Fond du Lac County, WI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 5+ parcel split or 20,000 sq ft impervious add
- Administering agency
- County Land and Water Conservation Department
- Maintenance agreement
- Recorded with County Register of Deeds
- Penalty
- $100-$500 forfeiture per day
- Appeal fee
- $500 to County Board of Adjustment
Summary
New development in unincorporated Fond du Lac County that splits a parcel into five or more lots or adds 20,000 square feet or more of impervious surface must get a stormwater management permit under County Code Sec. 27-104. The Land and Water Conservation Department reviews the plan, and violators face a forfeiture of $100 to $500 per day under Sec. 27-113.
Unless otherwise exempt under section 27-104(1)(b), all stormwater management provisions of this chapter shall apply to all land developing activity that meet any of the following and a permit under section 27-108 shall be required:1.Divides an existing tax parcel into five separate parcels of, regardless of size, within a common plan of development;2.Ultimately results in the addition of impervious surfaces of 20,000 square feet or greater in total area, including smaller individual sites that are part of a common plan of development; or ... Any person, firm, association, or corporation ... who does not comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00 per offense, together with the costs of prosecution. Each day that the violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 27, Article II, adopted under Wis. 07(6), requires a stormwater management permit for post-construction land development in unincorporated Fond du Lac County that meets any trigger listed in Sec. 27-104(1)(a): dividing an existing parcel into five or more separate parcels within a common plan of development, adding 20,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (counting smaller phased sites together), or any other activity the Land and Water Conservation Department determines could significantly increase downstream flooding, erosion or pollution. 125), agricultural and silviculture nonpoint discharges, sites with less than ten percent connected impervious area totaling under an acre, and underground utility work.
Permit holders must record a maintenance agreement with the County Register of Deeds under Sec. 27-110 binding future owners to keep stormwater practices in working order, and the department can require a financial guarantee sized to cover construction and maintenance costs (Sec. 27-111). Fees are set by the County Land Conservation Committee (Sec. 27-112). Enforcement under Sec. 27-113 starts with certified-mail notice describing the violation and a correction schedule; the department can post a stop-work order, revoke the permit, or refer the matter for a cease-and-desist order, and noncompliance carries a forfeiture of $100 to $500 per offense with each day counted separately. Appeals of department decisions go to the County Board of Adjustment for a $500 application fee (Sec. 27-114).
Violations & Fines
Failing to obtain a required stormwater permit, or violating an approved stormwater management plan or maintenance agreement, is a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 per offense under Sec. 27-113, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation, plus prosecution costs. The Land and Water Conservation Department can also post a stop-work order, revoke the permit, or seek an injunction instead of a forfeiture case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a stormwater permit in Fond du Lac County?
Do small residential lots need a stormwater permit?
What is a stormwater maintenance agreement?
What's the penalty for violating the stormwater ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fond du Lac County
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