Bolthole Index

Juneau County, Wisconsin

Building permits, zoning and land rules in the Town of Fountain, Wisconsin

The Town of Fountain in Juneau County requires a town land-use permit, while a new one- or two-family home also needs a Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code building permit.12 Juneau County handles sanitary permits for private sewage systems and requires a separate land-use permit for development in mapped floodplain districts.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a new one- or two-family dwelling2
Town land-use permit
Required; applications go to the monthly Town Board meeting1
Floodplain development
A Juneau County land-use permit is required in mapped floodplain districts4
Septic permit
Juneau County administers sanitary permits for private systems56
RV living
Long-term occupancy on a private lot was not confirmed; ask the Town Clerk1
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner-occupant may apply, but permits still apply7
Driveway
A Town permit is required; state-highway access has a separate WisDOT permit89

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Fountain Building Inspector

Town building-code questions and dwelling inspections

608-697-7807

[email protected]

916 Silver Lake Drive, PO Box 340, Portage, WI 53901

Zoning

Town of Fountain Clerk

Town land-use and driveway applications and parcel-specific land-use questions

608-547-5335

[email protected]

W9921 Jacobsen Rd., Camp Douglas, WI 54618

Septic permits

Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department

Sanitary permits and plan review, shoreland building permits and floodplain questions

608-847-9391

[email protected]

650 Prairie Street Mauston, WI 53948

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Fountain 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 Town of Fountain, Wisconsin?

Yes. A new one- or two-family dwelling in the Town of Fountain requires a Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code building permit, including a stick-built, modular or manufactured-home installation.2 Fountain also requires a town land-use permit, with applications reviewed at the Town Board's monthly meeting.1

New covered dwellings require inspections during footings, foundation and reinforcement, rough work, insulation and final completion; notify the inspector identified on the UDC permit when each stage is ready.10 A qualifying property owner who will occupy the completed home may apply as an owner-occupant, but that allowance does not remove the permit requirements.7 The available Town material does not establish one blanket building-permit rule for every alteration or accessory structure, so ask the Town Clerk and Building Inspector about the exact project before work begins.1112

Who handles building permits in the Town of Fountain?

Start with the Town of Fountain Clerk at 608-547-5335 or [email protected] for the Town land-use application and its Board-review schedule.11 The Town says land-use applications are reviewed at its monthly Board meeting.1 For UDC questions and required dwelling inspections, the Town lists General Engineering Company as its Building Inspector, reachable at 608-697-7807 or [email protected].12

A new-dwelling application must include an application, contractor-license information and legible building plans with scale or dimensions.13 Fountain publishes a $100 town land-use fee for new homes and garages, while the UDC enforcing agency's building and inspection charges may be separate.14 Ask both offices for the current forms, total charges and the order in which approvals should be submitted before scheduling construction.

Does the Town of Fountain have zoning and land-use rules?

The Town of Fountain requires land-use permits, but we could not confirm the complete current Land Use Ordinance, zoning map, zoning districts or dimensional schedule.1 Ask the Town Clerk to confirm the parcel's allowed use, minimum lot size, setbacks, building height, lot coverage and any rule for an accessory dwelling before treating the property as buildable.11

Juneau County's floodplain ordinance applies in mapped floodplain districts throughout the county, including the Town, and requires a county land-use permit before covered development, repairs, additions or changes of use begin.154 Juneau County's published floodplain districts include Floodway, Floodfringe, General Floodplain and Flooded Agriculture-Cranberry Farms districts.16 County shoreland rules also set district-specific lot standards; these county rules do not establish that every Fountain parcel lies in a regulated shoreland or floodplain area.1718

How do septic permits work inside the Town of Fountain?

Juneau County, rather than the Town building office, administers sanitary permits for private sewage systems in the Town of Fountain.5 Wisconsin requires the sanitary permit before any local permit is issued for a building that will use a private sewage system, and the local permit depends on approved plan review.19 Contact the Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department at 608-847-9391 or [email protected].20

Juneau County's delegated review covers qualifying at-grade and mound systems with design flows up to 1,000 gallons per day; individual site designs and other work outside those delegated categories go to Wisconsin DSPS for review.321 Only 0.5% of Juneau County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the soil evaluation and system design an early purchase contingency.22 A non-plumbing system is limited to a structure without indoor plumbing that is not used as a full-time residence.23

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Town of Fountain?

We could not confirm a complete Town of Fountain rule allowing long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on an ordinary private lot. Ask the Town Clerk for a written, parcel-specific answer before buying land, placing an RV or relying on one during construction.11 Juneau County's camping provisions concern permitted campgrounds in mapped floodplain districts and do not establish a right to live in an RV on a private residential parcel.24

We also could not confirm a separate Town tiny-home category, minimum dwelling size or full dimensional schedule. A tiny home proposed as a new one- or two-family dwelling still falls within Wisconsin's UDC permit rule, and a manufactured-home installation is expressly included.2 Fountain's land-use permit process also remains relevant to placement.1 Off-grid sanitation is not a workaround for a full-time residence: the confirmed non-plumbing option is limited to a structure without indoor plumbing that is not used full time.23

Building a home in the Town of Fountain: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the Town Clerk to confirm the parcel's allowed use, applicable land-use standards and the current Town application.11
  2. Determine whether Juneau County shoreland or floodplain rules affect the site; covered floodplain work needs county approval before development begins.4
  3. If the home will use private sewage, complete plan review and obtain the sanitary permit before the Town issues a local permit.19
  4. Submit the Town land-use application in time for the monthly Town Board review and pay the applicable Town fee.114
  5. File the UDC dwelling application with the required contractor information and scaled or dimensioned plans through the enforcing agency identified by the Town.25
  6. Obtain the driveway approval that fits the road jurisdiction; Fountain issues its own driveway permit, while a state-highway connection requires WisDOT approval.89
  7. Call the inspector shown on the UDC permit at each required inspection stage.26

What should you check before buying land in the Town of Fountain?

Confirm the parcel's land-use classification and current dimensional rules with the Town Clerk because the complete Town ordinance and zoning schedule were not confirmed.11 Check shoreland and floodplain jurisdiction separately with Juneau County before assuming the Town approval is the only land-use review.20

Order the septic soil and site evaluation early: only 0.5% of Juneau County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.22 Ask the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about the construction notification and requirements for a new private well because Fountain's local well-permit authority was not confirmed.27 Confirm legal road access too: the Town publishes a driveway-permit process and a $25 fee, or $100 with a fire-number sign, while a connection to a state highway follows WisDOT's separate permit process.8

Watch-outs

  • A Town land-use permit does not replace the UDC building permit required for a new one- or two-family dwelling.12
  • A Town building approval does not replace the Juneau County sanitary permit required for a covered private sewage system.56
  • Long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping and a separate tiny-home classification were not confirmed; ask the Town Clerk before purchasing or placing a unit.11
  • Development in a mapped Juneau County floodplain district requires county approval in addition to Town land-use and state dwelling permits.154

Sources

  1. Town of Fountain, Juneau County - Ordinances (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  2. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings) (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  3. Delegated Agents for Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Plan Review, quoted and re-checked
  4. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Juneau County Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  6. Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  7. Instructions for Submitting a UDC Permit Application (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  8. Town of Fountain, Juneau County - Ordinances (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  9. Background on state highway connection permits (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  10. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings) (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  11. Town of Fountain Clerk (townoffountain.org)
  12. Town of Fountain Building Inspector (townoffountain.org)
  13. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings) (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  14. Town of Fountain Ordinances (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  15. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Juneau County Code, Appendix A, Sec. 3.1 — Lots not served by public sanitary sewer, quoted and re-checked
  18. Juneau County Code, Appendix A, Sec. 3.2 — Lots served by public sanitary sewer, quoted and re-checked
  19. Requirement for Plan Review Prior to Issuing Local Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department (co.juneau.wi.gov)
  21. Juneau County POWTS Plan Review Delegation Letter, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Juneau County Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance (Town of Fountain), quoted and re-checked
  24. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  26. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  27. Well and heat exchange notification (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 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 Town of Fountain

Town of Fountain’s own rules

  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway access inside Fountain town.

    • Applications are reviewed at monthly town board meetings on the second Tuesday of the month.
    • The listed permit fee is $25 or $100 with a fire number sign.

    permit fee: $25 or $100 USD ($100 with a fire number sign)

    “DRIVEWAY PERMIT Applications are reviewed at monthly town board meetings, the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Driveway permits are $25 or $100 with a fire number sign.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town of Fountain land-use and driveway permits.

    • Land-use applications are reviewed at monthly board meetings on the second Tuesday.
    • Driveway permits are $25 or $100 with a fire number sign.

    new homes and garages: 100 USD · construction increasing original value by 25%: 100 USD · decks: 50 USD · porches: 50 USD · storage sheds: 50 USD · lean-to sheds: 50 USD · corn bins: 50 USD · barns: 50 USD · outdoor wood stoves: 50 USD

    “Driveway permits are $25 or $100 with a fire number sign. [...] New Homes and Garages: $100.00”
  • Permit processPublished

    Town land-use and driveway permit process inside Fountain town.

    • Applications are reviewed at monthly town-board meetings on the second Tuesday of the month.
    • The town page directs applicants to the Land Use Ordinance and application forms.
    “The Town of Fountain requires land use permits. See the Land Use Ordinance for more information or download an application here. Applications are reviewed at monthly board meetings, held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. DRIVEWAY PERMIT Applications are reviewed at monthly town board meetings, the 2nd Tuesday of the month.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Fountain

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

  • Building permitRequired

    New one- and two-family dwelling units inside Fountain town.

    • Includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.
    • Permit authority may be the municipality if delegated or DSPS if the municipality lacks proper authority.
    • Application requires plans and a permit application fee.
    “A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwelling units inside Fountain town.
      “A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwellings inside Fountain town; the town is listed as a delegated UDC municipality.
      “A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner-occupant constructing a one- or two-family dwelling inside Fountain town.

    • The applicant must be or become an owner-occupant.
    • The application may be made without a Dwelling Contractor Certification, subject to the cautionary statement and applicable permit requirements.
    “Only check this box if the permit is being issued to the property owner who will occupy the home upon completion of construction.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    New one- and two-family dwellings inside Fountain town, including manufactured homes, under Wisconsin's statewide UDC.

    • The UDC program covers one- and two-family dwelling units, including manufactured homes.
    • Local delegated administration determines where applications and inspections are submitted.

    code chapters: SPS 320-325

    “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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes, inside Fountain town.
      “The program governing one- and two-family dwelling units (including manufactured homes) is also called the UDC program, referring to the Uniform Dwelling Code.”
    • Adopted — New one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes, inside Fountain town under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code.
      “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 — New one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured-home installations, inside Fountain town under Wisconsin's statewide UDC.
      “A permit under the UDC is required for new one- and two-family dwelling units. This includes stick-built, modular, and manufactured home installations.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New one- and two-family dwellings inside Fountain town.

    • Required inspections are footings, foundation and foundation reinforcement, rough work, insulation, and final inspection.
    • The applicant must notify the inspector identified on the UDC permit.
    “The following inspections are required on new one- and two-family dwellings. When ready for inspection, notify the inspector identified on your UDC permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New one- and two-family dwellings inside Fountain town.
      “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 inside Fountain town under the 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.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private onsite wastewater systems inside Fountain town for system types delegated to Juneau County.

    • Juneau County has delegated POWTS plan-review authority for at-grade systems up to 1,000 gallons per day and mound systems up to 1,000 gallons per day.
    • Other system types may require DSPS or another authorized agency.

    flow limit: <= 1000 gallons per day (at-grade and mound systems)

    “County of Juneau (29999) | PDF Letter | At-grade systems ≤ 1,000 gpd Mound systems ≤ 1,000 gpd”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    POWTS construction and installation inside Fountain town.

    • Plans must be submitted for installation or construction of a POWTS and replacement or addition of treatment, holding, and dispersal components.
    • A local permit is conditional on approved plan review.
    • For delegated project types, contact the county directly.
    “See the local municipality or county covering your project location. However, a local permit is conditional on an approved plan review.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    POWTS construction and installation inside Fountain town.

    • Inspection is required in accordance with the plan review conditional approval letter.
    • Contact the agency that issued the POWTS permit.
    “Inspection of POWTS construction and installation is required in accordance with the plan review conditional approval letter.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Non-plumbing sanitation systems, including composting toilets and privies, inside Fountain town.

    • A non-plumbing sanitation system may be permitted only when the structure has no indoor plumbing and is not used as a full-time residence.
    • If plumbing is installed or water under pressure is supplied, another acceptable sewage-disposal method must be provided.
    • A County sanitary permit is required.
    • Privy setback and floodplain conditions also apply under the ordinance.
    “A non-plumbing sanitation system may be permitted only when the structure or premises served by the non-plumbing sanitation system is not provided with an indoor plumbing system and is not used as a full time residence. If plumbing is installed in the structure or water under pressure 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Structures and uses within Juneau County-regulated floodplain areas inside Fountain town.

    • The ordinance applies to areas shown on the FIRM or other DNR-approved maps.
    • Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit is a violation.
    • The ordinance was approved and became effective March 21, 2023.
    • All cities, villages, towns, and counties must comply unless specifically exempted by law.
    “Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit shall be a violation of these regulations and shall be punishable in accordance with s. 10.0.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy of buildings inside Fountain town.
  • Local zoning — Land inside Fountain town.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside Fountain town.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Fountain town.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Fountain town.
13 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • 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 Town of Fountain publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Juneau County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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