= 35 feet (A structure taller than 35 feet is prohibited within the specified area.)

    “A structure taller than 35 feet within 75 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters is prohibited”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of a manufactured home installed as a new one- or two-family dwelling in Wisconsin.

    • The Uniform Dwelling Code applies to new one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980.
    • The UDC includes manufactured homes and the installation of manufactured homes produced on or after April 1, 2007.
    • Occupancy follows a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found.
    • Some municipalities issue occupancy permits.
    • The dwelling exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.
    • Local sanitary requirements may require certain plumbing systems.
    • Local zoning and land-use requirements may also apply.

    UDC coverage start date: >= 1980-06-01 date (The cited coverage is for new one- and two-family dwellings and their additions and alterations.) · manufactured-home installation coverage start date: >= 2007-04-01 date · exterior completion deadline: <= 2 years after permit issuance

    “The installation of manufactured homes produced on or after April 1, 2007.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Large private onsite wastewater treatment systems in Wisconsin.

    • A County Sanitary Permit is required in addition to WPDES permit coverage.
    • Construction may begin before WPDES issuance, but discharge may not begin until the WPDES permit is issued.
    • Large POWTS generally involve design flow near or above 12,000 gallons per day or more than 85 residential bedrooms.

    residential bedrooms threshold: > 85 bedrooms (Large-system classification threshold described by DNR.) · nonresidential design flow threshold: > 12000 gallons per day (Large-system classification threshold described by DNR.)

    “A County Sanitary Permit must be obtained in addition to the WPDES permit. Construction may commence prior to the WPDES permit issuance, but a system cannot start discharging until the WPDES permit is issued.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Privately owned wastewater treatment systems and septic systems statewide in Wisconsin.

    • Systems must be visually inspected at least once every three years.
    • Anaerobic treatment tanks must be serviced when combined sludge and scum volume reaches one-third of tank volume.
    • Counties, acting as state agents, operate maintenance-tracking programs and send reminders to landowners.

    visual inspection interval: <= 3 years · combined sludge and scum service threshold: >= 33.333333 percent of tank volume (One-third of tank volume.)

    “The code only requires that systems shall be visually inspected at least once every 3 years.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for buildings with plumbing fixtures that are not connected to a public sewer in Wisconsin.

    • Off-grid wastewater handling must provide for treating, recycling, dispersing, or holding wastewater.
    • Private onsite wastewater treatment systems remain subject to Wisconsin POWTS requirements and applicable plan review or permits.
    • The rule does not establish unrestricted approval for any particular composting toilet, privy, holding tank, or other device.
    “Where plumbing fixtures exist in a building that is not connected to a public sewer system, suitable provision shall be made for treating, recycling, dispersing or holding the wastewater.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of private wells statewide in Wisconsin.

    • A Well Construction Notification Number must be obtained before constructing a new private well that is not a high-capacity well.
    • Exceptions to the notification requirement include high-capacity wells, reconstruction of existing wells, and wells on Native American property; high-capacity wells or other wells requiring written DNR approval follow the approval requirements.
    • Some DNR-approved county ordinances additionally require a well permit before construction.
    • A Well Construction Report must be submitted to DNR within 30 days after construction.

    well construction notification fee: 50.5 USD (Fee and notification number are not refundable or transferable.) · well construction report deadline: 30 days after construction

    “Wisconsin law requires that a property owner provide advance notice to DNR before construction of any new private well that is not a high capacity well, and advance notice of any heat exchange drillhole construction (geothermal system) that does not require a written DNR approval.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and other connections between property abutting Wisconsin state highway right-of-way and the state highway.

    • The requirement applies to work in highway right-of-way.
    • The maintaining authority is the permitting authority.
    • WisDOT requires a connection permit for state highways.
    • Wisconsin Administrative Code Trans 231 supplies additional requirements.
    • There is no cost to apply, but construction-related costs may occur.
    “For state highways, WisDOT requires a connection permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Wisconsin floodplains, including floodway and floodfringe areas.

    • Floodplain development typically requires a land use permit and a building permit.
    • In the floodway, new structures, substantially improved or damaged structures, hazardous or solid-waste storage, and wells or sewage systems are prohibited.
    • Floodway development is limited to open-space uses with low flood-damage potential unless the stated analysis or FEMA map-revision condition is met.
    • Floodfringe structures must have the first floor elevated two feet above base flood elevation and have dryland access.
    • Substantially damaged structures are subject to the stated 50-percent threshold and applicable elevation or relocation requirements.

    floodfringe first-floor elevation: >= 2 feet above base flood elevation (for all new and substantially damaged or improved structures in the floodfringe)

    “In the floodway, new structures, substantially improved or damaged structures, the storage of hazardous/solid waste and wells/sewage systems are prohibited.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Lodging rented to tourists or transients for short periods in Wisconsin, including homes, condos, cabins, cottages, and similar lodging facilities.

    • A DATCP lodging permit is required for all lodging facilities in Wisconsin.
    • A tourist or transient must be away from the person's permanent address.
    • The reviewed source does not establish local zoning or municipal operating restrictions.
    “If lodging is rented to a tourist or transient, it will require a permit.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code permit fees for new dwellings statewide.

    • Municipalities determine fees for plan examination, inspection, and issuance by ordinance.
    • UDC inspection agency fees are determined by contract.
    • A $30 state permit-seal fee applies for each new dwelling.
    • Additional department inspection fees may apply in specified circumstances.

    Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit Seal: 30 USD (per new dwelling) · departmental inspection minimum: >= 160 USD (where a department employee performs an on-site inspection related to UDC enforcement under the stated circumstances)

    “The municipality shall, by ordinance, determine fees”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles, including recreation trailers, pickup truck campers, motor homes, camper vans, and truck campers, at Wisconsin State Park System campsites.

    • Camping reservations are required before setting up on any site.
    • Wheeled camping units must be parked on the campsite driveway.
    • A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper, or motor home.
    • Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.

    recreational vehicles per campsite: <= 1 unit (Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.)

    “A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper or motor home. Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary camping at Wisconsin State Park System properties.
      “Camping reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Wisconsin counties may enact and amend county zoning ordinances under Wis. Stat. § 59.69 for participating towns, which are generally unincorporated areas.

    • County zoning applies only in towns that have adopted county zoning.
    • After a comprehensive revision of the county zoning ordinance, the town has authority to decide whether county zoning applies in the town.
    • Towns have authority to approve or disapprove amendments to a county zoning ordinance.
    • A town that does not fall under county zoning may be unzoned or may have its own town zoning ordinance.
    “Counties exercise zoning ordinances under s. 59.69, Wis. Stats. County zoning only applies in towns that have adopted county zoning.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to enforce the statewide Uniform Dwelling Code and administer building inspection and permitting for new one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin, including unincorporated areas where the county is the responsible inspection authority.

    • The Uniform Dwelling Code applies to new one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980 and their additions and alterations.
    • The UDC is enforced by municipal or county building inspection departments or the Wisconsin Division of Industry Services.
    • Permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
    • Construction begins only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted.
    • Counties enforce the statewide UDC; the source does not establish authority for counties to adopt a separate, more or less stringent residential code.
    “The UDC is primarily enforced by municipal or county building inspectors who must be state-certified. In lieu of local enforcement, municipalities have the option to have the state provide enforcement for just new homes.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Burnett County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in Burnett County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements in Burnett County.
  • Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Burnett County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Burnett County.
3 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Burnett County, Wisconsin

Is Burnett County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Burnett County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 3,985 people within a 30-minute drive and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Burnett County, Wisconsin?

Burnett County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Burnett County Land Services (POWTS/sanitary permits, under WI DSPS). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Burnett County, Wisconsin?

Land in Burnett County runs about $3,584 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Burnett County?

Burnett County gets about 31.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.3% of years.

How remote is Burnett County?

A representative private-land location has about 3,985 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,008,356 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Burnett County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Burnett compares in Wisconsin

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