Bolthole Index

Juneau County, Wisconsin

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

The Town of Lisbon in Juneau County requires a Town permit for every new structure or addition, while interior improvements, new roofing and siding do not require that permit.1 Lisbon has its own zoning, but Juneau County issues sanitary permits for private septic systems.23 The Town says it does not enforce the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code or perform UDC inspections, so owners must arrange UDC compliance and inspection separately.4

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new structures and additions1
Zoning
Administered by the Town of Lisbon2
Septic permit
Required through Juneau County5
RV living
An RV may not be used as a residence6
Tiny home
No separate tiny-home rule confirmed; zoning and UDC rules still matter78
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner-occupant may take out UDC permits9
Driveway access
Permit required before installing a new driveway10
Private well
Wisconsin DNR notification is required before a new ordinary private well11

Who to call

Zoning

Town of Lisbon Zoning Administrator

Town zoning permits and questions about permits for new structures and additions

608-847-5432

[email protected]

W6362 Meredith Rd, New Lisbon WI 53950

Roads & driveways

Town of Lisbon Road Patrol

Appointments and permits for new driveways

608-847-5432

[email protected]

W6362 Meredith Rd, New Lisbon WI 53950

Septic permits

Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning Department

Sanitary permits, septic plan review, shoreland permits and floodplain land-use permits

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 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Yes. The Town of Lisbon requires a permit for every new structure or addition, and the permit must issue before construction begins.112 The published Town fees are $200 for a new dwelling and $100 for a dwelling addition, alteration, other structure or addition; starting construction early doubles the applicable fee.12 Interior improvements, new roofs and siding do not require the Town permit.1 A UDC permit is also required for a new one- or two-family dwelling, including a stick-built, modular or manufactured-home installation.13

Who issues building and zoning permits in the Town of Lisbon?

The Town of Lisbon Zoning Administrator handles the Town permit for new structures and additions; contact the office at 608-847-5432 or [email protected].14 Permit requirements can differ among Agricultural/Open, Commercial and Residential zoning.15 The Town's zoning application says Lisbon does not enforce the UDC or perform UDC inspections, and it directs the applicant to provide the UDC inspector's telephone number.4 For a new dwelling, confirm the UDC permit and private inspection arrangement with the Town before hiring or scheduling work.413

Does the Town of Lisbon have zoning?

Yes. Most of the Town of Lisbon is zoned Agricultural/Open, with parcel exceptions identified by section, and the official zoning map is kept in the Town Clerk's office.1617 In the AG and R-1 districts, a residential lot generally needs 2 acres per dwelling unit, excluding right-of-way, and 150 feet of lot width and street frontage.1819 AG residential structures use a 108-foot street setback measured from the road center and 25-foot side and rear setbacks; R-1 uses a 75-foot street setback and 10-foot side and rear setbacks.2021

How do septic permits work inside the Town of Lisbon?

Juneau County Zoning and Sanitation administers private sewage rules inside the Town of Lisbon where an approved public sewer does not serve the property.3 A separate application signed by a licensed plumber and a county sanitary permit are required before installing, replacing, reconnecting or modifying a private sewage system, subject to the ordinance's limited minor-component exceptions.5 Juneau County has delegated plan-review authority for qualifying at-grade and mound systems with design flows up to 1,000 gallons per day; individual site designs outside approved methods go to Wisconsin DSPS.22 Only 0.5% of Juneau County soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility early.23

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

The Town of Lisbon prohibits using a recreational trailer, camper or recreational vehicle as a residence.6 A campground is a different land use: it is conditional in a Planned Business District and must meet the Town's campground standards.24 Lisbon's AG and R-1 tables list no minimum dwelling core dimensions, but a dwelling still must comply with applicable zoning and the adopted Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.78 The Town does not publish a separate tiny-home category in the reviewed rules, so ask the Zoning Administrator how the proposed structure will be classified before purchase.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's Lisbon zoning district, allowed residential use, lot size and setbacks with the Town Zoning Administrator.17
  2. Establish septic feasibility and obtain the Juneau County sanitary permit before relying on a private-sewage building plan.5
  3. Obtain any required county floodplain or shoreland approval before development in a regulated area.25
  4. Apply for the Town permit and arrange the separate UDC permit and inspector for a new dwelling.14
  5. Obtain a driveway permit before installing new access, using the road authority's approval where applicable.10
  6. Call the inspector listed on the UDC permit for required dwelling inspections.26

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

Check the parcel's exact Town zoning district and overlays rather than assuming the predominant Agricultural/Open designation applies.16 Ask Juneau County Sanitation & Zoning about septic feasibility, shoreland controls and mapped floodplain requirements before fixing a house site.325 A new ordinary private well requires a Wisconsin DNR well-construction notification number before construction.11 A new driveway also needs advance approval, and access onto a public road comes from the Town or the entity controlling that road.10 If the parcel lies within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage, 300 feet of a navigable river or stream, or in a floodplain, Juneau County shoreland zoning applies on top of the Town rules: a zoning permit comes before construction, and buildings must sit at least 75 feet from the ordinary highwater mark.27 Juneau County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, with a median annual property-tax bill of $2,517.2829

Watch-outs

  • A Town zoning permit does not replace the separate county sanitary permit or the UDC permit and inspection path for a new dwelling.513
  • Non-plumbing sanitation may be permitted only where the structure has no indoor plumbing or pressurized water and is not used as a full-time residence.30
  • Development in a regulated Juneau County floodplain requires a land-use permit before covered work begins.25
  • The Town's manufactured-home provisions are district-specific, so confirm the parcel and proposed unit with the Zoning Administrator before purchase.31
  • Juneau County shoreland zoning adds its own zoning permit and a 75-foot water setback for buildings within 1,000 feet of a lake or flowage or 300 feet of a navigable river or stream, and the published shoreland lot-size rules (for example 20,000 square feet and 100 feet of water frontage without public sewer) apply only inside the shoreland district.2732

Sources

  1. Permits & Licenses (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning | Town of Lisbon - Juneau County, WI (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  3. Juneau County Chapter 15 Private Sewage System Ordinance (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  4. Application for Zoning Permit (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  5. Juneau County Chapter 15 Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  6. Article 4: Land Uses (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  7. Town of Lisbon Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  8. Ordinance to Adopt the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  9. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Permits & Licenses | Town of Lisbon - Juneau County, WI (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  11. Well and heat exchange notification | Wisconsin DNR (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  12. Town of Lisbon Resolution #2024-04 Zoning Permit and Application Fee Schedule (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  13. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  14. Town of Lisbon Zoning Administrator (townoflisbonwi.gov)
  15. Permits & Licenses (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning | Town of Lisbon - Juneau County, WI (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  17. Town of Lisbon Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  18. Town of Lisbon Zoning Ordinance, Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  19. Town of Lisbon Zoning Ordinance, Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  20. Town of Lisbon Zoning Ordinance, Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  21. Town of Lisbon Zoning Ordinance, Article 2: Standard Zoning Districts (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  22. Juneau County Chapter 15 Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  23. 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
  24. Article 4: Land Uses (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  25. Juneau County Floodplain Zoning Ordinance (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  26. UDC (Uniform Dwelling Code / One- and Two-Family Dwellings), quoted and re-checked
  27. General Shoreland Zoning Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Juneau County Chapter 15 Private Sewage System Ordinance (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  31. Article 4: Land Uses (Town of Lisbon), quoted and re-checked
  32. Juneau County Code, Appendix A, Sec. 3.1 — Lots not served by public sanitary sewer, 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 Town of Lisbon

Town of Lisbon’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New buildings within the Town's UDC scope and Town zoning-permit jurisdiction.

    • A building permit must be obtained from the building inspector before covered work.
    • The Town website separately states that any new structure or addition requires a permit.
    • Residing, re-roofing, finishing interior surfaces, and installation of cabinetry are exempt from the UDC building-permit requirement; the Town website also says interior improvements, new roofs, and siding do not require a permit.

    new dwelling zoning permit fee: 200 USD · other structure or addition zoning permit fee: 100 USD (Includes permitted uses except dwelling) · late permit fee: double (If construction begins before permit issuance)

    “If a person builds or installs a new building, within the scope of this ordinance, they shall first obtain a building permit for such work from the building inspector.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New buildings within the scope of Lisbon town's UDC ordinance
      “they shall first obtain a building permit for such work from the building inspector.”
    • Required — New structures and additions inside Lisbon town.
      “Any new structure or addition to a structure requires a permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    One- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980 and camping units constructed on or after February 6, 2017, within Lisbon town.

    • The ordinance scope is limited to one- and two-family dwellings and defined camping units.
    • The town’s application states that the town does not enforce the UDC or perform UDC inspections; those are private matters between the landowner and contractor.
    “The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, Chs. SPS 320−325 and Chs. SPS 327 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, and all amendments thereto, is adopted and incorporated by reference and shall apply to all buildings within the scope of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings and camping units within the Town ordinance's scope.
      “The Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, Chs. SPS 320−325 and Chs. SPS 327 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, and all amendments thereto, is adopted and incorporated by reference and shall apply to all buildings within the scope of this ordinance.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    UDC inspections for covered construction inside Lisbon town.

    • The town application expressly says UDC inspections are not performed by the town.
    • The UDC ordinance creates a building inspector and states that the ordinance covers construction and inspection within its scope.
    • The application says UDC compliance and inspections are private matters between the landowner and contractor.
    “Applicant understands that the Town of Lisbon does not enforce the Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) and performs no such inspections. These are private matters between the landowner and their contractor. State law requires compliance with the UDC.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent

    Zoning inside Lisbon town

    • The Town website states that most of the town is zoned Agricultural/Open, with parcel exceptions identified by section.
    “Most of the Town of Lisbon is zoned “Agricultural/Open”.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — All land inside Lisbon town; the town publishes parcel zoning information and states that most of the town is Agricultural/Open.
      “Most of the Town of Lisbon is zoned “Agricultural/Open”.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Lisbon town.

    • The official zoning map is maintained in the town clerk’s office.
    • Overlay districts may impose additional requirements, and the more restrictive requirement applies if overlay and standard zoning conflict.
    “For the purpose of this Chapter, all areas within the jurisdiction of this Chapter are hereby divided into the following standard zoning districts which shall be designated as follows:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Standard zoning districts inside Lisbon town
      “For the purpose of this Chapter, all areas within the jurisdiction of this Chapter are hereby divided into the following standard zoning districts which shall be designated as follows: Agriculture/Open (AG) District Estate Residential-1 (R-1) District Planned Business (B) District Planned Unit Development District (PUD year – order of approval in that year)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family residential uses in Lisbon town Agriculture/Open (AG) and Estate Residential-1 (R-1) districts

    • The Article 2 district tables list minimum dwelling core dimensions as N/A for residential uses in both AG and R-1.
    • Other building-code habitability requirements may still apply under the adopted UDC.

    AG minimum dwelling core dimensions: N/A · R-1 minimum dwelling core dimensions: N/A

    “Min. Dwelling Core Dimensions (living space) N/A N/A”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential structures in the Town of Lisbon Agriculture/Open (AG) District.

    • Street setbacks are measured from the center of the road.
    • The table separately states principal and accessory structure setbacks.

    street setback to principal structure: 108 feet from center of road · street setback to accessory structure: 108 feet from center of road · side setback to principal structure: 25 feet · side setback to accessory structure: 25 feet · rear setback to principal structure: 25 feet · rear setback to accessory structure: 25 feet

    “F. Street Setback to Princ. Structure. 108’ from center of road 108’ from center of road G. Street Setback to Acc. Structure 108’ from center of road 108’ from center of road H. Side Setback to Princ. Structure 25' N/A I. Side Setback to Acc. Structure 25' N/A J. Rear Setback to Princ. Structure. 25' N/A K. Rear Setback to Acc. Structure 25' N/A”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Using a recreational trailer, camper, or recreational vehicle as a residence inside Lisbon town.

    • The ordinance exception is for a commercial apartment or farm residence; the cited prohibition otherwise covers the listed temporary or recreational structures.
    • Other land-use rules may apply to campgrounds.
    “Moreover, only those accessory uses listed herein shall be permitted herein with the exception of a commercial apartment or farm residence, in no instance shall a cellar, basement, tent, recreational trailer, camper or recreational vehicle, or accessory structure, be used as a residence.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds and overnight accommodation in tents, travel trailers, or other mobile or portable shelters inside Lisbon town.

    • Campgrounds are permitted only in a Planned Business District and are a conditional use under the zoning district schedule.
    • All town, county, and state regulations must be followed.
    • Campgrounds must be at least 10 acres, with 20-foot interior roads and specified sanitation, trash, road-maintenance, and open-space requirements.
    • A development plan must be submitted to the Plan Commission at least 14 days before the meeting, with nine copies.

    minimum campground area: >= 10 acres · minimum interior road width: >= 20 feet · plan copies: 9 copies · plan submission lead time: >= 14 days (before the Plan Commission meeting)

    “Private or public campgrounds, and time share campgrounds include any facilities designed for overnight accommodation of persons in tents, travel trailers, or other mobile or portable shelters or vehicles. The following regulations apply to all Campground uses which are only permitted in a Planned Business District in the Town:”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile and factory-built manufactured housing inside Lisbon town.

    • The ordinance states that mobile homes may not be placed, parked, stored, or occupied anywhere in the town.
    • A mobile-home-park residential development is reserved for conventional mobile-home parks or mobile-home condominium parks and may be located only in a PUD district, subject to additional conditions.
    • Existing nonconforming mobile-home parks may have limited replacement rights through a conditional-use permit.
    “Developments shall be located only in a PUD district and shall not be located in an agricultural, residential or commercial district.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

    • A non-plumbing system may be permitted only when the structure has no indoor plumbing, no water under pressure, and is not used as a full-time residence.
    • A county sanitary permit is required.
    • If plumbing or water under pressure is later supplied, an acceptable additional or alternative sewage-disposal system must be provided.
    • Privies have additional setback requirements, including 75 feet from specified water bodies, 50 feet from a well or 25 feet for a sealed vault, 10 feet from a habitable building or property line, and no floodplain location unless portable.
    “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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Cultivation and husbandry uses in Lisbon town's Agriculture/Open district

    • Cultivation and husbandry are listed as allowed in the AG district and exempt from regulation under the zoning ordinance.
    • Other town, county, state, and federal requirements may still apply.
    “exempt from regulation under this Ordinance”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land within unincorporated Lisbon town.

    • The ordinance applies to all unincorporated lands within the township.
    • It does not apply to listed exemptions, including certain pre-existing parcels, wills, court orders, leases, mortgages, easements, and certain adjoining-owner transfers.
    • Preliminary and final plat procedures, town review, county recording, and applicable county and shoreland rules also apply.

    town board preliminary plat decision period: <= 90 days (unless extended by agreement with subdivider) · final plat town plan commission decision period: <= 30 days (unless extended by agreement) · final plat town board decision period: <= 60 days · certified survey map town board review: <= 45 days

    “The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate and control the division of land within the Town of Lisbon, Juneau County”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New driveway access onto a public street or right-of-way inside Lisbon town

    • A new driveway permit must be obtained before installation.
    • Each access drive onto a public street or right-of-way requires a permit from the Town or the entity controlling the public road.
    • No access drive may be closer than 150 feet from an intersection of two street rights-of-way; otherwise the minimum is 75 feet, with conditional-use approval possible for closer access.
    • Two or more access drives serving the same property must be at least 75 feet apart at the property line.

    access drive setback at intersection: >= 150 feet (75 feet in other cases; closer access may be approved by conditional use) · minimum distance between access drives: >= 75 feet (Measured at property line; greater distance may be required)

    “You must obtain a permit before a new driveway can be installed.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — A new driveway inside Lisbon town.
      “You must obtain a permit before a new driveway can be installed.”
    • Required — A new driveway inside Lisbon town.
      “You must obtain a permit before a new driveway can be installed. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment with our Road Patrolman. Please include your name, parcel #, and phone #.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental apartments and similar commercial indoor lodging inside Lisbon town.

    • The zoning code defines short-term rental apartments as housing for one month or less.
    • Commercial indoor lodging is listed as a conditional use in the Planned Business district.
    • Other district and land-use requirements may apply.

    short-term rental period: <= 1 month or less

    “Commercial indoor lodging facilities include motels, hotels, time-share condo’s and short-term rental apartments, which provide housing for one month or less.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town zoning permits inside Lisbon town.

    • Conditional-use, amendment, site-plan/PUD, variance, and Board of Appeals fees marked with an asterisk are plus publication fees and all other Town-incurred costs.
    • Additional Plan Commission meetings cost $300 each.
    • The Plan Commission may require a larger fee based on project complexity and scale.
    • Fees double if construction begins before permit issuance.
    • Resolution #2024-04 was adopted May 23, 2024.

    new dwelling: 200 USD (All districts) · dwelling addition or alteration: 100 USD (All districts) · conditional use new or addition/alteration: 350 USD (Plus publication fees and all other Town-incurred costs) · other structures or additions: 100 USD (Includes permitted uses except dwelling) · driveway: 50 USD (Up to one-half-hour consultation; additional hours $50/hour, plus culvert cost if applicable, plus $150 if delivered) · outdoor assembly: 10 USD · additional Plan Commission meeting: 300 USD

    “BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Lisbon updates the Zoning Permit and Application fee schedule as follows: Dwelling – New (all districts) $200 Dwelling – Addition/Alteration (all districts) $100 Conditional Use – New $350* Conditional Use – Addition/Alteration $350* All other structures or additions (includes all permitted uses except dwelling) $100 Driveway $50 - up to ½ hr consultation, each additional hour is $50/hr + cost of culvert, if applicable + $150 if delivered Outdoor Assembly $10 Amendment to Text $350* Amendment to Zoning Map $350* Site Plan Review/PUD $500* Variance $500* Board of Appeals $350* *Plus, publication fees and all other costs incurred by the Town. Includes first Plan Commission meeting. All additional meetings are $300 each. The Plan Commission may require a larger permit fee base on the complexity and scale of the proposed development. Permit must be issued before construction can begin. Fee doubles if construction begins before a permit is issued. Adopted this 23rd day of May, 2024.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Town zoning, driveway, site-plan, variance, conditional-use, and related permit applications inside Lisbon town
      “Dwelling – New (all districts) $200 Dwelling – Addition/Alteration (all districts) $100 Conditional Use – New $350* Conditional Use – Addition/Alteration $350* All other structures or additions (includes all permitted uses except dwelling) $100 Driveway $50 - up to ½ hr consultation, each additional hour is $50/hr + cost of culvert, if applicable + $150 if delivered”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Town zoning-permit process inside Lisbon town.

    • Applicants are directed to contact Zoning Administrator Andrea Hawkins at 608-847-5432.
    • Permit requirements may differ by Ag/Open, Commercial, or Residential zoning.
    • A permit must issue before construction begins.
    “Any new structure or addition to a structure requires a permit. Please contact our Zoning Administrator, Andrea Hawkins, at 608-847-5432 for further information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning-permit process for new structures and additions inside Lisbon town.
      “Please contact our Zoning Administrator, Andrea Hawkins, at 608-847-5432 for further information.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Lisbon

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

  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential uses in the Agriculture/Open (AG) District.

    • Minimum zoning district area is 10 acres.
    • Minimum lot area is 2 acres per dwelling unit, exclusive of right-of-way.
    • Maximum gross density is one dwelling unit per two acres.
    • Minimum lot width and street frontage are each 150 feet.

    minimum zoning district area: 10 acres · minimum lot area: 2 acres per dwelling unit (Exclusive of right-of-way) · maximum gross density: 1 dwelling unit per 2 acres · minimum lot width: 150 feet · minimum street frontage: 150 feet

    “B. Min. Lot Area 2 acres per du (exclusive of ROW) N/A”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private sewage systems inside Lisbon town in areas not served by a DNR-approved public sewer

    • Juneau County Zoning Department administers the ordinance.
    • The County Zoning Administrator may delegate responsibilities to County Zoning Department personnel and, for abatement orders, to the County Health Department.
    • State statutes and administrative codes are incorporated by reference.
    “County Authority; the Juneau County Zoning Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — New, replacement, or modified POWTS inside Lisbon town requiring state sanitary permitting or state plan approval.
      “Plans which do not completely meet a DSPS approved component manual otherwise known as “Individual Site Designs” or approved products must be submitted to the DSPS for review.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage systems and non-plumbing sanitation systems inside Lisbon town.

    • A separate complete application signed by a licensed plumber is required.
    • A sanitary permit is required before installation, replacement, reconnection, or modification, subject to listed minor-component exceptions.
    • Starting construction before the permit doubles the stated permit fees and may lead to citation or enforcement.
    “Every private sewage system shall require a separate complete application signed by a licensed plumber and a sanitary permit.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    POWTS construction and installation inside the Town of Lisbon, Wisconsin.

    • Inspection is required in accordance with the plan review conditional approval letter.
    • If the county covering the project has delegated authority for the project type, the county is the contact agency; otherwise DSPS or the designated inspector applies.

    inspection coverage: POWTS construction and installation

    “Inspection of POWTS construction and installation is required in accordance with the plan review conditional approval letter.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of a new private well inside Lisbon town

    • Advance notice to Wisconsin DNR is required before construction of a new private well that is not high capacity.
    • Exceptions are high-capacity wells, reconstruction of existing wells, and wells on Native American property; high-capacity wells and other wells requiring written DNR approval follow the approval's notification requirements.
    • The notification number must be obtained before construction.
    • A property owner may drive or drill a well on their own property, but other construction must be by a licensed driller or supervised registered rig operator.

    well construction notification fee: 50.5 USD (Heat exchange notification has no fee.)

    “Obtain a Well Construction Notification Number prior to constructing a well.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Properties inside Lisbon town when a DNR-approved public sewer becomes available

    • The local sewer service entity determines whether sewer is available.
    • The private sewage system must be disconnected within one year and connection made to public sewer.
    • The disconnected private system must be abandoned under SPS 383.

    connection deadline: 1 year

    “When public sewers approved by the Department of Natural Resources becomes available to the structure or premises served, the private sewage system shall be disconnected within one year and a connection made to the public sewer. Determination of whether sewer is available shall be made by the local sewer service entity.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Private sewage systems serving land inside Lisbon town when an approved public sewer becomes available.
      “When public sewers approved by the Department of Natural Resources becomes available to the structure or premises served, the private sewage system shall be disconnected within one year and a connection made to the public sewer.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in regulated floodplain areas inside the Town of Lisbon, Juneau County, Wisconsin.

    • All cities, villages, towns, and counties must comply unless specifically exempted by law.
    • Structures and uses in regulated areas require full compliance with the ordinance and all applicable regulations.
    • Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit is a violation.
    • The ordinance was approved and became effective March 21, 2023.
    • More restrictive applicable regulations continue in force.

    floodplain development permit: required for regulated development (unless specifically exempted by law)

    “A land use permit shall be obtained before any development”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in regulated floodplain areas inside Lisbon town
      “all cities, villages, towns, and counties are required to comply with this ordinance”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption inside Lisbon town
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for land inside Lisbon town.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Lisbon town
  • Building height — Building height inside Lisbon town
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Lisbon town
1 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Lisbon publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Juneau County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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