Bolthole Index

Florence County, Wisconsin

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

75Index Score / 100
#17 of 72 in Wisconsin

A building permit is required for a new one- or two-family home in Florence County, Wisconsin, including stick-built, modular and manufactured-home installations1. The permit issuer may be a delegated municipality or the state, while Florence County enforces its own ordinance only where a municipality has requested county enforcement2. General county zoning depends on town approval, so confirm the parcel's current jurisdiction before designing the project3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new one- or two-family homes, including modular and manufactured-home installations1
Zoning
General county zoning applies only where the town has approved it; confirm current town status3
Septic permit
A state sanitary permit is required before private-system installation or modification; county permits cover specified repair, reconnection and non-plumbing work4
RV living
Countywide private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the zoning office for the parcel's town5
Tiny home
Countywide occupancy and minimum-size rules could not be confirmed; town zoning status matters5
Building inspections
Required for new homes at the footing, foundation, rough-work, insulation and final stages6
Well notification
A Well Construction Notification Number is required before construction of a private well7

Who to call

Zoning

Florence County Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department

County zoning and land-use questions

715-528-3430

[email protected]

501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121

Septic permits

Florence County Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department

County sanitary permits for private onsite wastewater treatment systems

715-528-3430

[email protected]

501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121

Roads & driveways

Florence County Highway Department

County trunk highway maintenance and county-road access questions

715-528-4253

5471 CTH N, Florence, WI 54121-9379

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Wisconsin requires a Uniform Dwelling Code permit for every new one- or two-family dwelling, including stick-built, modular and manufactured-home installations1. Florence County's own ordinance requires a permit before covered construction or additions, and before alterations valued above $2,500 in a twelve-month period, where a municipality has asked the county to provide enforcement2. Structural changes and major mechanical extensions also require permits under that county ordinance, while re-siding, re-roofing, interior-surface finishing and cabinetry are exempt2. The statewide code governing new one- and two-family homes is the Uniform Dwelling Code, and it sets construction standards and inspection procedures8. County building-permit fees are set by County Board resolution rather than listed as a fixed amount in the ordinance2.

Who handles permits in Florence County, and how do you reach them?

Start with the Florence County Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department at 501 Lake Avenue in Florence; the zoning office can be reached at 715-528-3430 or [email protected]9. Florence County's Zoning Administrator administers the county sanitary ordinance and its private onsite wastewater program10. Building-permit jurisdiction is parcel-specific: a delegated municipality may issue the permit, while Wisconsin DSPS may issue it where a municipality lacks the proper authority1. Florence County's UDC ordinance applies only in a municipality without its own enforcement program that has adopted a resolution requesting county enforcement2. Ask the zoning office to identify the correct permit issuer and inspector before filing. For county-trunk access questions, contact the Florence County Highway Department at 5471 CTH N in Florence or 715-528-425311. A state-highway connection requires a WisDOT permit12.

Does Florence County have zoning?

Yes, but general county zoning is not automatically identical in every town. Florence County publishes general zoning districts for unincorporated areas or applicable portions, and the ordinance takes effect within a town only after town-board approval and filing of the approving resolution3. Current adoption status for every Florence County town could not be confirmed, so ask the Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department which ordinance and district govern the parcel39. County shoreland, wetland and floodplain zoning applies countywide5. In a shoreland area, buildings generally must stand at least 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark, subject to listed exceptions and setback averaging13. A structure taller than 35 feet is prohibited within 75 feet of that mark under the statewide shoreland standard14.

How do septic permits work in Florence County?

Florence County administers county sanitary permits and inspections for private onsite wastewater systems10. A state sanitary permit is required before installing or modifying a private sewage system; a county sanitary permit is required before covered repair or reconnection work and before building a non-plumbing sanitation system4. The county application requires a completed form, site plan, approved soil test, applicable plans and pump information, required agreements or affidavits, maintenance and contingency plans, and the fee15. Sanitary-permit fees are due with the application and are not refundable after issuance16. A system serving a new building must be approved, installed and inspected before occupancy17. County soil data rates 0% of soils as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the soil test an early purchase contingency18. Public sewer must be used where available19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Florence County?

We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing private-land RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy in Florence County. General zoning depends on town approval, so ask the Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department which zoning ordinance and district apply before placing or occupying a unit39. Wisconsin's state-park camping rules do not answer the private-land question20. Florence County allows a non-plumbing sanitation system only when the served building has no water service or plumbing; adding plumbing or running water requires another acceptable sewage-disposal method21. Such systems are prohibited on or adjacent to lakes and lake back lots except for specified public, campground, group-camp and remote-location situations21. We also could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size, so ask the zoning office about the parcel's district before choosing a tiny-home design9.

Building a home in Florence County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department which zoning ordinance and district apply to the parcel39.
  2. Obtain applicable floodplain, zoning and land-use approvals before the building permit22.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, complete the soil test and sanitary-permit application, including the site plan, required system plans and fee191516.
  4. Confirm whether the UDC application goes to a delegated municipality, county inspector or Wisconsin DSPS12.
  5. Submit at least two plan sets with the completed forms, fees and prerequisite approvals23.
  6. Obtain a Well Construction Notification Number before drilling a standard private well7.
  7. Resolve road access with the Highway Department or WisDOT, depending on the road1112.
  8. After permit issuance, call the inspector listed on the permit for footing, foundation, rough-work, insulation and final inspections6.

What should you check before buying land in Florence County?

Put septic feasibility first: 0% of Florence County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field18. Check the parcel's exact zoning jurisdiction, because general county zoning depends on town adoption while shoreland, wetland and floodplain controls apply countywide5. About 85.1% of the county has a slope of 15% or less, but 89% is wooded, so access and clearing can matter even on gentle ground2425. Federal land accounts for 27.7% of the county; verify boundaries and legal access rather than assuming an adjoining public tract provides access26. The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 94 miles from the county center, which makes contractor scheduling and material delivery worth pricing early27. The median property-tax bill is about $2,224 per year, with an effective rate near 1.3%2829.

Watch-outs

  • Current town-by-town adoption of Florence County's general zoning ordinance could not be confirmed; ask the Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department which rules govern the parcel59.
  • Florence County requires public-sewer connection where service is available, and later availability triggers disconnection of the private system within one year19.
  • Countywide private-land RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed; obtain an answer for the parcel's town and zoning district before purchase59.

Sources

  1. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  2. Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), Chapter 14 Subchapter 2, Florence County Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  3. Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  4. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Florence County Code Ch. 10 Subch. 1 Zoning Ordinance - Force and Effect (2026 county census)
  6. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  7. Well and heat exchange notification (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  9. Florence County Planning, Zoning & Solid Waste Department (florencecountywi.com)
  10. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Florence County Highway Department (florencecountywi.com)
  12. State highway connection permits (driveways & more) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Minimum Shoreland Wetland Zoning Model Ordinance (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Camping Rules — Wisconsin State Park System (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Florence County Sanitary Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, quoted and re-checked
  23. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 320.09 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 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

Florence County in Wisconsin

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

How Florence County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy70100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% 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 →

$201kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$3,734Land / acre
30.5"Annual rain
4% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.5)Mid-century 100°F days
11.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.37" (+10%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.6×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,004Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.06%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
971People within 30 min
257,008People within 2 hr
18,031Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.6People / sq mi
27.7%Federal land
85.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
0 acWorkable land screen
89%Wooded land
42.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40.7°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Florence County

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

Florence County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, additions, and alterations to one- and two-family dwellings and other buildings within the scope of Florence County's Uniform Dwelling Code ordinance, where Florence County is the enforcement authority.

    • The ordinance applies in a municipality without a Uniform Dwelling Code enforcement program only if the municipality adopts a resolution requesting county enforcement.
    • A building permit is required before building, adding onto, or altering a covered building when the alteration exceeds $2,500.00 in value in any twelve-month period.
    • Structural changes and major changes to mechanical systems involving extensions require permits.
    • Restoration or repair of an installation to its previous code-compliant condition, as determined by the building inspector, is exempt.
    • Residing, re-roofing, finishing interior surfaces, and installing cabinetry are exempt.
    • Building permit fees are determined by county-board resolution.
    • The ordinance is identified as adopted April 20, 2004; its printed effective-date field is blank.

    alteration value threshold: > 2500 USD (within any twelve month period) · building permit fee: determined by resolution of the county board

    “This ordinance shall apply in any municipality without a Uniform Dwelling Code enforcement program, providing the municipality adopts a resolution requesting county enforcement. [...] No person shall alter, in excess of $2,500.00 value in any twelve month period, build, add onto or alter any building within the scope of this ordinance without first obtaining a building permit for such work from Florence County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwelling construction in Florence County locations where the county is the delegated UDC authority, including cities, villages, and towns that do not have their own delegated authority.
      “County of Florence (19999) | Delegated | PDF Letter”
    • Required — Construction, additions, and alterations within the Florence County UDC ordinance scope where the county is the enforcing authority.
      “No person shall alter, in excess of $2,500.00 value in any twelve month period, build, add onto or alter any building within the scope of this ordinance without first obtaining a building permit for such work from Florence County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Florence County's published general zoning districts and overlay zones under Chapter 10, Subchapter 1, for unincorporated areas and any town portions where the ordinance has taken effect.

    • The ordinance states that it affects the unincorporated areas of Florence County, or applicable portions thereof.
    • Within any town, the ordinance takes effect only upon approval by the applicable town board and filing with the Florence County Clerk by the applicable town clerk of a certified copy of the approving resolution.
    • The cited ordinance states that the 1968 Florence County Zoning Ordinance remains in effect in Aurora, Commonwealth, Fence, Florence, Homestead, Long Lake, and Tipler until approval of the newer ordinance or for one year from the day following enactment, whichever is shorter.
    • The cited ordinance states that if a listed town does not approve the ordinance within that one-year period, neither the newer ordinance nor the 1968 ordinance is in effect in that town.
    • Current town-by-town approval status, including Fern and any changes after the cited ordinance, was not confirmed from the current amended PDF.
    “This Ordinance shall affect the unincorporated areas of Florence County, or applicable portions thereof [...] the following Zoning Districts and overlay zones are hereby established”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Administration of county sanitary permits and private sewage-system requirements in Florence County.

    • The Florence County Zoning Administrator administers the sanitary ordinance.
    • The ordinance also requires compliance with applicable Wisconsin statutes and administrative codes.
    “responsible for administering this ordinance.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    County sanitary permits for private sewage systems in Florence County.

    • A county sanitary permit is required before reconnection or repair of a private sewage system.
    • A county sanitary permit is required before constructing or erecting a non-plumbing sanitation system.
    • No county sanitary permit is required for adding manhole risers or replacing manhole covers, risers, baffles, or pumps.
    • Applications use forms specified by the Florence County Zoning Department and require the listed application materials and fee.
    “A county sanitary permit shall be obtained”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Private sewage systems and non-plumbing sanitation systems in Florence County.
      “No person shall install, modify or perform work to a private sewage system unless the owner of the property on which the system is located holds a valid state sanitary permit. [...] A county sanitary permit shall be obtained prior to constructing or erecting a non-plumbing sanitation system.”
    • Limited — County sanitary permits for private sewage-system reconnection or repair and non-plumbing sanitation systems.
      “A county sanitary permit shall be obtained by the property owner, his agent or contractor, before any private sewage system or part thereof may be reconnected or repaired.”
    • Required — Reconnection or repair of a private sewage system and construction or erection of a non-plumbing sanitation system.
      “county sanitary permit shall be obtained”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private sewage systems for newly constructed buildings and county-regulated reconnections.

    • A private sewage system for a newly constructed building must be approved, installed, and inspected before occupancy.
    • The permit card remains posted until the system is installed, inspected, and approved.
    • Existing-system reconnections may be inspected.
    “The private sewage system for newly constructed buildings shall be approved, installed, and inspected before the building can be occupied.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Non-plumbing sanitation systems in Florence County.

    • Permitted only when the building has no water service or plumbing.
    • If plumbing or running water is supplied, another acceptable sewage-disposal method must be provided.
    • Prohibited on or adjacent to lakes and back lots of lakes, except on public lands and parks, private campgrounds, group camps, and remote locations without electrical service.
    “A non-plumbing sanitation system may be permitted only when the building served is not provided with water service or plumbing. If plumbing is installed in the structure or running water is supplied to the structure, an acceptable method of sewage disposal other than, or in addition to, a non-plumbing sanitation system must be provided.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings with plumbing fixtures in Florence County.

    • Buildings served by plumbing fixtures must connect to a public sanitary sewer where available.
    • Where public sewer is unavailable, a private sewage system may be used.
    • When public sewer becomes available, the private system must be disconnected within one year and connection made to the public sewer.
    “All buildings served by plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a public sanitary sewer system where available. Where such a public sewer is not available, a private sewage system may be used. When a public sewer becomes available to the building, the private sewage system shall be disconnected within one year and a connection made to the public sewer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land division and subdivision activity in Florence County.

    • The county ordinance index confirms a Land Division ordinance exists.
    • Specific thresholds, approval steps, and exemptions were not reliably extracted because the linked Chapter 11 PDF timed out.
    “Florence County Zoning and Solid Waste Department administers various ordinances controlling land use and regulation. These areas include; Comprehensive Zoning, Shoreland Wetland, Livestock, Floodplain, Land Division, Private Sewage System, Non-Metallic Mining Reclamation, Uniform Dwelling Code, Minimum Housing Code, Road Naming and Uniform Addressing, Recycling, Small Demolition Waste Landfill, and Metallic Mineral Mining and Reclamation.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development subject to Florence County floodplain regulation.

    • The official county ordinance index identifies a Floodplain ordinance; specific permits, district boundaries, and development standards were not extracted.
    “Florence County Zoning and Solid Waste Department administers various ordinances controlling land use and regulation. These areas include; Comprehensive Zoning, Shoreland Wetland, Livestock, Floodplain, Land Division, Private Sewage System, Non-Metallic Mining Reclamation, Uniform Dwelling Code, Minimum Housing Code, Road Naming and Uniform Addressing, Recycling, Small Demolition Waste Landfill, and Metallic Mineral Mining and Reclamation.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Florence County sanitary permits and related private sewage-system work.

    • The ordinance states that fees are established by separate resolution of the Florence County Board.
    • Sanitary permit fees are due at application and are not refunded after permit issuance.
    “All fees shall be established by separate resolution by the Florence County Board from time-to-time as deemed appropriate. Sanitary permit fees are due at the time of application. After any sanitary permit has been issued, the fee(s) will not be refunded.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPartial

    Florence County sanitary-permit applications.

    • Applications use forms specified by the Florence County Zoning Department.
    • Applications must include a completed application, site plan, approved soil test, required plans, pump information where applicable, required agreements or affidavits, maintenance and contingency plans, and the required fee.
    • The Zoning Administrator reviews and approves or denies applications.
    “The sanitary permit application shall include the following information: (1) A completed sanitary permit application form. (2) A site plan. (3) An approved soil test on a form acceptable to the Department of Safety and Professional Services.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County shoreland/wetland and floodplain zoning (Ch. 10 Subch. 2 and 4) apply countywide, but the Chapter 10 Subchapter 1 general Zoning Ordinance takes effect within a town only upon approval by that town board under Wis. Stat. 59.69(5)(c). The ordinance names the towns of Aurora, Commonwealth, Fence, Florence, Homestead and Tipler as previously under county zoning; current approval status of each town (including Fern and Long Lake) was not confirmed.

    Florence County Code Ch. 10 Subch. 1 Zoning Ordinance - Force and Effect ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Wisconsin rules that apply here

  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — New one- and two-family dwelling construction, including manufactured homes, in Wisconsin.
      “The program governing one- and two-family dwelling units (including manufactured homes) is also called the UDC program, referring to the Uniform Dwelling Code. Enforces construction standards and inspection procedures including evaluation of building materials.”
    • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwellings subject to the Wisconsin UDC.
      “The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwellings subject to the Wisconsin UDC.
      “The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning administered by municipalities or towns within Florence County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Florence County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Florence County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Florence County.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Florence County.
4 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • 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 Florence County, Wisconsin

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

Florence County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 971 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Florence County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Florence County Zoning and Planning (County Sanitary/POWTS program 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 Florence County, Wisconsin?

Land in Florence County runs about $3,734 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Florence County?

Florence County gets about 30.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4% of years.

How remote is Florence County?

A representative private-land location has about 971 people within a 30-minute drive and 257,008 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 Florence County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Florence compares in Wisconsin

Compare side-by-side →See all 72 Wisconsin counties ranked →