Accessory Structures in Mount Pleasant, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Mount Pleasant or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mount Pleasant has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Shed Rules

Sheds in the Village of Mount Pleasant are regulated as accessory structures under Chapter 90 (Zoning), Division 90-330 of the Mount Pleasant Code. Sec. 90-330 limits accessory uses and structures to lawfully established principal uses, requires them to be located on the same lot as the principal use, and requires that the principal use be in place first. The Village's permit threshold is generous: a private shed, deck, pool, or fence and a private garage or accessory structure of less than 750 square feet do not require a zoning compliance permit, while private garages and other accessory structures 750 square feet or larger do require a permit. All accessory structures must comply with the dimensional standards (lot coverage, setbacks, and height) of the underlying zoning district under Division 90-110 (Residential Districts) and the measurement rules in Sec. 90-510. Authority: Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 and Sec. 62.23.

Key details: Sheds Are Accessory: Sheds are accessory structures under Division 90-330 of the Mount Pleasant Zoning. No Zoning Permit: No zoning permit required for sheds and accessory structures under 750 sq. Accessory Structures: Accessory structures 750 sq ft or larger require a zoning compliance permit. Accessory Uses Must: Accessory uses must be on the same lot as the principal use. Setbacks: Setbacks, height, and lot coverage are set by the underlying zoning district.

Constructing a shed or other accessory structure 750 square feet or larger without a zoning compliance permit, or any accessory structure that exceeds the height, setback, or lot-coverage limits of the underlying district under Division 90-110, Division 90-130, or Division 90-150, or that is located in a utility easement or required setback, is a zoning violation. Accessory structures sited within shoreland or bluff/ravine setbacks beyond what Sec. 90-450.20 and Division 90-495 authorize are also violations. Penalties are imposed under the Code's general penalty provisions and Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23(8), which authorizes injunction, abatement, and forfeitures. The Village may also order removal of any accessory structure built without permit or in non-conforming locations.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Mount Pleasant gives residents more flexibility on shed rules.

ADU Rules

The Village of Mount Pleasant regulates accessory dwelling units in Chapter 90 (Zoning) of the Code of Ordinances, adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 (village zoning). Mount Pleasant uses two ADU forms: a 'backyard cottage' (a small detached accessory residential building containing a single self-contained accessory dwelling unit on the same lot as a detached house) and a 'secondary suite' (an attached accessory dwelling within the principal dwelling). Backyard cottages are allowed in all R (Residential) Districts on lots occupied by a single detached house and are subject to the lot and building regulations of Table 90-110-8. Only one backyard cottage is allowed per lot, and a backyard cottage is not permitted on a lot that already contains a secondary suite. Recent amendments presented to the Village Board lowered the maximum height for detached accessory structures to 20 feet (or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less), increased the detached accessory-structure setback from 6 to 10 feet, and added a Building Area Ratio (BAR) for new residential construction.

Key details: Chapter 90 Zoning: Chapter 90 (Zoning) is the Mount Pleasant zoning code, administered by the. Backyard Cottage: Backyard cottage = detached ADU; secondary suite = attached ADU within the. Backyard Cottages Are: Backyard cottages are allowed in all R Districts on lots with a. Backyard Cottages Are: Backyard cottages are subject to the lot and building regulations of Table. Only One Backyard: Only one backyard cottage per lot, and not permitted on a lot.

Constructing or occupying a backyard cottage or secondary suite without a Chapter 90 zoning permit, in a non-R District, on a lot that already contains the other ADU type, or in violation of the Table 90-110-8 lot and building standards is a Chapter 90 violation. Renting a backyard cottage for periods of less than seven consecutive days, exceeding the one-rental-unit-per-lot rule, or operating without the recorded deed restriction also violates the Accessory Uses and Structures provisions. Mount Pleasant enforces Chapter 90 through the Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer with permit revocation, stop-work orders, forfeitures, and injunctive relief through the Village Attorney under the general penalty provisions of the Code.

The Bottom Line

Mount Pleasant's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mount Pleasant is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Mount Pleasant can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.