Business Licensing & Operations in Waukesha County, WI (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Waukesha County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Adult Entertainment

Waukesha County confines Adult-Oriented Establishments to the A-B, B-4 and Q-1 zoning districts and bans them everywhere else. A local town or municipal license is required, and the use must sit at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, parks, churches, other adult businesses and any alcohol-licensed premises.

Adult-Oriented Business Rules in Waukesha County

Significant Restrictions

Waukesha County Basic Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.03(2)(A)-(B)

The Adult-Oriented Establishment may locate in the specified Districts only if an Adult-Oriented Establishment License has been granted by a town or municipality within the County... Adult-Oriented Establishments shall be located at least 1,000 feet from: 1. any residential district line, playground Lot Line, or public park Lot Line; 2. any Structure used as a Residence, place of religious wors...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tobacco Retail License

In unincorporated Waukesha County towns, a tobacco store is a permitted principal use only in the B-4 Community Business District. Opening one elsewhere in town zoning requires a rezone or conditional use approval before any state tobacco retail license can be issued.

Tobacco & Vape Stores: B-4 Zoning Only

Some Restrictions

Waukesha County Basic Zoning Ordinance Sec. 15.13(1)(AA)

15.13 Permitted Principal Uses. (1) Permitted Principal Uses: The following retail establishments, selling of and storing of only new merchandise. (A) Art, dance, music teaching studios or other similar uses. ... (AA) Tobacco stores. (AB) Variety stores. (AC) Vegetable stores. (AD) Video stores. (AE) Department stores. (AF) Cafes or Restaurants.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Business Licensing & Operations by City in Waukesha County

1 cities in Waukesha County have their own business licensing & operations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

WaukeshaPop. 71,158

7 verified rules • Adult Entertainment, Auto Repair on Residential Property

All Waukesha County ordinances

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