Bolthole Index

Clark County, Wisconsin

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

75Index Score / 100
#14 of 72 in Wisconsin

A new one- or two-family home in Clark County, Wisconsin requires a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit, but the enforcing office may be the municipality, county or state12. Clark County administers sanitary permits for private septic systems, while general private-land zoning varies by town and county shoreland rules still apply34. Confirm the parcel's town and permitting authority before submitting plans.

At a glance

New-home building permit
Required for a new one- or two-family dwelling12
Building code
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code applies statewide to covered homes5
General zoning
Town-by-town; county shoreland and floodplain rules can still apply4
Septic permits
Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information administers county sanitary permits3
Owner-builder
An owner who occupies or will occupy the home may take out construction and erosion-control permits6
RV or tiny-home living
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the town and county zoning office4
Private well
A state well-construction notification number is generally required before drilling7
County-highway driveway
A county permit is required for driveway work in the highway right-of-way8

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information Department

Land-management permits, construction and compliance inspections, permit records, surveying and land information in unincorporated Clark County

(715) 743-5130

517 Court St, Room 204, Neillsville, WI 54456

Online permits →

Septic permits

Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information Department — POWTS

County sanitary permits, soil-test review and POWTS field inspections

(715) 743-5130

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Clark County Highway Department

Driveway access permits for work in county highway right-of-way

(715) 743-3680

511 W. South Street, Loyal, WI 54446

Online permits →

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 Clark County, Wisconsin?

Yes, for a new one- or two-family home covered by Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code. The statewide code covers one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980, and construction starts only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted52. Permit requirements for additions and alterations vary by municipality, and the enforcing jurisdiction may be the municipality, county or state2. Clark County's published material does not establish one county office as the building-permit issuer for every parcel or every construction type, so identify the municipality first and ask Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information which certified UDC inspector serves the site9. Wisconsin lets an owner who occupies or will occupy the home take out the construction and erosion-control permits, but that allowance does not remove the permit requirement6.

Who handles building permits and inspections in Clark County?

The building-permit contact depends on the municipality or inspection agency serving the property; Wisconsin allows Uniform Dwelling Code enforcement through municipal or county inspectors or through the state10. Start with Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information at 517 Court St, Room 204 in Neillsville; the office reviews and issues land-management permits, performs construction and compliance inspections, and keeps permit records for its work in unincorporated Clark County9. Once the correct UDC permit is issued, arrange inspections before covering each phase of construction11. The inspector has two business days after the inspection request and the work is ready before the work may be covered11. Occupancy follows a final inspection with no major health or safety violations, although Wisconsin's guidance says only some municipalities issue a separate occupancy permit12.

Does Clark County, Wisconsin have zoning?

Clark County is not governed by one simple general-zoning answer. The county's land-use record describes general private-land zoning as a town-by-town mosaic, while the county administers shoreland-wetland, floodplain and other land-management rules4. Wisconsin county zoning applies only in towns that adopt county zoning; a town outside county zoning may have its own ordinance or may be unzoned13. Cities and villages set their own rules. For land near navigable water, Wisconsin's shoreland standard generally places buildings at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark, subject to listed exceptions and setback averaging14. Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information administers land-management ordinances in unincorporated areas and should be the first county call for shoreland or floodplain status9. Then contact the parcel's town clerk to confirm general zoning, permitted uses, setbacks and any local approvals.

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information administers sanitary permits for private onsite wastewater treatment systems and reviews soil tests for compliance315. Secure the sanitary permit before expecting a building permit for a new dwelling served by a private onsite system; Wisconsin's building-permit process treats the sanitary permit as a prerequisite2. Plan for careful site evaluation: only about 0.3% of Clark County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field16. That countywide soil statistic does not decide an individual lot, but it makes an accepted soil test and a realistic system design especially important. State rules also require privately owned septic systems to receive a visual inspection at least once every three years, with counties operating the maintenance-tracking programs17. Off-grid wastewater arrangements are not exempt from POWTS requirements merely because a building is disconnected from public sewer18.

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

We could not confirm a Clark County rule that gives a countywide yes-or-no answer for long-term RV living, temporary camping on private land or tiny-home occupancy. The answer can change with the parcel's town, zoning status, shoreland or floodplain location, sanitation plan and the legal classification of the structure4. Wisconsin state-park camping limits do not answer what is allowed on private land, so they should not be used as a substitute for a local determination1920. A manufactured home can qualify as a dwelling under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code, but local sanitary and land-use rules still apply21. Before buying a parcel for an RV or tiny home, give Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information the parcel number, then ask the town clerk for a written answer on occupancy, setbacks and dwelling standards9.

What are the steps to build a home in Clark County?

  1. Identify the parcel's town and ask Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information whether county shoreland, floodplain or land-management permits apply49.
  2. Ask the town or county which certified Uniform Dwelling Code inspector and permit authority serves the property10.
  3. Complete the septic soil evaluation and obtain the county sanitary permit before the building permit is issued32.
  4. Obtain the state notification number before constructing a typical private well, unless a stated exception applies7.
  5. Submit the completed permit materials, required fees and at least two plan sets to the responsible municipality or inspection agency22.
  6. For access from a county highway, have the landowner apply to the Clark County Highway Department before driveway work begins8.
  7. Schedule each required inspection before covering the work, then pass the final inspection before occupancy1112.

What should you check before buying land in Clark County?

Start with septic feasibility, zoning jurisdiction, flood exposure and legal road access. Only about 0.3% of Clark County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so a favorable site evaluation matters more than a seller's assurance that the land is buildable16. General zoning varies by town, while county shoreland and floodplain controls can apply separately4. A driveway connection to a county highway requires a Clark County Highway Department permit for work in the right-of-way, and only the landowner may apply8. A connection to a state highway instead requires a WisDOT permit23. Private well construction generally begins with a Wisconsin DNR notification number7. For carrying costs, Clark County's median property-tax bill is about $2,467 a year at an effective rate near 1.5%, and the typical home-insurance premium is about $1,067 a year242526.

Watch-outs

  • Clark County's general private-land zoning is a town-by-town question; county shoreland and floodplain controls can still apply even when a town does not use county general zoning413.
  • Do not order a conventional septic design from countywide soil impressions alone: only about 0.3% of Clark County soils rate free of severe drain-field limits, so obtain a parcel-specific soil evaluation16.
  • A county-highway driveway permit can be requested only by the landowner, while access to a state highway goes through WisDOT823.

Sources

  1. Wisconsin DSPS - One- & Two-Family Uniform Dwelling Code (2026 county census)
  2. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  3. Clark County Planning & Zoning FAQ (2026 county census)
  4. Clark County Code of Ordinances - Chapter 22, Land Use (2026 county census)
  5. One- & Two-Family (Uniform Dwelling Code) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Well and heat exchange notification (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Clark County Highway Department (clarkcountywi.gov)
  9. Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information Department (clarkcountywi.gov)
  10. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (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 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Local Land Use Regulations and Comprehensive Planning Status Inventory Project (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information Department — POWTS (clarkcountywi.gov)
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Wisconsin Maintenance Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Wisconsin Administrative Code, SPS 382 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Camping Rules — Wisconsin State Park System (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Camping Rules — Wisconsin State Park System (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 320.09 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. State highway connection permits (driveways & more) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Typical home insurance premium: 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

Clark County in Wisconsin

75
County map
Clark County highlighted among the Wisconsin counties · colored by Index score

How Clark County scores

Seclusion64100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability69100% 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 →

$222kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$5,034Land / acre
33.6"Annual rain
1.2% of yrsSevere drought
0.9 / yr (+0.9)Mid-century 100°F days
13.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.79" (+10.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.68×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,067Home insurance / yr
1.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.5%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
24,833People within 30 min
1,087,283People within 2 hr
21,364Radius comparison (15 mi)
28.7People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
99%Land at 15% slope or less
0.3%Septic soil without severe limits
2,166 acWorkable land screen
43.9%Wooded land
40.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

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

Clark County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Clark County's own Code of Ordinances (Ch. 22, Land Use) does not contain a general countywide zoning-district ordinance for private land -- it covers only Shoreland-Wetland zoning (Art. V, countywide/mandatory under Wis. Stat. 59.692) plus forestry, nonmetallic mining, and zoning of county-owned land. General zoning for private land is town-by-town ('a mosaic of county and town zoning' per the county FAQ); cities and villages zone themselves and towns must adopt their own zoning.

    Clark County Code of Ordinances - Chapter 22, Land Use ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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 a dwelling governed by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code after construction.

    • Occupancy follows a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found.
    • Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits; the state source does not state that every municipality must issue a certificate or occupancy permit.
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private onsite wastewater treatment systems statewide in Wisconsin.

    • DSPS regulates and reviews POWTS plans for domestic wastewater systems.
    • Large domestic POWTS and systems involving non-domestic or mixed wastewater may require joint DNR and DSPS review.
    • Local certified municipalities and counties may provide plan review for certain installations.
    “Plans for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) are subject to review by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), or may require a joint review by the DNR and DSPS.”
  • 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”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code permits for one- and two-family dwellings statewide.

    • Applications are filed with the municipality or authorized UDC inspection agency.
    • Completed forms, fees, plans, documents, and local prerequisite permits are required before issuance.
    • Applications are reviewed by a certified UDC inspector.
    • At least two sets of plans are required.
    • The permit is issued only after filing and fee requirements are satisfied and plans are conditionally approved.

    minimum plan sets: >= 2 sets (for one- and two-family dwellings)

    “At least 2 sets of plans for all one- and 2-family dwellings shall be submitted”
  • 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 in Clark County land-use jurisdiction.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Clark County land-use jurisdiction.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on private land.
2 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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 Clark County, Wisconsin

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

Clark County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Clark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark County Planning, Zoning & Land Information Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Clark County, Wisconsin?

Land in Clark County runs about $5,034 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 33.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.2% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A representative private-land location has about 24,833 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,087,283 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 Clark County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Clark compares in Wisconsin

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