Bolthole Index

Menominee County, Wisconsin

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Menominee County, Wisconsin

81Index Score / 100
#1 of 72 in Wisconsin

Menominee County, Wisconsin requires a building permit before covered construction begins on fee land12. County zoning also applies to fee land, but land owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin or held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation is excluded3. On fee land, the county Zoning Department handles septic permits and maintenance oversight4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered construction begins on fee land12
Zoning
County zoning covers fee land but excludes tribal-owned and federal trust land3
Septic permits
Required for new, altered, replacement and reconnected POWTS on fee land45
Owner-builder
An owner who occupies or will occupy the home may take out construction and erosion-control permits6
RV habitation
Allowed only where the zoning district permits it outright or conditionally7
Tiny homes
No distinct countywide tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the Zoning Department before buying8
Private wells
Ordinary new private wells generally require advance Wisconsin DNR notification9
R-1 setbacks
Homes need 10-foot side yards and 25-foot rear yards; other districts differ10

Who to call

Building permits

Menominee County Building & Zoning Office

Building and zoning permit applications and zoning questions for land within county jurisdiction

715-799-5710

3270 Courthouse Lane, Keshena, WI 54135-0279

Septic permits

Menominee County Zoning Department — Septic Systems (POWTS)

POWTS installation, permitting and maintenance on fee land

715-799-5710 x2

3270 Courthouse Lane, Keshena, WI 54135-0279

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 Menominee County, Wisconsin?

Yes, for covered work on fee land. Town of Menominee Ordinance No. 63 requires the permit before construction begins and doubles the permit fee when work starts first2. Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code governs new one- and two-family homes built since 1980, along with covered additions and alterations11. The local application requires two copies of the plans2. The permit question changes if the parcel is owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin or held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation, because the county zoning ordinance excludes those lands3. Confirm the parcel's legal status before treating the county process as controlling.

Who issues permits in Menominee County, and how do you reach the office?

The Menominee County Building & Zoning Office publishes building and zoning applications and directs zoning questions to the department12. The office is at 3270 Courthouse Lane, Keshena, WI 54135-0279, and its main number is 715-799-571012. The county page directs Uniform Dwelling Code inspection questions to the town building inspector, while Town of Menominee Ordinance No. 63 authorizes the Building Inspector to issue permits to an owner or authorized agent122. Permit fees vary by local ordinance, and a state permit-seal fee applies to each new dwelling13. Ask the office for the current application packet, fee total and inspection contact for the exact project.

Does Menominee County have zoning?

Menominee County has zoning for land within county jurisdiction, but the ordinance excludes land owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and land held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation3. On covered land, the county publishes residential, business, industrial, forestry, agricultural and overlay districts, so permitted uses and dimensions depend on the parcel's district14. In the R-1 district, a residential structure needs a 10-foot side-yard setback and a 25-foot rear-yard setback; accessory structures generally need 5 feet at the side and rear10. Near navigable water, Wisconsin's shoreland standard generally requires a 75-foot setback from the ordinary high-water mark, subject to listed exceptions and setback averaging15. Ask the Zoning Department to identify the parcel's district and overlays before choosing a house site12.

How do septic permits work in Menominee County?

The Menominee County Zoning Department oversees private onsite wastewater treatment systems on fee land164. Permits are required for new systems, alterations, replacements and reconnections; the application also requires review and approval of a soil and site evaluation5. A newly constructed building cannot be occupied until its POWTS is approved, installed and inspected17. Only 8.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before committing to a building site18. Treatment tanks must be serviced within three years after installation and at least every three years afterward, or sooner at the ordinance's sludge-and-scum threshold17. Contact the septic program at 715-799-5710 x2 before design work begins16.

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

An RV, travel trailer, bus or similar recreational shelter may be used for habitation only where the applicable zoning district allows the use outright or by conditional approval7. RV storage also requires a principal structure in use on the property, and storage is restricted in front yards, road rights-of-way and water setbacks7. In the Legend Lake Residential District, guest camping is allowed on improved property with a permitted principal structure when the owner is on site or easily accessible and campers can use the principal dwelling19. Menominee County materials do not establish a distinct countywide tiny-home occupancy rule, so ask the Zoning Department how the proposed unit would be classified8. Manufactured homes are permitted principal structures in the R-1 district, subject to its other requirements20.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is fee land under county jurisdiction or tribal-owned or federal trust land outside the county ordinance3.
  1. Ask the Building & Zoning Office for the parcel's zoning district, overlays and the correct application packet1214.
  1. Complete the soil and site evaluation and obtain required POWTS approval before relying on a homesite5.
  1. Submit the building-permit application and two plan copies before work starts2.
  1. Call for each construction-phase inspection before covering the work21.
  1. Obtain the occupancy permit after health-and-safety issues are cleared; the home cannot be occupied before it is issued22.

What should you check before buying land in Menominee County?

Start with title and land status because county building and zoning rules exclude tribal-owned and federal trust land3. Confirm zoning, setbacks, shoreland and floodplain constraints before drawing a site plan; Wisconsin limits development in floodways and imposes elevation requirements in floodfringe areas1423. Test septic feasibility early because only 8.8% of county soils lack severe conventional drain-field limitations18. For an ordinary new private well, obtain the required advance Wisconsin DNR notification; wells on Native American property are among the stated exceptions9. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires a WisDOT connection permit24. Finally, budget around an effective property-tax rate near 3.6% and a median annual bill near $3,5272526.

Watch-outs

  • Menominee County's land-use rules do not govern land owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin or held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation; identify the parcel's status before applying3.
  • Menominee County does not publish a distinct countywide minimum dwelling size or tiny-home occupancy rule in the materials reviewed for this guide; ask the Zoning Department how a proposed small dwelling will be classified8.

Sources

  1. Menominee County Building & Zoning Department (2026 county census)
  2. Menominee County Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Menominee County Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Menominee County Septic Systems (POWTS), quoted and re-checked
  5. Menominee County Septic Systems (POWTS), quoted and re-checked
  6. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code – Who May Do the Work, quoted and re-checked
  7. Section 33. Modifications, Exceptions & Special Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  8. Menominee County Building & Zoning (2026 county census)
  9. Well and heat exchange notification (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Section 4. Single Family Residential District (R-1), quoted and re-checked
  11. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Menominee County Building & Zoning Office (co.menominee.wi.us)
  13. Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 302.34 (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Menominee County Building & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  15. Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Menominee County Zoning Department — Septic Systems (POWTS) (co.menominee.wi.us)
  17. Menominee County Ordinance #40, Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Section 8.5 Legend Lake Residential District, quoted and re-checked
  20. Section 4. Single Family Residential District, quoted and re-checked
  21. Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, quoted and re-checked
  22. Town of Menominee Ordinance No. 63 – Occupancy Permit Provision, quoted and re-checked
  23. Floodplain Development Basics (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. State highway connection permits (driveways & more) (Wisconsin statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: 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

Menominee County in Wisconsin

81
County map
Menominee County highlighted among the Wisconsin counties · colored by Index score

How Menominee County scores

Seclusion80100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency72100% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability71100% ev.
Property Autonomy70100% ev.
Carry Cost6396% 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 →

$310kTypical home
3.6%Property tax
$5,983Land / acre
32.5"Annual rain
0.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.2 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
12.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.51" (+13.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,165Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.85%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
5,041People within 30 min
1,231,952People within 2 hr
21,396Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
87.1%Land at 15% slope or less
8.8%Septic soil without severe limits
19,682 acWorkable land screen
95%Wooded land
57.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Menominee County

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

Menominee County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation across land and water within Menominee County jurisdiction.

    • The county ordinance excludes lands owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and lands held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation.
    • County Ordinance #68 separately regulates non-tribal lands near surface waters through shoreland-protection requirements.
    • The county page states that the ordinance was adopted on April 15, 1999; the county ordinances page identifies Ordinance No. 67 as amended March 18, 2025.
    “The jurisdiction of this ordinance shall apply to all land and water within the exterior boundaries of Menominee County. Except those lands owned by The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, or held in federal trust for The Menominee Indian Nation.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and overlay districts published in Menominee County Zoning Ordinance #67 for lands within Menominee County jurisdiction, subject to tribal-land and ordinance-specific applicability statements.

    • The county Building & Zoning page states that all lands within Menominee County jurisdiction, taxable or fee lands, are zoned and governed by County Zoning Ordinance #67.
    • The page identifies County Ordinance #68 as governing non-tribal lands near surface waters and states that shoreland-wetland zoning was removed from General Ordinance #67.
    • District-specific uses, dimensional requirements, conditional uses, setbacks, and overlays must be checked in the applicable ordinance section.
    “SECTION 4. Single Family Residential District (R-1)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Menominee County R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • Highway setbacks are regulated under Section 20.
    • Accessory structures may not be located in a required front yard.
    • Corner-lot side-yard setback is 25 feet.

    minimum side-yard setback for residential structures: >= 10 feet (R-1 district) · minimum side-yard setback for accessory structures: >= 5 feet (R-1 district) · minimum rear-yard setback for principal structures: >= 25 feet (R-1 district) · minimum rear-yard setback for accessory structures: >= 5 feet (R-1 district) · side-yard setback on corner lots: >= 25 feet (R-1 district)

    “The minimum side-yard setback for all residential structures shall be ten (10) feet, and for an accessory structure five (5) feet,”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    All structures in the county A-1 Exclusive Agriculture District.

    • Conditional-use lot, height, and yard requirements are incorporated into the conditional-use permit.
    • The A-1 district has a special exception stating that Section 3.060 General Provisions; Lot Provisions is not required.

    maximum lot coverage by all structures: <= 35 percent of lot area

    “lot coverage [...] thirty five percent (35%)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures in the county R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • Conditional-use lot, height, and yard requirements are incorporated into the conditional-use permit.

    maximum principal-structure height: <= 35 feet · maximum accessory-structure height: <= 20 feet

    “principal structure [...] thirty five (35) feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Habitation and storage of travel trailers, recreational vehicles, buses, and similar recreational shelters in Menominee County zoning districts.

    • Such vehicles may not be used for habitation in any district unless the use is permitted as a permitted or conditional use.
    • Storage is not permitted unless there is a principal structure in use on the property.
    • Except for the driveway area, vehicles may not be stored within the front yard, road right-of-way, or any water setback.
    “Travel trailers, recreational vehicles, buses, and similar recreational shelters shall not be used for habitation in any district, unless such use is permitted as a permitted or conditional use. The storage of travel trailers, recreational vehicles or buses is not permitted, unless there is a principal structure in use on the property. Other than the driveway area, such vehicles shall not be stored within the front yard or road right-of-way, or within any water setback.”
  • Camping on your landAllowed (with conditions)

    Guest camping using recreational camping equipment in the Legend Lake Residential (LL-R) District.

    • The property must be improved and have a permitted principal structure.
    • The property owner must be on site or easily accessible.
    • Users of the recreational camping equipment must have free access to the principal dwelling.
    “Guest camping: this permitted accessory use shall allow for temporary use of recreational camping equipment on improved (with a permitted principal structure) property, provided that: 1. The property owner is on site, or easily accessible, 2. Those using the recreational camping equipment have free access to the principal dwelling.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed

    Manufactured homes as principal residential structures in the county's R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • The use remains subject to the R-1 district's applicable lot, height, yard, building, sanitary, and zoning requirements.
    “The following principal structures are permitted in the R-1 District: A. Single-family houses, excluding mobile homes, 1. Manufactured homes 2. Penalized homes 3. Site-built homes”
  • Accessory dwellingsProhibited

    Use of accessory structures for human habitation, including an accessory-dwelling-type use, in the Legend Lake Residential (LL-R) District.

    • The prohibition applies to accessory structures erected before or alongside the principal structure under the section's accessory-structure rules.
    “Structures erected prior to the principal structure shall be located on the property in such a manor so as not to conflict with future placement of a principal structure or septic system. Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation. Not more than two (2) accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    POWTS installation and maintenance on Menominee County fee lands and administration of County Sanitary Ordinance #40.

    • The county page states that DSPS oversees state POWTS codes in addition to the county's local ordinance.
    • The ordinance applies to all unsewered areas of Menominee County.
    “The Menominee County Zoning Office shall be responsible for administering this Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Ordinance.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    POWTS and related wastewater facilities in unsewered areas of Menominee County.

    • Permits are required for all new POWTS, alterations to or replacement POWTS, and reconnections of existing systems.
    • A valid State Sanitary Permit is required for installation or modification of a POWTS.
    • A valid County Sanitary Permit is required for reconnection, repair of an existing POWTS, and installation of a privy or non-plumbing toilet.
    • Emergency repairs or removal of stoppages may be performed without a sanitary permit if reported to County Zoning Office personnel as soon as possible for a determination whether a permit is required.
    • Completed applications are submitted to the Menominee County Zoning Office.
    • A sanitary permit requires review and approval of a soil and site evaluation report.
    “Permits are required for all new POWTS, alterations to or replacement POWTS, and reconnections of existing systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    POWTS installation, occupancy, maintenance, and certain reconnections in Menominee County.

    • Newly constructed buildings cannot be occupied until the POWTS is approved, installed, and inspected.
    • The County Zoning Office inspects POWTS after construction and before backfilling, no later than the next workday after notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • All POWTS treatment tanks must be serviced within three years of installation and at least every three years thereafter, or when combined sludge and scum reach one-third of liquid capacity.
    • Occasionally occupied structures may have the visual inspection interval extended to a maximum of five years.
    • Mound systems require inspections at specified construction stages.
    • For final inspection, afternoon inspections require notice by 9 a.m.; morning inspections require notice the day before.

    routine treatment-tank service interval: per 3 years (or when combined sludge and scum reaches one-third of liquid capacity) · maximum extended visual-inspection interval for occasionally occupied structures: 5 years (County Zoning Office extension under SPS 383.54(4)(d)(3))

    “The POWTS for newly constructed buildings shall be approved, installed, and inspected before the building can be occupied.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural uses and structures in the county A-1 Exclusive Agriculture District.

    • Section 3.060 General Provisions; Lot Provisions is not required in the A-1 District.
    • Agriculture and single-family housing are permitted principal uses; single-family dwellings and agriculture-related structures are permitted principal structures.
    • Other listed uses, including temporary seasonal farm-employee housing, irrigation, commercial outdoor recreation, bulk storage/processing/distribution of local agricultural products, game farms/feed lots/fisheries, and agriculturally related businesses secondary to a farm or residence, are conditional uses requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
    • Conditional agricultural-related businesses must be entirely within a residence or customary farm accessory structure and comply with the listed restrictions on incidental products, outside storage, noise, odor, dust, glare, vibration, electrical disturbance, signage, and vision triangles.
    • The A-1 district remains subject to its own lot, height, coverage, and setback requirements.
    “Agriculture [...] Single family housing.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Divisions of parent parcels in Menominee County where a subdivider divides a parent parcel of 10 acres or more and creates at least three new parcels.

    • The county page also states that all parcel combinations and splits are subject to the county's Combine and Split Policy.
    • The cited threshold describes when Ordinance #58 falls within county jurisdiction; it does not establish that every parcel division is regulated by Ordinance #58.

    parent parcel threshold: >= 10 acres · new parcels created: >= 3 parcels

    “all divisions of a parent parcel of ten [10] acres or more [...] creates at least three [3] new parcels”

Wisconsin rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    New one- and two-family dwellings covered by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code, including covered additions and alterations.

    • The cited brochure states that permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
    • Construction begins only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted.
    • The enforcing jurisdiction may be the municipality, county, or state.
    • Local zoning, land-use, floodplain, sanitary, well, driveway, utility, and other approvals may also be required.
    • A building permit cannot be issued for a new dwelling using a private onsite wastewater treatment system until a sanitary permit has been issued.
    “Begin construction after plans are approved and building permit is issued and posted.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Construction and erosion-control permits for Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code homes, including applicable construction in Menominee County.

    • The owner must occupy the home currently or after completion.
    • Alternatively, permits may be taken out by a state-certified Dwelling Contractor who employs a state-certified Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.
    • The owner-builder allowance does not waive applicable permit requirements.
    • The state brochure notes that contractor certifications check general liability insurance and training only and do not test technical competency.
    • Permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
    • Regardless of permit requirements, state statutes require compliance with UDC rules by owners and builders even if there is no enforcement.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner obtaining construction and erosion-control permits for a dwelling covered by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.
      “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 (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings built in Wisconsin since June 1, 1980, including applicable construction and inspection activity in Menominee County.
      “The Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) is the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980. The Division of Industry Services (DIS) provides consultation and education concerning UDC construction standards and inspection procedures. Building materials are evaluated for conformance with standards. UDC inspection and contractor credentials are administered. The UDC is enforced in all Wisconsin municipalities.”
    • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code construction, particularly new one- and two-family dwellings, including construction in Menominee County.
      “Call for inspections of each phase of construction prior to covering it up - check the local inspector’s instructions. The inspector has two business days after the date that you make the inspection request and the work is ready to inspect, before you may cover up the work. Inspectors will check for compliance with the code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy of a dwelling governed by Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code after construction.

    • Occupancy follows a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found.
    • Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits; the state source does not state that every municipality must issue a certificate or occupancy permit.
    • The dwelling exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.

    exterior completion deadline: 2 years after permit issuance

    “Take occupancy after receiving a final inspection in which no major health or safety violations are found. (Some municipalities will issue occupancy permits.) Also, the dwelling’s exterior must be completed within two years after permit issuance.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for buildings with plumbing fixtures that are not connected to a public sewer in Wisconsin.

    • Off-grid wastewater handling must provide for treating, recycling, dispersing, or holding wastewater.
    • Private onsite wastewater treatment systems remain subject to Wisconsin POWTS requirements and applicable plan review or permits.
    • The rule does not establish unrestricted approval for any particular composting toilet, privy, holding tank, or other device.
    “Where plumbing fixtures exist in a building that is not connected to a public sewer system, suitable provision shall be made for treating, recycling, dispersing or holding the wastewater.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of private wells statewide in Wisconsin.

    • A Well Construction Notification Number must be obtained before constructing a new private well that is not a high-capacity well.
    • Exceptions to the notification requirement include high-capacity wells, reconstruction of existing wells, and wells on Native American property; high-capacity wells or other wells requiring written DNR approval follow the approval requirements.
    • Some DNR-approved county ordinances additionally require a well permit before construction.
    • A Well Construction Report must be submitted to DNR within 30 days after construction.

    well construction notification fee: 50.5 USD (Fee and notification number are not refundable or transferable.) · well construction report deadline: 30 days after construction

    “Wisconsin law requires that a property owner provide advance notice to DNR before construction of any new private well that is not a high capacity well, and advance notice of any heat exchange drillhole construction (geothermal system) that does not require a written DNR approval.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — High capacity wells, school wells, and wastewater treatment plant wells in Wisconsin, including Menominee County.
      “prior department approval is necessary for the construction or operation of a high capacity well system, school well or wastewater treatment plant well.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and other connections between property abutting Wisconsin state highway right-of-way and the state highway.

    • The requirement applies to work in highway right-of-way.
    • The maintaining authority is the permitting authority.
    • WisDOT requires a connection permit for state highways.
    • Wisconsin Administrative Code Trans 231 supplies additional requirements.
    • There is no cost to apply, but construction-related costs may occur.
    “For state highways, WisDOT requires a connection permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Wisconsin floodplains, including floodway and floodfringe areas.

    • Floodplain development typically requires a land use permit and a building permit.
    • In the floodway, new structures, substantially improved or damaged structures, hazardous or solid-waste storage, and wells or sewage systems are prohibited.
    • Floodway development is limited to open-space uses with low flood-damage potential unless the stated analysis or FEMA map-revision condition is met.
    • Floodfringe structures must have the first floor elevated two feet above base flood elevation and have dryland access.
    • Substantially damaged structures are subject to the stated 50-percent threshold and applicable elevation or relocation requirements.

    floodfringe first-floor elevation: >= 2 feet above base flood elevation (for all new and substantially damaged or improved structures in the floodfringe)

    “In the floodway, new structures, substantially improved or damaged structures, the storage of hazardous/solid waste and wells/sewage systems are prohibited.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Lodging rented to tourists or transients for short periods in Wisconsin, including homes, condos, cabins, cottages, and similar lodging facilities.

    • A DATCP lodging permit is required for all lodging facilities in Wisconsin.
    • A tourist or transient must be away from the person's permanent address.
    • The reviewed source does not establish local zoning or municipal operating restrictions.
    “If lodging is rented to a tourist or transient, it will require a permit.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code permit fees for new dwellings statewide.

    • Municipalities determine fees for plan examination, inspection, and issuance by ordinance.
    • UDC inspection agency fees are determined by contract.
    • A $30 state permit-seal fee applies for each new dwelling.
    • Additional department inspection fees may apply in specified circumstances.

    Wisconsin Uniform Building Permit Seal: 30 USD (per new dwelling) · departmental inspection minimum: >= 160 USD (where a department employee performs an on-site inspection related to UDC enforcement under the stated circumstances)

    “The municipality shall, by ordinance, determine fees”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “At least 2 sets of plans for all one- and 2-family dwellings shall be submitted”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles, including recreation trailers, pickup truck campers, motor homes, camper vans, and truck campers, at Wisconsin State Park System campsites.

    • Camping reservations are required before setting up on any site.
    • Wheeled camping units must be parked on the campsite driveway.
    • A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper, or motor home.
    • Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.

    recreational vehicles per campsite: <= 1 unit (Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.)

    “A campsite may be occupied by no more than one recreation trailer, pickup truck camper or motor home. Pickup campers or motor homes pulling a trailer are treated as a single unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary camping at Wisconsin State Park System properties.
      “Camping reservations are required and can be made up to 11 months in advance of your planned date of occupancy. Campers must make a reservation before setting up on any site.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Wisconsin counties may enact and amend county zoning ordinances under Wis. Stat. § 59.69 for participating towns, which are generally unincorporated areas.

    • County zoning applies only in towns that have adopted county zoning.
    • After a comprehensive revision of the county zoning ordinance, the town has authority to decide whether county zoning applies in the town.
    • Towns have authority to approve or disapprove amendments to a county zoning ordinance.
    • A town that does not fall under county zoning may be unzoned or may have its own town zoning ordinance.
    “Counties exercise zoning ordinances under s. 59.69, Wis. Stats. County zoning only applies in towns that have adopted county zoning.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to enforce the statewide Uniform Dwelling Code and administer building inspection and permitting for new one- and two-family dwellings in Wisconsin, including unincorporated areas where the county is the responsible inspection authority.

    • The Uniform Dwelling Code applies to new one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980 and their additions and alterations.
    • The UDC is enforced by municipal or county building inspection departments or the Wisconsin Division of Industry Services.
    • Permit requirements for alterations and additions vary by municipality.
    • Construction begins only after plans are approved and the building permit is issued and posted.
    • Counties enforce the statewide UDC; the source does not establish authority for counties to adopt a separate, more or less stringent residential code.
    “The UDC is primarily enforced by municipal or county building inspectors who must be state-certified. In lieu of local enforcement, municipalities have the option to have the state provide enforcement for just new homes.”

Inside cities and towns in Menominee County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction within the scope of Town of Menominee Ordinance No. 63, including structures subject to Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code rules, in Menominee County’s sole township.

    • A building permit must be obtained before construction begins.
    • The permit is issued to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
    • If construction begins before permit issuance, the permit fee is doubled.
    • The ordinance requires submission of two copies of plans with the application.
    • The ordinance was amended by the Town of Menominee Town Board on March 18, 2021 and states that it takes effect upon passage and publication.
    • Menominee County’s zoning page states that Menominee County consists of one township, the Town of Menominee.
    • The county zoning ordinance excludes lands owned by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin or held in federal trust for the Menominee Indian Nation.

    plans submitted with application: 2 copies · permit fee when construction begins before issuance: doubled

    “No construction within the scope of the ordinance shall take place unless a building permit is first obtained for that work (see SPS 320.09). The Building Inspector will issue the building permit to the owner or their authorized agent. If construction commences prior to permit issuance, the permit fee shall be doubled.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Dwellings within the scope of Town of Menominee Ordinance No. 63.

    • The dwelling may not be occupied until an occupancy permit is issued.
    • The Building Inspector issues the occupancy permit if no violations exist that could reasonably be expected to affect health or safety.
    • The ordinance states that it takes effect upon passage and publication and was amended by the Town of Menominee Town Board on March 18, 2021.
    “The dwelling may not be occupied until an occupancy permit is issued. The Building Inspector shall issue an occupancy permit if no violations exist that could reasonably be expected to affect health or safety.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor-area requirements under Menominee County zoning districts.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in Menominee County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility-connection requirements for property in Menominee County.

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 Menominee County, Wisconsin

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

Menominee County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 5,041 people within a 30-minute drive and workable self-sufficiency basics: 32.5″/yr rainfall and 95% wooded land.

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

Menominee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Menominee County Land Conservation/Forestry/Zoning (POWTS Program). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Menominee County is limited to specific cases: Habitation and storage of travel trailers, recreational vehicles, buses, and similar recreational shelters in Menominee County zoning districts. Such vehicles may not be used for habitation in any district unless the use is permitted as a permitted or conditional use. Storage is not permitted unless there is a principal structure in use on the property. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Menominee County, Wisconsin?

Land in Menominee County runs about $5,983 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Menominee County?

Menominee County gets about 32.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.5% of years.

How remote is Menominee County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,041 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,231,952 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 Menominee County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Menominee compares in Wisconsin

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