# Title 6. Property and Land – Chapter 603

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## Record

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- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Title 6. Property and Land – Chapter 603
BUILDING CODE
603.1
603.2
707.3
603.4
603.5
603.6
603.7
603.8
603.9
603.10
603.11
603.12
603.13

Purpose
Adoption, Amendment, Applicability and Repeal
Definitions
Standards
Zoning Administration and Inspections
Building Permits
Fees and Insurance Requirements
Cash Deposit Guaranteeing Compliance
General Penalty
Unsafe Buildings, Razing or Repair
Structural Portion to be Inspected
Successive Inspections to Be Made
Excavations

603.14
603.15
603.16
603.17
603.18
603.19
603.20
603.21
603.22
603.23
603.24

Abandoned or Water-Filled Excavations
Littering and Damage to Property
Contractors’ License
Lot Corners
Minimum Building Elevations
Materials Approved by Wisconsin Department of
Commerce
Razing of Buildings
Moving of Buildings
Outside Fire Escapes
Swimming Pools
Appeals

603.1.
Purpose
603.1-1. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Code to regulate and govern the conditions and
maintenance of all property, buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied
utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures
are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and
structures unfit for human occupancy and use and the demolition of such structures; providing
for issuance of permits and the collection of fees therefor. This chapter shall apply to new
structures and to alterations and additions to existing structures within the boundaries of the
Oneida Reservation.
603.2.
Adoption, Amendment, Applicability and Repeal
603.2-1. This Code is adopted by the Oneida Business Committee by Resolution # BC-03-2311-E.
603.2-2. This Code may be amended, or repealed, by the Oneida Business Committee or by
the Oneida General Tribal Council.
603.2-3. Should a provision of this Code or the application of this Code be held as invalid,
such invalidity shall not effect other provisions of this Code.
603.2-4. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this Code and a provision of another
code, law, ordinance, policy, regulation, rule, resolution or motion, the provisions of this Code
shall control. Provided that, nothing in this Code is intended to repeal or modify any existing
code, law, ordinance, policy, regulation, rule, resolution or motion, except that the following is
hereby repealed:
(a) BC-7-21-93-A (Adoption of the Building Code of the Oneida Reservation)
603.2-5. This Code is adopted under authority of the Constitution of the Oneida Tribe of
Indians of Wisconsin.
603.3.
Definitions
603.3-1. This section shall govern the definitions of words and phrases used within this Code.
All words not defined herein shall be used in their ordinary and everyday sense.
(a) “Accessory Building” means a subordinate building or structure on the same lot as
the main building and devoted exclusively to an accessory use. This may include
buildings used for, or incidental to, any agricultural use; private garages attached or
detached, open sheds, roof-covered patios, tool sheds and similar structures.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 1

(b) “Alley” means a public thoroughfare which affords a secondary means of access to
abutting property and is generally less than twenty feet (20') wide.
(c) “Building” means:
(1) Noun. Any structure designed or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter
or protection of persons, animals or property. When a structure is divided into
separate parts by unpierced walls extending from the ground up, each part is
deemed a separate building.
(2) Verb. Any enlargement, alteration, movement or demolishing of any building
or structure, and also any new heating plant or any material alteration in any
existing heating plan, toilet room or elevator.
(d) “Family” means one (1) adult occupant plus one (1) or more persons who have a
family relationship with that occupant, such as husband and wife, son or daughter, mother
or father, brother or sister, mother-in-law or father-in-law.
(e) “Inspector” means the Zoning Administrator, or any Inspector of the Oneida Zoning
Department.
(f) “Owner” means the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, every person, firm,
partnership, or any individual Tribal member thereof, the State of Wisconsin, any county
or municipality, any sewer district, drainage district, and any Tribal corporation or Tribal
organization having an interest in property of any kind, including the representative,
officer, agent or other person having the ownership, control, custody or management of
any building.
(g) “Reservation” means all the lands and waters within the exterior boundaries of the
Reservation of the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, as created pursuant to the 1838
Treaty with the Oneida 7 Stat. 566, and any lands added thereto pursuant to federal law.
(h) “Structural alteration” means any change in the supporting members of a building,
such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders, except such alteration as may be
required for the safety of the building.
(i) “Structure” means anything constructed the use of which requires location on the
ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground.
(j) “Tribe or Tribal” means the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin.
(k) “Zoning Administrator” means the Tribal official responsible for overseeing and
monitoring construction projects, and maintaining records related to building permits,
inspections and fees, and shall include and refer to any authorized agent of the Zoning
Administrator. Where applicable within this Code, the term Zoning Administrator may
also include Building Inspectors, who are employed through the Zoning Department.
603.4.
Standards
603.4-1. Incorporation of Provisions by Reference. Subject to modifications specified in this
Code, this Code incorporates by reference the standards as set forth in the following Wisconsin
Administrative Codes: Chapters Comm 14, Comm 20 through 25, and Comm 61 through 66.
These standards shall apply until amended and then shall apply as amended.
(a) The Tribe’s submission of plans pursuant to Comm 61.31(3) shall not be construed as
an acceptance of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce regulatory authority over the
Tribe’s construction activities.
603.4-2. This Code shall not be interpreted to be more lenient than the Wisconsin
Administrative Code rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to Chapter 101, Wisconsin
6 O.C. 603 – Page 2

Statutes, and any conflict between those rules and regulations and this Code shall be resolved in
favor of this Code.
603.4-3. Nothing contained in this Code shall be construed as a waiver of the Tribe s sovereign
immunity.
603.5.
Zoning Administration and Inspections
603.5-1. Duties. The Zoning Administrator shall enforce all Federal and Tribal laws and
lawful orders relating to the construction, alteration, repair, removal, location, occupancy, safety
and use of buildings and permanent building equipment.
603.5-2. Records. The Zoning Administrator shall keep records of the following matters and
shall make annual reports to the Business Committee on such records:
(a) all applications for building permits; regularly numbering each permit in the order of
its issue;
(b) the number, description and size of every building erected during each term of office,
indicating the materials used and the cost of each building, and the aggregate cost of all
buildings of the various classes;
(c) all inspections made and all removals and condemnations of buildings; and
(d) all fees, showing the dates of receipt and delivery to the Administrator.
603.5-3. Powers.
(a) Inspection. The Zoning Administrator may at all reasonable times for any proper
purpose enter upon any public or private premises and make inspections thereof and may
require the permit for any building, electrical, heating or plumbing work, or the required
license therefor, to be produced for inspection.
(b) Emergency Powers. The Zoning Administrator shall have such emergency powers as
are necessary to fulfill the purpose and intent of this Code; that is, to promote the public
health, safety and welfare.
603.6.
Building Permits
603.6-1. Building Permit Required. No person shall erect or construct any building or
structure, or shall add to, enlarge, move, improve, alter, convert, extend or demolish any building
or structure or cause the same to be done, or shall commence any work covered by this Code on
any structure without first obtaining a building permit therefor from the Zoning Administrator;
provided that, the Zoning Administrator may authorize minor repairs not involving structural
alterations without requiring a building permit to be issued, in accordance with section 603.6-5.
603.6-2. Application. An application for a building permit shall be filed with the Zoning
Administrator on a blank form to be furnished for that purpose. Such application shall include:
(a) a description of the land upon which the proposed building or work is to be done,
either by
(1) lot, or
(2) block, or
(3) tract, or
(4) similar general description which will readily identify and definitely locate the
proposed building or work
(b) the use or occupancy of all parts of the building,
(c) such other pertinent information as may be required by the Zoning Administrator.
603.6-3. Information to Accompany Application. The application for a building permit shall
be accompanied by the following information, as necessary or required:
6 O.C. 603 – Page 3

(a) A site plan. A site plan shall indicate the detailed legal description of the property as
it appears of record. Each application for a building permit shall be accompanied by two
(2) copies of the site plan, drawn to scale, not less than one inch (1") equal to twenty feet
(20') , and not more than one-sixteenth inch (1/16") equal to one foot (1'), showing:
(1) the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon;
(2) the size and location of the building or buildings to be erected;
(3) the proper relationship of the building or buildings to the exterior lines of
existing or proposed streets shown on the official map; and
(4) such other information as may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of
this Code.
(b) The following data:
(1) The location of streets, alleys, lot lines and any other buildings on the same lot
or property.
(2) The name of the owner.
(3) The intended use or uses of all rooms.
(4) Computations, stress diagrams and other data necessary to show the
correctness of the plans shall accompany the plans and specifications when
required by the Zoning Administrator.
(c) Foundation specifications, including:
(1) information concerning the size and material of the foundations; and
(2) if required, the loads to be placed thereon; and
(3) the location where piles shall be driven; and
(4) the spacing, size and materials of the piles and the load to be placed on each.
603.6-4. In the case of unplatted land or parcels conveyed by metes and bounds, the site plan
together with sufficient measurements shall be submitted by the Zoning Administrator to the
following Tribal Departments, to certify whether the proposal conflicts with any official plans or
ordinances:
(1) Division of Land Management;
(2) Engineering Department;
(3) Environmental Health and Safety Division; and
(4) Utilities Department.
603.6-5. Filing May Be Waived. The application and the filing of plans may be waived at the
discretion of the Zoning Administrator, provided the cost of such work does not exceed three
thousand dollars ($3,000).
603.6-6. Conditions of Approval of Application.
(a) Sanitary Sewers. Where sanitary sewers are not installed or immediately available, no
building permit shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator until proper plans and
approvals are obtained from the appropriate parties.
(b) Right to Inspect. As a condition of granting a building permit, the Zoning
Administrator or any Inspector may enter any premises for which such permit was issued,
to inspect such premises for compliance with all statutory and ordinance regulations
concerning the construction, repair, use and location of such building, at any reasonable
time during the course of the work and until final inspection and approval thereof have
been given.
(c) Buildings Requiring Additional Plan Review.
(1) Approval of Plans. Before a permit is issued for any building listed in section
(2) below or for the equipment for remodeling any such building; complete plans
6 O.C. 603 – Page 4

and specifications, including a site plan showing the position of the building with
respect to lot lines, shall be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce
for review. Such plans shall also be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of
Commerce in such number as will permit a complete set of reviewed plans and
specifications, together with any correspondence concerning such review by the
Wisconsin Department of Commerce, to be filed with the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Types of Building Plans to be Submitted to Wisconsin Department of
Commerce:
(A) All buildings of thirty feet (30') span or greater.
(B) All two (2) story buildings having a floor area at the second floor level
greater than two thousand (2,000) square feet.
(C) All buildings three (3) stories or taller.
(D) All hospitals, assembly halls, churches, public garages, places of
detention, dormitories and schools.
(E) Buildings with more than two (2) apartments.
(F) All one (1) story buildings having a floor area greater than five
thousand (5,000) square feet.
(G) All remodeling of buildings where the area of alteration is greater than
ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
(H) All laundries and dry cleaning plants.
(I) All elevator installations, including shaftway construction.
(J) All heating and ventilating installations in all buildings except one (1)
family or two (2) family residences.
(K) Others. All other buildings required by the Zoning Department.
(3) Changes in Approved Plans. After plans have been approved for buildings
and equipment thereof, no changes shall be permitted unless such changes are
reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and approved by the
Zoning Department.
(4) Inspection of Buildings Requiring Wisconsin Department of Commerce Plan
Review. The Zoning Administrator shall make inspections and require such
changes as are necessary for buildings and their equipment to conform to
approved plans, or to the approved changes in such approved plans, that have
been filed with the ZoningDepartment.
603.6-7. Specifications Shall Be in Detail. All specifications in which vague and/or
generalized expressions are used, such as stating that work shall be done “in accordance with the
Oneida Building Code” or “to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator of the Oneida
Reservation” shall be deemed imperfect and incomplete; and every reference to the Building
Code shall be to the section or subsection applicable.
603.6-8. Issuance of Building Permit.
(a) When a Permit Shall be Issued. If the application, plans and specifications conform to
the requirements of this Code and to all other laws or ordinances applicable thereto, the
Zoning Administrator shall, upon receipt of the required fee, issue a building permit for
such work in the name of the owner and shall sign, date and endorse in writing or by
rubber stamp both sets of plans and specifications as “approved.”
(b) Possession of Plans and Specifications. One (1) such approved set of plans and
specifications shall be retained by the Zoning Administrator and one (1) shall be returned
to the applicant, which set shall be kept at the site of such work at all times until the work
6 O.C. 603 – Page 5

authorized thereby is approved. Plans and specifications shall not be altered without
written permission from the Zoning Administrator.
(c) Evidence of Permit. With every permit issued, the Zoning Administrator shall issue
to the applicant an appropriate card properly filled out evidencing issuance of the permit.
The permit holder shall place such card in a conspicuous place on the site of such
authorized work, the card to be unobstructed from the public view and available for
inspectors to mark.
(d) Lapse. A building permit shall lapse and be void unless the work authorized thereby
is commenced within six (6) months from the date thereof and completed or resumed
within one (1) year from the date thereof. If further construction is necessary after one
(1) year, the permit holder shall make written application in duplicate to the Zoning
Administrator stating the reasons for the request for an extension, at least ninety (90)
days prior to the expiration of the building permit.
(e) Revocation.
(1) If the Zoning Administrator finds at any time a lack of compliance with the
ordinances, laws, orders, plans and specifications herein, the building permit shall
be revoked.
(i) Means of Revocation. Revocation shall occur by means of written
notice served on the general contractor, or on the person in charge of that
phase of work in which the error or violation has occurred, and upon the
owner.
(ii) Service. Such service shall be either personal or by mailing a copy of
such notice to the known address of such person, and there shall likewise
be posted a copy of such notice at the work site.
(2) When any permit is revoked, no person shall do any further work upon such
building until a new permit is issued.
(i) Exception. The Zoning Administrator may authorize the completion of
work as reasonably necessary to protect:
(A) work already completed on the job;
(B) existing property;
(C) adjoining property; and/or
(D) the health, safety or welfare of the general public.
(f) Violations and Errors Not Excused By Issuance. The issuance of a permit or the
approval of plans and specifications shall neither be deemed nor construed to be
permission for or approval of any violation of any provision of this Code. No permit
shall presume to give authority to violate, or to fail to comply with, the provisions of this
Code, although any permit shall be valid insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is
lawful. If, subsequent to the issuance of a permit, errors are discovered in the
application, plans, specifications or execution of work, that would cause work to be in
violation of this Code or of any other Tribal law, the Zoning Administrator may require
the correction of such errors and may rescind the permit and prevent building operations
from being further carried on thereunder.
(g) Preliminary Foundation Permit May Be Issued. The Zoning Administrator may issue
a preliminary foundation permit allowing the permittee to construct the foundation of any
building for which a permit is sought, where:
(1) the person has applied for a building permit; and
6 O.C. 603 – Page 6

(2) the person has complied with all of the provisions of this section, particularly
with respect to review and approval of the site plan and other necessary
conditions of approval; and
(3) all necessary information provided hereunder has been reviewed and approved
by the appropriate Tribal departments; and
(4) the only information remaining to be approved is the computation, stress
diagrams and other data necessary to show the correctness of the plans for that
portion of the building to be constructed above the foundation.
(h) Final Foundation Permit May Be Issued. After a preliminary foundation permit is
issued, and once plans and specifications for the remainder of the building to be
constructed above the foundation are in proper order and approved, the Zoning
Administrator may issue the final permit.
603.7.
Fees and Insurance Requirements
603.7-1. Fees. All inspection fees, permit fees and any other fees related to the administration
of this Code shall be established from time to time by Resolution of the Oneida Business
Committee, upon recommendation by the Zoning Administrator.
603.7-2. Wherever a party is required under this Code to carry liability insurance or to post a
bond, that amount shall be established from time to time by Resolution of the Oneida Business
Committee, upon recommendations of both the Risk Management Director and the Zoning
Administrator.
603.8.
Cash Deposit Guaranteeing Compliance
603.8-1. Required. Upon issuance of a building permit, except for minor alterations, a
refundable cash deposit of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be posted with the Zoning
Administrator by the owner. In lieu of a one hundred dollar ($100) cash deposit for each
building permit, the owner may provide a cash deposit of one hundred dollars ($100) covering all
permits issued. Such deposit shall be maintained at or above one hundred dollars ($100), and the
Zoning Administrator shall not issue additional permits if the deposit falls below one hundred
dollars ($100). Any deficit incurred in correcting violations shall be reimbursed to the Tribe.
Such deposit shall be refunded when the owner no longer has any active permits. The deposit
shall constitute an agreement on the part of the owner to assume responsibility for compliance
with this Code on behalf of all persons directly or indirectly employed in the work for which the
permit was secured.
603.8-2. Compliance. If the Zoning Administrator determines that a violation of this Code
exists, written notice shall be given to the foreman on the site and to the owner ordering
compliance within not less than four (4) hours nor more than forty-eight (48) hours. If
compliance has not been accomplished upon expiration of this order, the Tribe may undertake to
correct the violation, with all costs being deducted from the cash deposit posted by the owner. If
the cost to the Tribe of correcting a violation exceeds the cash deposit the remainder may be
charged to the owner in the form of a special assessment on the property.
603.8-3. Owner Responsible for Expenses. An owner that transfers title to the property prior
to payment of all charges for the correction of violations under this Code, shall remain
responsible for such corrections and no further permits shall be issued until such payment is
made.
603.8-4. Cash Deposit Refunded. Upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the cash
deposit shall be returned, less any deductions made for the correction of violations by the Tribe.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 7

603.8-5. General Penalty Not Excluded. No portion or provision of this section shall prevent
the Tribe from invoking the general penalty, as described in section 603.9.
603.9.
General Penalty
603.9-1. Any person who shall violate any provision of this Code or any rule, regulation or
order made hereunder shall be subject to a penalty as provided in this Code and/or the Zoning
and Shoreland Protection law; except that the minimum penalty for each offense shall be twentyfive dollars ($25), and the maximum penalty for each violation shall not exceed three hundred
dollars ($300).
603.10.
Unsafe Buildings, Razing or Repair
603.10-1. Order to Raze. Where premises are located within Reservation boundaries, upon
which is located any building or part thereof that is so old or dilapidated, or has become so out of
repair, as to be unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for occupancy or use, and where it would be
unreasonable to repair the same, or where there has been a cessation of normal construction of
any building or structure for more than two (2) years, the Zoning Administrator shall order the
owner to raze and remove such building or part thereof, or, if it can be made safe by repairs, then
the Zoning Administrator may order the owner to make it safe and sanitary.
603.10-2. Compliance with the Order. The order shall specify a time within which the owner
shall comply therewith and shall specify repairs, if any. Such order shall be served on the owner
of record or an agent, where an agent is in charge of the building, and upon the holder of any
encumbrance of record, in the manner provided for service of a summons to the Tribe’s judicial
body. If the owner or a holder of an encumbrance of record cannot be found within the State of
Wisconsin, the order may be served by posting it on the main entrance of the building and by
publishing it in the Kalihwisaks for two (2) consecutive publications at least ten (10) calendar
days before the time limit in the order commences to run.
603.10-3. Failure to Comply With Order.
(a) If the owner fails or refuses to comply within the time prescribed, the Zoning
Administrator shall cause such building or part thereof either:
(1) to be razed and removed through any available public agency or by contract or
arrangement with private persons, or
(2) to be closed, if unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use.
(b) The cost of razing and removal or closing shall be charged against the real estate and
shall be assessed and collected as a special levy.
603.10-4. Cost of Razing and Removal; Sale of Salvageable Material. When any building has
been ordered razed and removed, the Zoning Administrator, under such contract or arrangement,
may sell the salvageable and valuable material at the highest price obtainable.
(a) The proceeds of such sale, after deducting the expense of such razing and removal,
shall be promptly remitted to the Tribe’s judicial body with a report of such sale or
transaction, including the items of expense and the amounts deducted, for the use of the
person who may be entitled thereto, subject to the order of the Tribe.
(b) If there remains no surplus to be turned over to the Tribe, the report shall so state.
603.10-5. Closure of a Building Unfit for Human Habitation, Occupancy or Use. Where the
Zoning Administrator posts a placard stating: “This Building Cannot be Used for Human
Habitation, Occupancy or Use” on any building, such notice shall prohibit the use of such
building for human habitation, occupancy or use until the necessary repairs have been made.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 8

(a) Any person who rents, leases or occupies a building which has been condemned for
human habitation, occupancy or use shall be liable to a forfeiture of not less than five
dollars ($5) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300) for each week of such violation.
603.10-6. Penalties. Any person receiving notice as herein provided who fails or neglects to
comply with the directions therein contained shall be subject to the penalties set forth in this
Code.
603.11.
Structural Portion to Be Inspected
603.11-1. The following shall not be covered or concealed in any manner without first securing
the approval of the Zoning Administrator:
(a) The structural portion of any part of any building or structure not supervised by an
architect or professional engineer or their authorized representatives; and
(b) Reinforced steel, structural framework of iron or steel, brick, concrete block, frame or
any other materials used in the structural part of any building.
603.11-2. The Zoning Administrator shall be notified at least one (1) business day prior to such
time as the work is to be inspected.
603.12.
Successive Inspections to Be Made
603.12-1. No work shall be done on any part of a building or structure beyond the point
indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Zoning
Administrator. Upon notification by the permit holder of the completion of each of the respective
steps in construction, the Zoning Administrator shall make the following successive inspections
and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit
holder or an agent wherein the same fails to comply with this Code.
603.12-2. Inspection of Poured and Block Foundations. The Zoning Administrator shall be
notified when forms for footings are in and ready to be poured. Forms for footings shall be
framed with a minimum depth of six-inch (6") framing members. The Zoning Administrator
shall be notified when footings are in and concrete for walls is ready to be placed. Re-inspection
shall be called for to inspect tile, stone and damproofing. Block foundations shall be checked
after walls have been erected and stone, tile and damproofing have been installed.
603.12-3. Inspection of the Structure. Inspection shall be made after the roof is in place, all
framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete.
603.12-4. Final Inspection. Inspection shall be made after the building is complete and ready
for occupancy.
603.12-5. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. The Zoning Administrator, Tribal Master
Plumber, Electrical Inspector, Environmental Health and Safety Division, Engineering
Department agents and Fire Inspector shall each make a final inspection of all new buildings,
additions and alterations, and the Zoning Administrator shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy, if:
(a) no violation of this Code or any other ordinance, law or order is found;
(b) there is a sewer connected to the Tribal Sanitary District or a system approved by
ordinance;
(c) the building, addition or alteration is connected with adequate water supply; and
(d) there is access to the premises by a graded and graveled public road.
603.12-6. A Certificate of Occupancy shall state the purpose for which the building is to be
used, and the maximum load and maximum number of persons that may be accommodated on
each floor thereof.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 9

(a) No building or part thereof shall be occupied until such Certificate has been issued
except with the written consent of the Zoning Administrator, nor shall any building be
occupied in any manner which conflicts with the conditions set forth in the Certificate of
Occupancy.
(b) In no case shall a Certificate of Occupancy be issued until complete compliance with
the conditions stipulated on the site plan have been met, except such Certificate may be
issued prior to complete compliance providing a cash bond in an amount equal to the cost
of site plan compliance has been deposited with the Zoning Administrator. If all
conditions have not been met within sixty (60) calendar days after notice by the Zoning
Administrator, the Zoning Administrator may cause the necessary installations to be
made as provided in the site plan and charge the same to the case bond account for that
particular building.
603.13.
Excavations
603.13-1. Excavation Plans to Be Submitted in Advance. Before commencing with excavation
or driving piles for any foundation of any building or structure, a building permit shall be
obtained. The application for a building permit shall be filed with the plans and specifications of
the building, showing the location of the building or structure, the size and material of the
foundations and, if required, the loads to be placed thereon, where piles are to be driven, the
spacing, size and materials of the piles and the load to be placed on each.
603.13-2. Guard Rails. Any person making excavations or causing the same to be made shall
properly guard them and shall so protect them that the adjoining soil shall not cave in. No
person shall excavate so as to injure any adjoining soil, ground or building. Wherever such
excavations are made within ten feet (10') of any sidewalk, street, or alley; guard rails, warning
lights and signs determined to be proper by the Zoning Administrator shall be installed and
maintained. The Zoning Administrator may require guard rails around such other excavations as
such official believes are necessary to ensure the protection of the public.
603.14.
Abandoned or Water-Filled Excavations
603.14-1. Open Basement. Any open basement or basement excavation that is not worked on
for a continuous period of sixty (60) calendar days after the commencement of building or razing
shall constitute a nuisance; and the owner or contractor shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after
written notice by the Zoning Administrator, cause such basement or basement excavation to be
properly filled and leveled off to the original grade.
603.14-2. Fill and Debris. The Zoning Administrator may notify the owner of a property, and
order the removal within forty-eight (48) hours, of fill and debris on land or lots which are not
leveled off or removed within thirty (30) calendar days after deposit of same, thus causing a
Tribal nuisance or rodent harborage or preventing noxious weeds from being cut.
603.14-3. Water-Filled Excavations. Any open basement or basement excavation in which one
foot (1') or more of water is permitted to stand shall constitute a nuisance and the owner shall,
within forty-eight (48) hours after written notice by the Zoning Administrator, cause the
excavation or basement to be pumped dry.
603.14-4. Publication of Notice. If the address of the owner or contractor cannot be ascertained
with reasonable diligence, then the forty-eight (48) hour period provided in sections 603.14-1
through 603.14-3 shall commence to run at the beginning of the day following two (2) successive
publications of the notice in the Kalihwisaks.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 10

603.14-5. Failure to Comply. Failure to comply with a notice of the Zoning Administrator shall
be cause to have the work done and the cost thereof charged back to the property or property
owner.
603.15.
Littering and Damage to Property
603.15-1. General Provisions. No person engaged in work for which a building permit has
been issued shall cause, maintain or permit the littering of property with mud, dust, brush,
stumps, tree limbs, construction or other types of debris; nor shall such person cause damage to
any public street, sidewalk, alley, curb, gutter, sewage system or property.
603.15-2. Littering at Razing or Removal Site. No person shall leave litter, building debris,
excavations or ground piles on property where a building is being razed or from which a building
has been moved. If work is not being done in a satisfactory manner or is not progressing, thus
causing a public safety hazard and nuisance, the Zoning Administrator shall provide the owner
with written notice, specifying a definite period with which persons concerned shall clean up the
property and level off the ground to the adjoining level. If the terms of the notice are not met, the
Zoning Administrator shall cause such work to be done, and the cost thereof shall be borne by
the property or the property owner.
603.16.
Contractors’ License
603.16-1. Any person who enters into a written or oral contract with a consumer to construct,
remodel or repair any building for which a building permit is required shall be a licensed
contractor in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code, Ch. Comm 5.
603.17.
Lot Corners
603.17-1. To Be Monumented. Prior to issuance of a building permit, all lot corners of the
property upon which any building or structure is to be located shall be monumented by a
registered land surveyor. These monuments shall be marked by wooden guard stakes.
603.17-2. Monuments to Be Maintained. The lot corner monuments and guard stakes shall be
maintained and kept readily visible until the footings have been inspected and approved by the
Zoning Administrator.
603.18.
Minimum Building Elevations
603.18-1. The first habitable floor of any building or structure shall not be constructed below
the flood protection elevation, which is an elevation of two feet (2') above the centerline
elevation of the road adjacent to which the structure faces.
603.18-2. Basements not designed for permanent habitation may be permitted at a lower
elevation, if certified by a registered Professional Engineer or Architect and adequately floodproofed, as determined by the Engineering Department.
603.18-3. Uses requiring floodproofing measures shall be designed consistent with the flood
protection elevation. The Zoning Administrator shall require that the applicant submit a plan or
document certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing
measures are consistent with the flood protection elevation. Floodproofing measures shall
include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Installation of watertight doors, bulkheads and shutters.
(b) Reinforcement of walls to resist water pressure.
(c) Use of paint, membrane or mortar to reduce seepage of water through walls.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 11

(d) Construction of water supply and waste treatment systems to prevent the entrance of
flood waters.
(e) Pumping facilities for subsurface drainage systems for buildings, to receive external
foundation wall and basement floor pressures.
(f) Construction to resist rupture or collapse caused by water pressure or floating debris.
(g) Installation of cutoff (backwater) valves on sewer lines and/or elimination of gravity
flow basement drains.
(h) Anchorage to resist flotation and lateral movement.
(i) Addition of mass or weights to structures to resist flotation.
(j) Installation of pumps to lower water levels in structures.
603.18-4. Accessory uses such as parking lots, yards and other similar land or open land uses
may be permitted below the flood protection elevation.
603.18-5. Fill shall be placed around buildings and structures sixteen to eighteen inches (16''18'') below the flood protection elevation and shall extend at such elevation at least fifteen feet
(15') in each direction from the structure thereon. Fill material shall be stabilized in a manner
recommended by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and protected against erosion.
603.19.
Materials Approved by Wisconsin Department of Commerce
603.19-1. Materials not listed in this Code but approved by the Wisconsin Department of
Commerce may be used in any building within the Reservation boundaries, provided the
necessary test sheets verifying such approval are on file in the office of the Zoning
Administrator.
603.20.
Razing of Buildings
603.20-1. Permit Required. No person shall hereafter raze any building without first securing a
razing permit from the Zoning Department and a permit for the sealing of the sewer from the
Utilities Department.
603.20-2. Insurance. No permit shall be granted unless the applicant files a certificate of
insurance with the Director of Risk Management, establishing that the applicant has obtained
insurance and posted any required bonds.
(a) An applicant shall agree to indemnify and hold the Tribe and all Tribal entities
harmless from all liability arising out of the job.
(b) Insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without thirty (30) calendar days prior
written notice to the Director of Risk Management. Such notice shall suspend the permit,
and no work shall be done under such permit until a new insurance certificate complying
with this subsection has been filed with Risk Management. .
(c) Exceptions. A certificate of insurance shall not be required of a person seeking a
razing permit if:
(1) The building is located in a residential zoning district and set back at least ten
(10) feet from all property lines, or
(2) The building is located in any zoning district, is an accessory building, is no
greater than one (1) story and is set back at least ten feet (10') from all property
lines, or is constructed and situated upon the property so that the same may be
razed with no damage resulting to the person or property of others as determined
the Zoning Department and by the Director of Risk Management.
603.20-3. Requirements. The holder of a razing permit shall comply with the following
requirements:
6 O.C. 603 – Page 12

(a) Property to be Protected. Streets, alleys and private property shall be properly
protected by erecting proper fences and scaffolds. If scaffolds are to be built on street or
alleys, they shall be properly protected with a top cover of planks, guard rails and toeboards, to prevent the falling of debris on sidewalks or streets. The top of the scaffold
shall be at least eight feet (8') above the sidewalk or alley.
(b) Walls to be Supported. No person shall remove all horizontal support from exterior
walls or partitions, thereby permitting them to stand unsupported.
(c) Buildings to be Razed Floor-by-Floor. In buildings of more than one (1) story, the
exterior walls, interior partitions and other supports shall be removed floor-by-floor,
using the floor below as protection from falling debris and to prevent exterior and interior
walls from collapsing.
(d) Razing to be Gradual. No walls, chimneys or other construction shall be allowed to
fall en masse on a floor; and bulky material such as beams and columns shall be lowered
and not thrown.
(e) Cranes. Provided that there is compliance with the above requirements, cranes may be
used in wrecking or demolishing buildings.
(f) Sewers. When a building is moved or demolished, its sewer shall be located at a point
outside the foundation lines and sealed off. The plug or seal shall not be covered until
approval has been given by the Tribal Master Plumber.
(g) Obstruction of Streets. When razing requires the obstruction of a public street, alley
or sidewalk, a permit shall be obtained from the authority having jurisdiction over the
right-of-way prior to commencement of the project.
603.21.
Moving of Buildings
603.21-1. Before a permit to move any building shall be granted by the Zoning Administrator,
the applicant shall complete an application to transport a non-divisible load exceeding statutory
size or weight. At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to submitting the application to the Zoning
Administrator, the applicant shall submit the application to the officers in charge of maintenance
for movements on highways and streets in their respective jurisdictions, for sign-off and
approval. An application shall not be considered complete until the necessary signatories have
signed the document.
603.21-2. No person shall move any building or structure upon public right-of-ways within the
boundaries of the Reservation without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Zoning
Administrator and upon the payment of the required fee. Every such permit to be issued for the
moving of a building shall designate the route to be taken, the conditions to be complied with,
and shall limit the time during which said moving operations shall take place.
603.21-3. In addition to obtaining a permit, the applicant shall also file with the Director of Risk
Management a surety bond in accordance with section 603.7, which shall indemnify the Tribe for
any costs and expenses that could result from the granting of such permit, and shall file any street
repair bond as determined necessary by the Director of Risk Management. The applicant shall
also be required to obtain and maintain liability insurance coverage in the amounts established in
accordance with section 603.7.
(a) The applicant shall agree to indemnify and hold the Tribe harmless from all liability
arising out of moving a building.
(b) Any required insurance shall not be cancelled or reduced without thirty (30) calendar
days prior written notice thereof to the Director of Risk Management. Such notice shall
suspend the permit and no work shall be done under such permit until a new insurance
6 O.C. 603 – Page 13

certificate complying with this Code has been filed with the Director of Risk
Management.
603.21-4. The party receiving the permit shall comply with Ch. 348, Wis. Stats., and all
requirements of this Code in moving the building.
603.21-5. The progress in moving any building shall cause the least obstruction of
thoroughfares and shall be as continuous as possible during all hours of the day, on consecutive
days, and by night if the Zoning Administrator so orders, until complete, with the least possible
obstruction of traffic movement. If, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, the move
constitutes a hazard and obstruction of traffic movement, the Zoning Administrator may order
that the move take place between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. No building shall be
allowed to remain overnight upon any street crossing or intersection or so near thereto as to
prevent easy access to any fire hydrant or driveway, or to be within fifty feet (50') of the property
line of the intersection street extended. Any building left in the street overnight shall be
barricaded to protect traffic in accordance with the latest Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
603.21-6. If the authority having jurisdiction over the right-of-way deems it necessary to post
“No Parking” and other traffic control signs along the route the building is to be moved along,
the authority having jurisdiction over the right-of-way shall order such signs erected and
removed after the building is moved and shall bill the full cost to the party receiving the permit
to move the building. The Director of Risk Management shall hold the sureties of the bond
given by the person receiving the permit until the authority having jurisdiction over the right-ofway receives payment in full for erecting and removing the necessary traffic signs.
603.21-7. Tree Trimming.
(a) Permission shall in no case be granted to move a building in, along or upon the public
streets if the measurements shown on the application indicates that the street trees along
the proposed route will be injured. Trees and shrubs shall not be trimmed or otherwise
disturbed without the approval of the Conservation Department and the owner of the
property upon which the trees are located.
(b) If it is necessary to trim any owned trees or shrubbery to move the building, such
trimming shall be performed by the Conservation Department which shall bill the full
cost of such trimming to the party receiving the permit. The Director of Risk
Management shall hold the sureties of the bond given by the person receiving the permit
until the Conservation Department receives payment in full for trimming the trees.
603.21-8. Within one (1) day after a building reaches its destination, every person receiving a
permit to move a building shall report that fact to the Zoning Administrator who shall report the
same to the authority having jurisdiction over the right-of-way. The authority having jurisdiction
over the right-of-way shall thereupon inspect the streets over which such building was
transported. If the transportation of the building has caused any damage to the streets, the
authority having jurisdiction over the right-of-way shall, at the expense of the building mover,
have them repaired by a pavement repair contractor in as good condition as they were before the
permit was granted. If the building mover shall fail to pay promptly all bills for damage, the
Director of Risk Management shall hold the sureties of bond given by the house mover
responsible for payment of the same.
603.21-9. Dilapidated Buildings. No permit shall be granted for the moving of any building
from one location to another if the building is so dilapidated and so out of repair as to be
unsanitary or unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, or is so out of repair that it would be
unreasonable to repair.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 14

603.21-10. Detrimental Buildings.
(a) To protect and conserve the value of neighboring property, no permit shall be granted
for the moving of a building to a location within the Reservation which would be
detrimental to the character of the intended neighboring property. Such consideration
shall be made by the Zoning Administrator on the basis of compatibility of external
appearance, size and architectural quality in relation to existing structures.
(b) The application for a moving permit shall be accompanied by three (3) copies of a site
plan of the proposed site, with such additional material as would permit the application of
the foregoing standards.
603.22.
Outside Fire Escapes
603.22-1. No outside fire escape or other structural addition projecting from a building over a
public alley or thoroughfare shall be erected without first securing a permit from the Zoning
Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall not issue a permit for the building of such outside
fire escape or other structural addition unless the plans provide for a minimum of thirteen feet,
six inches (13'6") vertical clearance from the permanently-established grade of the alley or
thoroughfare below, provided that, where such grade has not been established, the clearance shall
be on the basis of the proposed grade for such alley or thoroughfare as set by the Zoning
Administrator.
603.23.
Swimming Pools
603.23-1. Permit Required. No construction of a swimming pool shall begin unless a permit
therefor has been obtained and the fee paid in accordance with the fee provisions of this Code.
The application for such permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing the size, location
and description of the property.
603.23-2. Requirements.
(a) Setbacks. Permanent above or in ground pools shall maintain a minimum rear and
side yard setback of ten feet (10') from adjoining property. In determining this setback for
above ground pools with permanent fencing or decks, any deck, walkway, or similar
structure shall be considered part of the pool.
(b) Fencing. All pools shall be encompassed by fencing as provided under this
subsection. Under no circumstances may the minimum height requirements of this
subsection be varied.
(1) Structural Requirements. All fences under this subsection shall be constructed
in such a manner as to comply with the Zoning and Shoreland Protection law, or
variance therefrom, and the requirements of this subsection.
(A) The fence must be able to withstand two hundred (200) pounds of
force in any direction.
(B) The fence shall be so constructed and designed so as to prevent
penetration of an object greater than six inches (6") in diameter.
(C) All such fences shall be constructed with a locking door or gate which
complies with all other height and structural requirements of this section.
(2) Permanent In-Ground Pools. Permanent in-ground pools, subject to this Code,
shall be encompassed by a free-standing fence not less than forty-eight inches
(48") nor more than ninety-six inches (96") from the ground level. Such fence
shall be no less than three feet (3') from the pool at its’ nearest point.
6 O.C. 603 – Page 15

(3) Permanent Above-Ground Pools. Above-ground pools shall be encompassed
by fencing which complies with one (1) or any combination of options listed
below:
(A) A fence in compliance with subsection (2) of this section.
(B) A fence within three feet (3') of the pool, provided such fence is at
least thirty-six inches (36'') above the top edge of the pool and not less
than forty-eight inches (48'') nor more than ninety-six inches (96'') from
ground level.
(C) A fence attached to a deck or walkway, provided such fence is at least
thirty-six inches (36'') above the surface of the deck or walkway and
complies with subsection (B).
(4) Temporary pools which are less than two hundred (200) square feet in area
and less than thirty-six inches (36'') in water depth, and/or fifteen feet (15') in
diameter which are dismantled and removed for the winter are exempt from this
Code.
603.23-3. Fencing Required. No pool shall be constructed on property which cannot be made
to conform to the fencing requirements of this Code.
603.24.
Appeals.
603.24-1. In the event of a denial or revocation of a permit issued under this Code, or to resolve
a dispute over a compliance order, an appeal may be filed in accordance with the following
procedures:
(a) An appeal shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator. The appeal shall be in
written form and provided to the Zoning Administrator within ten (10) business days of
receipt of notification of the action being appealed.
(b) The Zoning Administrator shall make a determination within five (5) business days
of receipt of the appeal. The determination shall be sent by registered mail (return receipt
requested) or delivered in person to the applicant.
(c)
The Zoning Administrator’s determination may be appealed to the Land
Commission. The Land Commission shall hear such appeal in accordance with the
Administrative Procedures Act or other designated procedure as approved by the Oneida
Business Committee. Should the aggrieved party seek to carry the appeal further, he/she
may appeal to the appellate court of the Tribe's judicial body within ten (10) business
days of receipt of the Land Commission’s determination.
End.
Adopted BC-03-23-11-E

6 O.C. 603 – Page 16

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aoneida_nation%3Aef90144fb69d1633. Public record. Not legal advice.