Zoning Information
Land Use Administrator Tom Zeamer can be reached at 920-887-0791 ext. 15 or by email at lua@bdtown.org.
The Town of Beaver Dam has adopted its own zoning code, which sets guidelines for land-related activities within the town, including construction, remodeling, signs, pools, solar systems, and standby power systems. Fences do not require a permit, but there are limitations on height and location.
Dodge County enforces shoreland zoning within 1,000 feet of Beaver Dam Lake, Crystal Lake, and Lake George, and within 300 feet of navigable streams and rivers. Property owners should consult Dodge County Land Resources and Parks at 920-386-3700 ext. 2 before starting projects in shoreland areas.
For virtually all town roads, the 66-foot right-of-way (33 feet on each side of the centerline) is owned or controlled by the town. You may not excavate, fill, grade, install fences, pipes, conduits, wires, signs, or other structures in that strip without town permission.
Plan Commission meetings and Board of Appeals meetings are held publicly at Town Hall with input from the requesting party, board members, and interested citizens before a requested item is approved or denied.
Land Use Applications
May 2026
Board of Appeals / Variance
A Variance is required if a proposed use does not meet the requirements of the town zoning code. Any person may seek an appeal from the decision of the zoning administrator, plan commission or the town board concerning the literal enforcement of the zoning code. Variances and appeals are granted or denied by the Board of Appeals after a public hearing.
May 2026
Building Permit - New 1-2 Family Dwelling
A Building Permit is required to construct a new residence. The Land Use Administrator will review the steps of the process with the contractor or home owner. Upon completion of all related paperwork, the information will be reviewed by the town's Land Use Administrator and the town's building inspector to ensure all required information has been submitted. This process normally takes a week to complete. You will be contacted when the permit is ready to be picked-up. The fee for this permit is dependent upon size and value of structure.
Minor building projects where the cost of the materials is less than $2,500 or the cost of the materials + labor is less than $5,000 require no permit from the Town.
May 2026
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
May 2026
Conditional Use Permit
A Conditional Use Permit is required for certain activities in certain zoning districts. Refer to the zoning code and the zoning map or consult the Land Use Administrator prior to commencing any change or addition of use. Conditional Use Permits are granted or denied by the Plan Commission after a public hearing.
May 2026
Driveway Permit
A Driveway Permit is required for driveway construction in the town road right-of-way. A Driveway Permit may also be required for modifications to an existing driveway. Consult with the Land Use Administrator to determine if a permit is required.
May 2026
Land Use Permit
A Land Use Permit is required to construct a garage, shed, grain bin, deck, home addition or improvements if the cost of the materials is more than $2,500 and less than $25,000.00 or the materials + labor is more than $5,000 and less than $50,000.
May 2026
Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent/Minor Land Division is required to reduce the size of an existing parcel. A Plat Application is required for a new subdivision or addition to an existing subdivision. All proposed land divisions are referred to the Plan Commission. Any land division involving dedication of land to the Town and all plats/major subdivisions are also referred to the Town Board.
May 2026
Natural Lawn Permit
May 2026
Petition to Amend Comprehensive Plan
May 2026
Preliminary Plat or Condo
May 2026
Rezoning Petition
Rezoning is required to change the use of an existing parcel. All rezoning requests are acted upon by the Plan Commission after a public hearing and if approved, by both the Town Board and the County Board. Note that rezoning requests that are not in conformance with the Town's Comprehensive Plan may require revision of that Plan.
May 2026
Sign Permit
A Sign Permit is required to install or upgrade most commercial signs. Contact the Land Use Administrator for additional information.
May 2026
Swimming Pool or Pond
A pool permit is required for all swimming pools or ponds where the water is deeper than 18 inches.
View issued permits | View zoning ordinances and maps | View all town applications