Mount Pleasant requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.
Mount Pleasant requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.
Mount Pleasant enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.
Mount Pleasant enforces maximum grass and weed height, typically 8 to 12 inches. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement.
Mount Pleasant enforces weed abatement under WI Stat. §66.0407. WI DNR NR 40 governs invasive species. County enforcement also applies.
Wisconsin bans all aerial and explosive consumer fireworks. Only non-explosive types legal (sparklers, snakes, smoke devices). WI Stat. §167.10.
Outdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. Mount Pleasant may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.
Wisconsin uniformly regulates propane storage, installation, and handling under Wis. Admin. Code SPS 340, adopting NFPA 58 statewide and preempting inconsistent local rules through state building and fuel gas codes.
Wisconsin DNR designates statewide Fire Protection Areas under Wis. Stat. § 26.11 where the agency holds primary wildfire suppression authority and enforces stricter ignition rules during elevated fire danger.
Mount Pleasant requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Mount Pleasant restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Mount Pleasant manages parking along commercial corridors and residential subdivisions. Growing development near the I-94 interchange creates expanding parking needs.
Wisconsin law defines abandoned vehicles and authorizes removal after 48 hours on highways or public property. State statute provides uniform procedures for impoundment, notice to owners, and disposal applicable in every municipality.
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.
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.
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (Wis. Stat. ch. 101 and SPS 320-325) sets statewide construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings, including tiny homes built as permanent dwellings. Local governments cannot impose stricter building code standards than the UDC.
Mount Pleasant does not maintain a stand-alone short-term rental noise ordinance. Instead, every dwelling used as a short-term rental (called a 'tourist rooming house' under Wis. Stat. Sec. 97.01(15k)) is bound by the general noise standards in Chapter 90 (Zoning), Division 90-450 (Performance Standards), Sec. 90-450.70 of the Mount Pleasant Code. Sec. 90-450.70 prohibits the operation of any motor vehicle or recreational vehicle in such a manner as to create unreasonable or excessive noise, and (in residential and other non-BP/non-M zoning districts) prohibits any activity that produces a sound level outside the property boundary that exceeds the limits in Table 90-450-3. The Village's prior unreasonable-noise ordinance at former Sec. 54-5 was repealed on February 27, 2023 by Ord. No. 8-2023, and noise enforcement was consolidated into Chapter 90. Mount Pleasant Police are authorized to enforce Sec. 90-450.70.
Mount Pleasant does not have a separate STR parking standard. A dwelling used as a short-term rental (a 'tourist rooming house' under Wis. Stat. Sec. 97.01(15k)) must satisfy the same off-street parking requirements that apply to its underlying residential use under Chapter 90 (Zoning), Division 90-340 (Parking and Access) of the Mount Pleasant Code. Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.1014 prohibits the Village from prohibiting STRs and limits regulation to reasonable health, safety, building, and licensing rules that apply to comparable dwellings; the same statute therefore prevents the Village from imposing parking standards on STRs that exceed those for ordinary one- or two-family dwellings. STR operators must also comply with Chapter 70 Article III (8% room tax) and the state Tourist Rooming House license under Wis. Admin. Code Ch. ATCP 72.
Mount Pleasant regulates but cannot ban STRs under WI Act 59 (2017). DATCP tourist rooming house license may be required. WI Stat. §66.1014.
Wisconsin state room tax is 5% (WI Stat. §77.98). Mount Pleasant levies additional local room tax. Platforms auto-collect in many jurisdictions. Total 10 to 14% typical.
Racine County does not set a fixed county-wide occupancy cap for short-term rentals. Wisconsin's Tourist Rooming House rules under Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 72 limit a TRH to four or fewer individually keyed sleeping units; larger properties must license as a hotel. The state Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 321) and ch. ATCP 72 building-safety provisions effectively cap occupancy through bedroom size and egress requirements. Wis. Stat. §66.1014(2)(c) allows local governments to impose reasonable health-and-safety occupancy limits.
The Village of Mount Pleasant Zoning Code limits fences and walls in residential (R) districts to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet along interior side and rear lot lines. Outside R districts, fences and walls may not exceed 8 feet, with administrative site plan review available for taller structures. A village zoning permit is required before constructing, replacing, or altering any fence. Posts, columns, and ornamental caps may extend up to 12 inches above the height limit, and height is measured from average finished grade on the inside of the fence.
WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.
Wisconsin enforces uniform pool barrier requirements through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. SPS 390 governs public pools and the Uniform Dwelling Code addresses residential pool fencing, preempting inconsistent local building standards for one and two-family dwellings.
Mount Pleasant considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Mount Pleasant enforces quiet hours in Wisconsin's largest village (pop. 27,000). The Foxconn/Wisconsin Innovation development area and I-94 corridor bring commercial and industrial noise considerations.
Mount Pleasant regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Aircraft noise in Wisconsin is overwhelmingly governed by federal aviation law. The FAA preempts state and local noise regulation of aircraft in flight, while Wisconsin Statute Chapter 114 governs aeronautics and limits municipal authority over airspace and airport operations.
Mount Pleasant requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Dog licensing required statewide under WI Stat. §174.
Wisconsin does not preempt local breed-specific legislation. Some WI cities have breed bans. WI Stat. §174.042 covers dangerous dogs based on behavior.
Mount Pleasant may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Registration with WI DATCP required. WI Stat. §94.76.
Wisconsin Statute Chapter 951 prohibits animal cruelty and neglect statewide, applying uniformly to hoarding situations. Local ordinances may supplement but cannot weaken state standards for animal treatment and confinement.
Wisconsin's right-to-farm law (Wis. Stat. 823.08) and Livestock Facility Siting Law (Wis. Stat. 93.90) limit municipal authority to restrict agricultural operations and standardize permitting for livestock facilities statewide.
Wisconsin Statute Chapter 169 governs captive wildlife statewide, requiring licenses for possession of native wildlife and prohibiting harmful exotic species. The Department of Natural Resources enforces uniformly across all municipalities.
Wisconsin prohibits feeding and baiting deer and elk in counties with chronic wasting disease (CWD) under Wis. Stat. 29.614. The Department of Natural Resources enforces these restrictions uniformly across affected counties.
Mount Pleasant allows home occupations as accessory use in residential zones. Home occupation permit required. WI cottage food law applies for home bakers.
Wisconsin allows home producers to sell certain non-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a license under the Pickle Bill and baked-goods rulings. State law sets uniform sales caps, labeling, and product limits.
Wisconsin requires state licensing or certification for any home caring for four or more unrelated children. The Department of Children and Families administers uniform standards that preempt conflicting local rules.
Division 90-490 of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances is the 'Floodplain Zoning Ordinance for the Village of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin,' adopted by Ordinance No. 19-2020 effective June 8, 2020 and amended July 24, 2023 and September 25, 2023. The ordinance is adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35, Sec. 62.23, and Sec. 87.30 (statutory floodplain zoning) and is designed to meet Wis. Admin. Code Ch. NR 116 and 44 CFR Parts 59-72. Division 90-490 regulates all areas of special flood hazard identified as Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, VE, V1-30, or V on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for Racine County. The ordinance establishes the Floodway District (FW), the Floodfringe District (FF) within AE Zones, and the Coastal Floodplain District (CFD) within V, V1-30, and VE Zones along Lake Michigan, with separate provisions in Article VIII for nonconforming uses. The Pike River and Sorensen Creek are principal regulated waterways; the Lower Pike River is also subject to a 150-foot shoreland setback under Division 90-495.
Wisconsin's NR 115 sets minimum shoreland zoning standards along navigable waters, and the Public Trust Doctrine protects Great Lakes shores. Counties must adopt rules at least as strict as NR 115 statewide.
Wisconsin requires erosion control practices on construction sites under NR 151 and SPS 321. State standards apply uniformly, and one- and two-family dwelling sites follow Department of Safety and Professional Services rules.
Wisconsin's NR 151 sets statewide performance standards for construction site and post-construction stormwater runoff. DNR administers WPDES permits, and local programs must meet or exceed state minimums.
Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 115 sets uniform impervious surface coverage limits for shoreland properties statewide. Counties must adopt these standards, typically capping coverage at 15 percent, with mitigation allowing up to 30 percent in certain circumstances.
Wisconsin Statute § 59.692 and Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 115 establish uniform statewide shoreland zoning standards including setback requirements from navigable waters. Counties must adopt these minimum standards, and municipalities cannot impose more restrictive shoreland setbacks.
Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) under Wis. Stat. § 101.65 sets statewide construction standards for one and two-family dwellings. While zoning height limits remain local, structural standards including height-related requirements are uniform and preempt conflicting municipal building codes.
Wisconsin has no legal recreational or medical marijuana dispensary program. State law prohibits cannabis sales, so no municipality can authorize dispensary operations through zoning ordinances.
Wisconsin prohibits all marijuana cultivation, including for personal use. Growing any cannabis plant is a felony under state controlled substances law. No municipality may authorize home cultivation.
Wisconsin commercial drone operators follow FAA Part 107 and state preemption under Wis. Stat. 114.045. Local governments cannot impose competing flight rules, though state privacy and surveillance statutes apply.
Wisconsin Statute 114.045 preempts most local drone regulation, reserving authority to the state and FAA. Recreational pilots must follow federal Part 107 hobbyist rules and Wisconsin's drone-privacy criminal statute.
Wisconsin Statute 104.001 expressly preempts cities, villages, towns, and counties from establishing a minimum wage higher than the state minimum, ensuring uniform wage rules across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Statute 103.10 and 104.001 preempt local paid sick leave ordinances, blocking cities and counties from requiring private employers to provide paid time off beyond state and federal mandates.
Wisconsin preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances under Wis. Stat. 103.007, ensuring statewide uniformity for employer scheduling practices and forbidding municipal advance-notice mandates.
Wisconsin issues shall-issue concealed weapon licenses to qualified residents age 21+ who complete training, pass a background check, and pay required fees, with statewide preemption preventing local rules.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0409 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, barring cities, villages, towns, and counties from enacting ordinances stricter than state law on possession, transportation, sale, or registration of firearms and ammunition.
Wisconsin permits adults at least 18 who are not prohibited persons to openly carry firearms in public without a permit, with statewide preemption blocking local restrictions on lawful open carry.
Wisconsin Statute 941.23 makes carrying a concealed handgun in a vehicle without a CCW license a misdemeanor, while open carry and licensed concealed carry inside vehicles are lawful statewide subject to limited prohibited zones.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0104 and Act 317 prevent municipalities from limiting landlord-tenant relationships beyond state law, including any local just-cause eviction requirement. Eviction grounds and procedures are governed exclusively by Wis. Stat. ch. 704 and ATCP 134.
Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 expressly prohibits any city, village, town, or county from regulating the amount of rent or fees charged for residential rental units. The preemption is total, with narrow exceptions for government-owned housing and voluntary agreements.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0104 limits how cities can require rental property registration and inspection. Programs must target districts with documented blight or code issues, and inspection fees are capped between roughly $75 and $150 depending on inspection type.
Wisconsin's Working Lands Initiative under Statute 91 establishes farmland preservation zoning districts, certifies county and local plans, and offers income tax credits to farmers in certified agricultural enterprise areas.
Wisconsin Statute 823.08 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits by neighbors, requiring courts to dismiss claims unless the farm substantially threatens public health or safety.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0419, enacted by 2015 Act 17, preempts cities, villages, towns, and counties from regulating, banning, or imposing fees on auxiliary containers including plastic bags, cups, and bottles.
Wisconsin's auxiliary container preemption law in Statute 66.0419 prevents municipalities from banning or restricting expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers, leaving any restriction to state legislation.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0419 preempts cities and counties from regulating plastic straws, stirrers, and similar single-use items, and the state has not adopted a statewide straw-on-request rule.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0401 applies to homeowners associations and condo associations, preempting deed restrictions and covenants that prohibit or significantly impair solar energy systems on owner property.
Wisconsin Statute 66.0401 broadly preempts municipalities and counties from restricting solar and wind energy systems unless restrictions serve specific public health, safety, or aesthetic exceptions defined by state law.
Wisconsin Statute 134.66 prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing cigarettes, tobacco, or vapor products to any person under 21 years of age and requires retailers to verify age via valid ID before sale.
Wisconsin has not enacted a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or vapor products; sales of menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes remain lawful under Wis. Stat. 134.66 subject to age and licensing rules.
Wisconsin regulates electronic vaping devices under its tobacco statutes, requiring retailer licenses, age-verification, and excise taxes on vapor products, with state law preempting most local retail rules under 134.66.