Applications, Forms & Fees
Assessment Resources
Board of Review Inquiry
This system allows you to view your municipality's Open Book and Board of Review dates and other related information.
WI Dept of Revenue
This system allows you to view your municipality's Open Book and Board of Review dates and other related information.
WI Dept of Revenue
Guide for Property Owners
This guide provides general information about property assessment and taxation. Contact your local assessor for information about your property assessment and your local clerk for information about your property taxes.
This guide provides general information about property assessment and taxation. Contact your local assessor for information about your property assessment and your local clerk for information about your property taxes.
The Lottery and Gaming Credit is a credit that provides direct property tax relief to qualifying taxpayers on their property tax bills. Lottery proceeds are paid into a separate segregated state fund. The lottery credit is displayed on tax bills as a reduction of property taxes due.
2023 Lottery and Gaming Credit Application
2023 Lottery and Gaming Credit Application
You may claim
This credit for 2023 property taxes, payable in 2024, if on January 1, 2023, you were the owner of the property and used the property as your primary residence. You can have only one primary residence.
Return this form to the County Treasurer
You may claim
This credit if you transfer a home after the January 1, 2023 certification date; it may qualify for the Lottery and Gaming Credit if the property was used by the previous owner as a primary residence on January 1, 2023.
Return this form to the County Treasurer
Master Listings
The Managed Forest Law (MFL) program is a landowner incentive program that encourages sustainable forestry on private woodland. In exchange for following sound forest management, the landowner pays reduced property taxes.
WisDNR
The Managed Forest Law (MFL) program is a landowner incentive program that encourages sustainable forestry on private woodland. In exchange for following sound forest management, the landowner pays reduced property taxes.
WisDNR
Real Estate Document Definitions
This standard was developed by the Wisconsin Land Information Association Real Estate Document Definitions, a task force operating under the direction of the WLIA’s standing Technical Committee.
This standard was developed by the Wisconsin Land Information Association Real Estate Document Definitions, a task force operating under the direction of the WLIA’s standing Technical Committee.
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office Hours
M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Property Lister/Analyst
Paula Fedder
(715) 485-9284
Land Use Permits
Appeal of Administrative Decision Hearing Application
If you wish to appeal a decision made by the zoning staff to the Polk County Board of Adjustment, please use this application.
Conditional Use Hearing Application
Use this application to apply for a “use” listed as a conditional use on your property. (i.e. event center, nonmetallic mine, commercial uses) This application requires a public hearing held by the Environmental Services Committee and can take up to 6 weeks to complete.
County Sanitary Application
If you are connecting a new dwelling to an existing sanitary system or installing a non-plumbing sanitary system, please submit this application along with the land use permit application. Non-plumbing sanitary systems serve dwellings without running water, and may be known as a privy, composting toilet, chemical toilet, etc.
Land Use Application
This is the standard application if you are looking to obtain a land use permit for a dwelling, garage/shed, retaining wall, patio, landscaping, etc.
Rural Address Application
Use this form if you are seeking a rural address/fire number for your property. This application is also required for a replacement rural address sign. Rural addresses are typically issued within 2 weeks of site visit, but the signs can take 6-8 weeks before they are installed.
Tower Application
Submit this application for modifying or constructing a new telecommunication facility.
Subdivision Application
Please submit this application along with the Town Checklist and required fee when subdividing a property.
Variance Hearing Application
If your project doesn’t comply with the required ordinance setbacks. Please submit this application to apply for a reduced setback. This application requires a public hearing held by the Board of Adjustment and can take up to 6 weeks to complete.
Zoning District Change Application
Complete this application if you want to rezone your parcel from one zoning district to another (i.e. Residential to Commercial). Please submit town approval of your rezone request along with your application.
Zoning Code Violation Complaint Form
Please submit this form if you want zoning staff to check on a property for compliance with the county’s land use ordinances. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
If you wish to appeal a decision made by the zoning staff to the Polk County Board of Adjustment, please use this application.
Conditional Use Hearing Application
Use this application to apply for a “use” listed as a conditional use on your property. (i.e. event center, nonmetallic mine, commercial uses) This application requires a public hearing held by the Environmental Services Committee and can take up to 6 weeks to complete.
County Sanitary Application
If you are connecting a new dwelling to an existing sanitary system or installing a non-plumbing sanitary system, please submit this application along with the land use permit application. Non-plumbing sanitary systems serve dwellings without running water, and may be known as a privy, composting toilet, chemical toilet, etc.
Land Use Application
This is the standard application if you are looking to obtain a land use permit for a dwelling, garage/shed, retaining wall, patio, landscaping, etc.
Rural Address Application
Use this form if you are seeking a rural address/fire number for your property. This application is also required for a replacement rural address sign. Rural addresses are typically issued within 2 weeks of site visit, but the signs can take 6-8 weeks before they are installed.
Tower Application
Submit this application for modifying or constructing a new telecommunication facility.
Subdivision Application
Please submit this application along with the Town Checklist and required fee when subdividing a property.
Variance Hearing Application
If your project doesn’t comply with the required ordinance setbacks. Please submit this application to apply for a reduced setback. This application requires a public hearing held by the Board of Adjustment and can take up to 6 weeks to complete.
Zoning District Change Application
Complete this application if you want to rezone your parcel from one zoning district to another (i.e. Residential to Commercial). Please submit town approval of your rezone request along with your application.
Zoning Code Violation Complaint Form
Please submit this form if you want zoning staff to check on a property for compliance with the county’s land use ordinances. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
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Ascent Permit Management Suite Please use this suite to view issued land use permits, including pending permits. How to view the status of my pending Land Use or Sanitary Permit? Guide |
Submit application in office, by mail, or electronically.
If sending application electronically, please send to the Zoning Technician. Remember to attached the application to the email.
Payment can be made in the form of: cash, check, or credit/debit card. If paying by credit card, the Zoning Office will contact you for your credit card information after permit review is complete.
(Please note: a 2.5% convenience fee applies for credit and debit cards)?
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Runoff Rating Resources
- Basics of Impervious Surface Regulations
- Land Use Cover Types
- Runoff Rating Worksheet
Please download file and make you have Excel installed on your computer.
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Sanitary System
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Ascent Permit Management Suite Please use this suite to view issued sanitary permits, including pending permits, or report septic maintenance.How to view the status of my pending Land Use or Sanitary Permit? Guide |
Wisconsin Licensed Pumpers
Please contact Polk County Zoning to have staff setup a user id for you. After you receive the user id, you will be able to login to the Ascent program, search for the parcel or property, and file the maintenance report.
Holding Tank Agreement
Please complete this form if you are having a new holding tank sanitary system installed on your property. The owner who is listed on the agreement needs to have their signature notarized.
Privy Agreement
A privy is a non-plumbing sanitary system that can be used when there is no plumbing in the dwelling. Please submit the privy agreement along with the county sanitary permit application if you are looking to install this type of system.
Private Onsite Water Treatment Systems (POWTS) Forms
Wisconsin Dept. of Safety and Professional Services
Please complete this form if you are having a new holding tank sanitary system installed on your property. The owner who is listed on the agreement needs to have their signature notarized.
Privy Agreement
A privy is a non-plumbing sanitary system that can be used when there is no plumbing in the dwelling. Please submit the privy agreement along with the county sanitary permit application if you are looking to install this type of system.
Private Onsite Water Treatment Systems (POWTS) Forms
Wisconsin Dept. of Safety and Professional Services
Plumber and Soil Tester List
Wisconin licensed plumbers and certified soil testers
Pumper List
Wisconsin licensed pumpers
Wisconin licensed plumbers and certified soil testers
Pumper List
Wisconsin licensed pumpers
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Subdivision Review
Subdivision Application
Please submit this application along with the Town Checklist and required fee when subdividing a property.
Please submit this application along with the Town Checklist and required fee when subdividing a property.
Town Board Checklist
The town checklist indicates the town’s requirements on certain design standards to the county.
The town checklist indicates the town’s requirements on certain design standards to the county.
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
County Surveyor
Steve Geiger
(715) 485-9260
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
County Surveyor
Steve Geiger
(715) 485-9260
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Surveyor Resources
Private Land Surveyor List
List of private surveyors that provide services in Polk County. This list is for reference purposes only, and is neither an endorsement nor a recommendation of any firm or individual. Any private surveyor who would like to be added to the Surveyor List may contact the Division of Surveyor.
- Annexation
- Assessor's Plats in Wisconsin
- Cemetery Plats
- Certificates
- Certified Survey Maps
- Condominiums
- Correction Instruments
- Discontinuances
- Easements
- Local Plats
- Lots, Outlots, and Blocks
- Monuments
- Plat Review Process
- Restriction Releases
- Statutory Requirements for Recorded Surveying Documents
- Streets
- Subdivisions & Water
- Submitting to Plat Review
- Surveying, Layout, & Technical Mapping Requirements for Plats & CSM's
- Time Limits
- Vacations
- Wisconsin Certified Survey Map Checklist
- Wisconsin Platting Manual
- Wisconsin Plat Review Program
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
County Surveyor
Steve Geiger
(715) 485-9260
Land Information Technician
Tracy Klatt
(715) 485-9203
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
County Surveyor
Steve Geiger
(715) 485-9260
Land Information Technician
Tracy Klatt
(715) 485-9203
Waterfront Resources
Mitigation/Shoreland Vegetative Buffer Agreement
If you are applying for a land use permit and mitigation is required because you have more than 15% impervious surfaces on the property. Please complete this document and submit it along with your mitigation plan and land use permit application. This document gets recorded in the Polk County Register of Deeds office so please include a separate check for $30 made out to Polk County Register of Deeds.
Lake Classification
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Sec. 42-275. - Classification of waters.
(a) Navigable waters in the county are classified according to criteria established in the Polk County Lakes Classification System, which was adopted by the county board of supervisors on April 20, 1999, and is hereby incorporated herein and made part of this division.
(b) County waters are classified into three classes:
(1) Class 1 waters are those that are most developed;
(2) Class 2 waters are those that are moderately developed and includes all rivers and streams; and
(3) Class 3 waters are those that are least developed and includes all lakes that are 20 acres or less in size, and all unnamed lakes not appearing on the DNR publication titled "Surface Water Resources of Polk County." The zoning administrator shall make available a copy upon demand.(c) Any named lake inadvertently omitted from the DNR's Surface Water Resources of Polk County will be classified according to available information or Class 3 until information is available.
(Ord. No. 08-20, art. 9, 4-21-2020)
Native Plant Lists for Polk County
More and more people are discovering the satisfaction in beauty and the benefits to the environment of landscaping their homes, schools, businesses and places of worship with native plants. Native plants are increasingly used for gardening and restoring and reclaiming native plant communities. They provide; natural beauty, cost-effective landscaping alternatives, environmental services and habitat for wildlife.
More and more people are discovering the satisfaction in beauty and the benefits to the environment of landscaping their homes, schools, businesses and places of worship with native plants. Native plants are increasingly used for gardening and restoring and reclaiming native plant communities. They provide; natural beauty, cost-effective landscaping alternatives, environmental services and habitat for wildlife.
Images and lists of different types of native plants that would work well in our county.
Ordinary High Water Mark
WisDNR Brochure
WisDNR Brochure
Wisconsin Water Law
A Guide to Water Rights and Regulations
A Guide to Water Rights and Regulations
Division of Environmental Services
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook
Department of Land Information
Polk County Government Center
100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 130
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
[directions]
Office: (715) 485-9279
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Zoning Administrator
Jason Kjeseth
(715) 554-7733
Zoning Specialist
Logan Hacker
(715) 768-9058
Zoning Specialist
Kara Koch
(715) 554-7734
Zoning Technician
Jacob Nadeau
(715) 485-9111
Find us on Facebook