Waupaca’s Planning & Zoning division oversees most of the City’s development review processes, including all land division and subdivision plats, rezonings, planned developments, conditional use permits, site plan reviews, variance requests, annexations, and proposed amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The office is responsible for developing and updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and assisting in the preparation of other plans affecting Waupaca. These plans and ordinances are the means through which the City of Waupaca carries out its policies and regulations regarding land use and the physical development of the community.
The office is also responsible for developing, maintaining and operating a GIS system that provides city departments and the public with spatial information to assist in the decision-making process and to support operational functions.
Click here to apply for a Zoning Permit.
Zoning Code
The City’s zoning code explains how land and buildings can be used in the community. Its overall goal is to protect public health and safety. The zoning rules are designed to:
- Reduce traffic congestion and improve street safety
- Protect people and property from fire and other hazards
- Promote healthy living conditions
- Ensure access to light, air, and sunlight
- Prevent overcrowding of land
- Support adequate provision of services like transportation, water, sewer, schools, and parks
These regulations follow the City’s comprehensive plan and set the minimum standards for development.
To learn more, please review the full zoning code for detailed requirements and standards.
Sign Code
The goal of the Sign Code is to create an attractive community, support strong business districts, and promote a healthy local economy.
The size, height, number, and type of signs allowed depend on the property’s zoning district. The size of the building and lot also affects what is permitted.
In most cases, a sign permit is required before you install, move, replace, expand, or make structural changes to a sign. Some signs—such as real estate signs, warning signs, bulletin boards, and memorial signs—are allowed without a permit. Sign projects may also require a building permit if electrical wiring is affected or when adding/modifying awning signs.
For specific requirements and to apply for a permit, please review the full Sign Code or contact the Community & Economic Development Department for assistance.
Ch.-17-Zoning Code (See sec 17.500 for sign code)
Zoning FAQ
Land Subdivision
Whenever land is divided in the City of Waupaca, the division needs approval from the City Plan Commission and the Common Council and must follow the rules in Chapter 18 Subdivision and Platting. How the division is reviewed depends on how many new parcels are created and their size:
Minor Subdivision (uses a Certified Survey Map, or CSM): Creates up to 4 new parcels or building sites, each 1½ acres or smaller.
Major Subdivision (uses a subdivision plat):
- Creates 5 or more parcels of 1½ acres or less at once, or
- Creates 5 or more parcels of 1½ acres or less through multiple divisions over 5 years.
Condominium (uses a condominium plat): divides a building or land into individual units (like apartments or townhomes) and shared common areas (like hallways, driveways, or open spaces).
Note: Even lot line adjustments, lot combinations, or similar changes require City staff review to make sure the new property lines comply with zoning and other regulations.
Properties in the Floodplain
Floodplain zoning applies to areas that are at risk of flooding. These regulations are required under state law and the rules of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and are intended to reduce the risks and costs associated with flooding in the City of Waupaca. Flooding can cause serious damage to homes, businesses, roads, and utilities. Floodplain regulations are designed to:
- Protect lives, health, and property
- Reduce the need for taxpayer-funded flood control projects
- Limit costly rescue and emergency response efforts
- Prevent damage to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and utilities
- Reduce business disruptions and economic losses
- Prevent long-term property damage and neighborhood decline
- Make sure buyers are aware when property is located in a flood-risk area
- Prevent development that would make flooding worse for neighboring properties
- Encourage building and development outside of flood-prone areas whenever possible
Development within mapped floodplain areas is strictly regulated. In many cases, special design standards, elevation requirements, or permits are required before construction can occur. Property owners should contact the Community & Economic Development Department before building, filling, grading, or making other improvements within or near a mapped floodplain.
For questions about a specific property, please contact the Community & Economic Development Department at cedinfo@waupacawi.gov or 715.258.4404.
Waupaca County Floodplain Viewer
Wetland & Shoreland Zoning
Shoreland-wetland zoning protects wetlands and shoreline located near lakes, rivers, and streams as required by Wisconsin law and the rules of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Wetlands play an important role in protecting the community and its waterways. If they are filled, built on, or disturbed without limits, it can harm water quality, increase flooding, damage wildlife habitat, and negatively affect property values in the City of Waupaca. The City’s shoreland-wetland regulations are designed to:
- Protect public health, safety, and property
- Reduce flooding by allowing wetlands to store stormwater and floodwater
- Improve water quality by letting wetlands naturally filter out pollutants
- Protect fish, wildlife, and aquatic habitat
- Limit activities that can damage wetland and shoreland areas
- Preserve natural shorelines and scenic beauty
In most cases, filling, grading, dredging, or building within designated shoreland-wetlands is limited or not allowed without proper permits. City law also prohibits structures within 75 feet of the shoreline of Mirror Lake and Shadow Lake. Property owners should contact the Community & Economic Development Department before starting any work in or near a mapped wetland area or near a navigable body of water.
For questions about a specific property, please contact the Community & Economic Development Department at cedinfo@waupacawi.gov or 715.258.4404.