Bolthole Index

Juneau County, Wisconsin

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin

The Village of Camp Douglas in Juneau County requires building permits before covered construction or alteration, and a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit is required before building a new one- or two-family dwelling.12 Village zoning also applies, while Juneau County handles sanitary permits for private septic systems.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered construction or alteration1
Zoning
Village zoning applies throughout Camp Douglas3
Septic permit
Juneau County handles local sanitary permits for private systems45
RV living
Long-term residential use on private land is not confirmed; ask the Village zoning office6
Tiny homes
No separate tiny-home category confirmed; district dimensions and permits still apply78
Owner-builder
Available to a qualifying owner-occupant, but permits and inspections remain required9
Manufactured home
Treated like a stick-built home under Village zoning10

Who to call

Building permits

Village of Camp Douglas Zoning Administration

Village zoning applications and the initial contact for building or zoning permit applications

(608) 427-3255

Septic permits

Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department

Juneau County sanitary permits, septic plan review, shoreland zoning and floodplain zoning

608-847-9391

[email protected]

650 Prairie Street, Mauston, WI 53948

Zoning

Juneau County Shoreland Zoning

County shoreland building permits and construction review in shoreland and floodplain areas

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Village of Camp Douglas means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Village of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin?

Yes. The Village of Camp Douglas requires the appropriate permits before covered construction, extension, removal or alteration of a building or structure begins.1 A new one- or two-family dwelling specifically requires a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit from the Village before construction, and additions are also subject to the Village requirement.2

Camp Douglas has adopted Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code for one- and two-family dwellings.11 Permit fees are set by Village Board resolution, the application is not complete until fees are paid, and applying after starting the covered work triggers a double application fee.12 An owner-occupant may use Wisconsin's owner-builder certification allowance, but that allowance does not remove the building-permit or inspection requirements.9

Who handles building and zoning permits in Camp Douglas?

Start with Village of Camp Douglas Zoning Administration at (608) 427-3255 for the parcel's zoning and the correct Village application.13 The Village's official page says covered projects must obtain either a building permit or zoning permit and directs applicants to deliver or mail applications to the Village Clerk's Office.13

The Building Code requires the applicant or agent to contact the Building Inspector directly when each required inspection is ready.14 Ask Zoning Administration or the Village Clerk for the current Building Inspector's contact details before scheduling work, because the published Village page does not list a separate inspector contact. A covered dwelling or addition cannot be occupied until the Building Inspector issues a temporary occupancy permit or a certificate of completion and occupancy.15

Does Camp Douglas have zoning, and what lot and setback rules apply?

The Village of Camp Douglas has local zoning throughout its jurisdiction, but not every district listed in the ordinance necessarily appears on the official map.6 The Village Clerk maintains the official zoning map, and areas not otherwise classified are treated as Agriculture.16

In the Single-Family Residential district, the residential minimum lot area is 12,000 square feet per dwelling unit, and the listed principal-building setbacks are 25 or 40 feet in front, 10 feet on the side and 25 feet at the rear.1718 In the Agriculture district, residential development may reach a 5-acre minimum only with a conditional-use permit and the associated deed restriction, while principal-building front, side and rear setbacks are each 50 feet.1920 Confirm the parcel's mapped district before using any dimension in a site plan.21

How do septic permits work inside Camp Douglas?

Juneau County is the local authority for private onsite wastewater plan review in Camp Douglas for delegated at-grade and mound systems with design flows up to 1,000 gallons per day; plans outside the delegated categories, including individual site designs, must go to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for review.42223 A local septic permit is conditional on approved plan review, and plans are required for installation, construction, replacement or addition of treatment, holding or dispersal components.5

Juneau County says sanitary permits are required for new systems, replacements or modifications, repairs, reconnections and non-plumbing systems such as outhouses or transfer tanks.24 The county's sanitary-permit application must be completed by a licensed plumber.24 Inspection is required during private onsite wastewater construction and installation, so contact the agency that issued the permit at the stage specified in the approval.25

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Camp Douglas?

We could not confirm a complete Village rule allowing long-term residential RV occupancy or private-property camping in Camp Douglas. Ask Village Zoning Administration to classify the proposed use before buying land or moving an RV onto a parcel. Campground floodplain rules do not answer whether an RV may be used as a residence on an ordinary private lot.

Camp Douglas does not publish a separate tiny-home category in the material available here. In the Single-Family Residential and Agriculture district tables, a dwelling core must be at least 24 feet wide by 40 feet long, so a small dwelling needs district-specific zoning review as well as the applicable building permit.78 A manufactured home is treated like a stick-built home under Village zoning, while a mobile home is separately restricted except for stated temporary uses and existing parks.10

Building a home in Camp Douglas: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm the parcel's official Village zoning district and whether the proposed home meets the district's lot, setback, height and coverage standards.21
  2. Obtain the Village zoning permit before locating, erecting, moving, enlarging or structurally altering the proposed structure.26
  3. If the property will use a private wastewater system, secure approved plan review and the Juneau County sanitary permit before the local building permit is issued.27
  4. File the Village building-permit application with the required supporting materials and fee; the published process calls for three copies and Village review within 10 business days.28
  5. Contact the Building Inspector directly as each required inspection stage is ready.29
  6. Do not occupy the home until the required temporary occupancy permit or certificate of completion and occupancy has been issued.15

What stays with Juneau County when you build in Camp Douglas?

Juneau County handles sanitary permits for private septic systems even though Camp Douglas administers Village building permits and zoning.413 Contact the Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department at 608-847-9391 for septic, shoreland and county floodplain questions.24

County shoreland zoning applies within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, within 300 feet of a navigable river or stream and in floodplains, and a county permit is required before construction starts in those areas.30 Development in an area regulated by the Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance requires a land-use permit before covered work begins.31 We could not confirm the operative private-well, driveway-access or public-utility-connection rule for every Camp Douglas parcel; ask the Village and county offices before treating a parcel as build-ready.

Watch-outs

  • Starting covered work before applying can double the Village application fee.12
  • A Village building permit does not replace the Juneau County sanitary permit required for a private septic system.124
  • Camp Douglas has no confirmed separate tiny-home category, and the applicable zoning district's dwelling dimensions still matter.78
  • Long-term RV occupancy on an ordinary private lot is not confirmed; ask Village Zoning Administration before relying on an RV as housing.6
  • Shoreland or floodplain land can require county approval in addition to Village zoning and building permits.3031

Sources

  1. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  2. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  3. Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  4. Delegated Agents for Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Plan Review (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  5. Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  6. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinances (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  7. Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  8. cdn.townweb.com (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  9. Instructions for Submitting a UDC Permit Application (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  10. Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  11. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17: Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  12. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17: Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  13. Village of Camp Douglas Zoning Administration (campdouglaswi.com)
  14. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  15. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  16. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinances (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinances (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinances (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  19. cdn.townweb.com (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  20. cdn.townweb.com (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  21. Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  22. Delegated Agents for Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Plan Review, quoted and re-checked
  23. Juneau County POWTS Plan Review Delegation Letter, quoted and re-checked
  24. Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department (co.juneau.wi.gov)
  25. Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) — Inspection (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  26. Camp Douglas Chapter 22 Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  27. Requirement for Plan Review Prior to Issuing Local Permits, quoted and re-checked
  28. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  29. Village of Camp Douglas Chapter 17 Building Code (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked
  30. Juneau County Shoreland Zoning (co.juneau.wi.gov)
  31. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance (Village of Camp Douglas), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Camp Douglas

Village of Camp Douglas’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, extension, removal, or alteration of buildings and structures inside Camp Douglas village; one- and two-family dwellings specifically require a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit.

    • All applicable building, electrical, plumbing, zoning, and other codes must be complied with.
    • The permit must be obtained before construction or alteration.
    “unless all appropriate Permits have first been obtained from the Village”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwellings and additions inside Camp Douglas village.
      “No owner, occupant, contractor or other person shall build or cause to be built, on or after the effective date of this Subsection, any 1- or 2-family dwelling without first obtaining from the Village a Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit for such dwelling.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, extension, repair, removal, or alteration of one- and two-family dwellings inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The Village asserts jurisdiction for compliance with the Uniform Dwelling Code.
    • The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code and subsequent amendments are adopted and incorporated by reference.
    • A Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit must be obtained from the Village before construction of a new one- or two-family dwelling.
    • The ordinance also requires a permit before additions to one- or two-family dwellings.
    • The ordinance requires a Temporary Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Completion and Occupancy Permit before occupancy or use of covered one- or two-family dwellings or additions.
    “(2) ADOPTION OF UNIFORM DWELLING CODE: The UDC, as adopted and effective June 1, 1980, and all subsequent amendments thereto, are adopted and incorporated herein by reference.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — One- and two-family dwellings and additions inside Camp Douglas village.
      “The UDC, as adopted and effective June 1, 1980, and all subsequent amendments thereto, are adopted and incorporated herein by reference.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to the Village Building Code inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The applicant must contact the Village when ready for each required inspection.
    • The Village may enter property at reasonable hours for required inspections.
    “It is the obligation of the applicant (or agent) to contact the Village when the applicant is ready for each of the inspections required by this Chapter and the Building Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings, alterations, and additions for which a Camp Douglas building permit has been issued.

    • Occupancy requires either a Temporary Occupancy Permit or a Certificate of Completion and Occupancy Permit.
    • A completion and occupancy permit requires satisfactory completion and a final inspection.
    • A temporary permit is discretionary and may include conditions.
    “No building, alteration, or addition, for which a Building Permit has been issued, may be used or occupied until it has been inspected by the Building Inspector, and until the Building Inspector has issued either (1) a Temporary Occupancy Permit or (2) a Certificate of Completion and Occupancy Permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Occupation or use of one- and two-family dwellings, and additions thereto, inside Camp Douglas village that are subject to the Village Building Code.
      “No person shall occupy or use any 1 or 2-family dwelling, or any addition thereto”
    • Required — Uses and work inside Camp Douglas village requiring a separate zoning certificate of occupancy.
      “Zoning Certificates of Occupancy shall be required for any use for which a zoning permit is required by this Ordinance”
  • Local zoningPresent

    All land inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The ordinance states that all development, redevelopment, construction, maintenance, and use of real estate must comply with the Chapter and other applicable Village ordinances.
    “This Chapter shall be known, cited and referred to as the CAMP DOUGLAS ZONING ORDINANCE”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    The Village's published standard zoning-district categories and districts.

    • The ordinance states that not every listed district must be employed on the Official Zoning Map; some districts may be created for future use.
    • The Official Zoning Map is maintained in the Office of the Clerk and may be stored electronically or on paper.
    • Unspecified areas are deemed Agriculture (AG) until otherwise classified.
    “Agricultural Category: Agricultural (AG) District”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — The Village zoning districts inside Camp Douglas village limits.
      “Agricultural Category: Agricultural (AG) District Residential Category: Estate Residential (ER) District Single-family-3 (SF-3) Residential District Single-family-5 (SF-5) Residential District Multi-family (MF) Residential District Non-Residential Category: Central Business (CB) District Highway Commercial (HC) District Light Industrial (LI) District Heavy Industrial (HI) District Planned Development Category: Planned Development District (PD-year)”
    • Published — The entire Camp Douglas village zoning jurisdiction.
      “the standard zoning districts into which the entire Village is divided”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-Family Residential (SF) district, residential uses.

    • The table states 12,000 square feet per dwelling unit.
    • The table separately states a one-acre minimum zoning district area.

    minimum lot area: >= 12000 sq ft per dwelling unit · minimum zoning district area: >= 1 acre

    “B. Min. Lot Area 12,000 sq ft pr DU 40,000 sq.ft (1)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Agriculture (AG) district, residential uses.
      “The acreage may be reduced to a minimum of 5 acres with a Conditional Use Permit”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-Family Residential (SF) district, residential uses; principal building setbacks.

    • Front setback is 25 or 40 feet depending on the street right-of-way width.
    • Side setback is 10 feet.
    • Rear setback is 25 feet.
    • Accessory-building setbacks and the ordinance's adjustment rules also apply.

    front setback: 25/40 ft (The first number is for streets with right-of-way less than 100 feet; the second is for right-of-way equal to or exceeding 100 feet.) · side setback: >= 10 ft · rear setback: >= 25 ft

    “L. Front Setback to Princ. Bldg. 25/40 1”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Agriculture (AG) district, residential uses.

    • Maximum principal-building height is 35 feet.
    • Maximum accessory-building height is 15 feet.
    • Exceptions to height regulations are found in §22.504(4).

    maximum principal building height: <= 35 ft (Exceptions to height regulations are found in §22.504(4).) · maximum accessory building height: <= 15 ft (Exceptions to height regulations are found in §22.504(4).)

    “V. Max. Princ. Bldg. Height 35 4 35 [...] W Max. Acc. Bldg. Height 15 35 [...] Exceptions to height regulations are found in § 22.504(4).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-Family Residential (SF) district, residential uses.
      “V. Max. Princ. Bldg. Height 35 3 35 3 W Max. Acc. Bldg. Height 25 3, 4 25 3, 4 [...] Exceptions to height regulations are found in § 22.504(4).”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes inside Camp Douglas village.

    • Manufactured homes are treated like other stick-built homes under the Village zoning code; mobile homes are treated separately and may not be placed, parked, stored, or occupied except for the listed temporary project-office or outdoor-display exceptions.
    • Existing mobile-home/manufactured-home parks receive a blanket variance to continue operation, but may not be expanded or altered except in compliance with the ordinance.
    “Manufactured homes are treated like other stick-built homes.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Changes in cultivation or husbandry in the Agricultural (AG) district inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The exemption is from application or permit under the zoning ordinance; other applicable building, environmental, and state requirements may still apply.
    “No application or permit is required for: (a) changes in cultivation or husbandry in an AG district;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions inside Camp Douglas village limits.

    • The available official planning document states that the Village Land Divisions Ordinance was adopted in 1988 and requires Village approval of all land division.
    • The current Chapter 20 operative standards were not opened during this research.
    “Rules regarding subdividing property are found in the Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 20).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development inside Camp Douglas village that is subject to floodplain regulation.

    • The Village Building Code states that floodplain rules are found in the Juneau County Floodplain Ordinance.
    • The exact floodplain permit, district, and dimensional requirements were not extracted from the county ordinance.
    “in the Juneau County Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Ordinance and in the Juneau County Floodplain Ordinance.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Village building-code permit applications inside Camp Douglas village.

    • Fees are set from time to time by resolution of the Village Board.
    • An application is incomplete until all fees are paid.
    • A double application fee applies when an application is submitted after the applicant has committed the act for which the permit is sought.
    • All delinquent Village fines, forfeitures, fees, or charges owed by the applicant or property must be paid before the application is complete.
    • Variance fees may also be fixed and adopted by the Village Board by resolution.

    late application fee: double application fee (When submitted after the applicant has committed the act for which the permit is sought)

    “(a) The applicant shall pay such fees as may be set from time-to-time by resolution of the Village Board. No application is considered complete and ready for consideration until all fees have been paid.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Village building-permit applications inside Camp Douglas village.

    • Three copies of the application are required.
    • The Village reviews completeness, zoning, streets, driveways, subdivision compliance, and delinquent fees.
    • The Village shall review the application within ten business days.
    • Approved plans may not be altered without Village approval.

    application copies: 3 copies · Village review period: <= 10 business days

    “The Village shall review the application within ten (10) business days”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Village building-permit applications inside Camp Douglas village.
      “Three (3) copies of an application for a Building Permit shall be filed with the Village Clerk upon forms furnished by the Department, along with an application fee.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Village zoning permits and related approvals inside Camp Douglas village.
      “No structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Camp Douglas

Village of Camp Douglas does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner-occupant applying for an erosion-control or construction permit for a one- or two-family dwelling inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The owner must be or become an owner-occupant of the dwelling.
    • The exemption concerns the Dwelling Contractor Certification; it does not eliminate the building permit or inspection requirements.
    “I vouch that I am or will be an owner-occupant of this dwelling for which I am applying for an erosion control or construction permit without a Dwelling Contractor Certification and have read the cautionary statement regarding contractor responsibility on the reverse side of the last ply of this form.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family Residential (SF) district, residential uses.

    • The cited table labels the standard as Minimum Dwelling Core Dimensions.
    • The ordinance contains separate SF-3 and SF-5 sections; the quoted SF table is the operative single-family table presented in the source.

    minimum dwelling core width: >= 24 ft · minimum dwelling core length: >= 40 ft

    “Y. Min. Dwelling Core Dimensions 24 ft x 40 ft na”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Agriculture (AG) district, residential uses.
      “Y. Min. Dwelling Core Dimensions 24 ft x 40 ft na”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Agriculture (AG) district, residential uses.

    • The table distinguishes principal-building, accessory-building, and all-building coverage.

    maximum principal building coverage: <= 5 percent · maximum accessory building coverage: <= 10 percent · maximum coverage of all buildings: <= 20 percent

    “C. Max. Princ. Bldg. Coverage 5% 10% D. Max. Acc. Bldg. Coverage 10% 10% E. Max. Coverage of all Bldgs. 20% 20%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-Family Residential (SF) district, residential uses.
      “C. Max. Princ. Bldg. Coverage 40% 40% D. Max. Acc. Bldg. Coverage 10%. 10%. E. Max. Coverage of all Bldgs. 50%. 50%.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private onsite wastewater systems serving property inside Camp Douglas village.

    • Juneau County has delegated authority for plan review of at-grade and mound systems up to 1,000 gallons per day; DSPS remains the state regulatory program and plan reviews may also be submitted to DSPS.

    at-grade systems: <= 1000 gallons per day · mound systems: <= 1000 gallons per day

    “County of Juneau (29999) | PDF Letter | At-grade systems ≤ 1,000 gpd Mound systems ≤ 1,000 gpd”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private onsite wastewater treatment systems inside Camp Douglas village.

    • The responsible local municipality or county issues the local permit.
    • The local permit is conditional on approved DSPS plan review.
    • Plans must be submitted for installation or construction of a POWTS and for replacement or addition of treatment, holding, and dispersal components.
    “a local permit is conditional on an approved plan review.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    POWTS construction and installation inside Camp Douglas village.

    • Inspection is required in accordance with the plan-review conditional approval letter.
    • The applicant must contact the agency that issued the POWTS permit.
    “Inspection of POWTS construction and installation is required”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Camp Douglas or Juneau County directly.

  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land inside Camp Douglas village.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private property inside Camp Douglas village.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Camp Douglas village.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Camp Douglas village.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation on property inside Camp Douglas village.
4 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Camp Douglas publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Juneau County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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