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1. How can I find my court date?

If you have internet access, you can search the Wisconsin Court System (CCAP). Enter your first & last name, then search. The search can be narrowed to just Oconto Co. by clicking on the County box and entering "Oconto". Scroll through the information to "Court Activities" to view upcoming court activities.

2. How long are court records kept?

The Clerk of Court follows Supreme Court Rule 72 regarding records retention. Please see our Retention Brochure for details.

3. How much does it cost to file a case with the court?

View the complete list of Wisconsin Circuit Court fees. 

4. How do I pay a fine or find out how much I owe?

See our payment section or call the Clerk of Courts Office at 920-834-6859.

5. How can I check to see my driver’s license status?

Check out the DOT's web site.

6. How can I enter a Not Guilty Plea to a Traffic/Forfeiture citation?

See Plea Options under Traffic & Forfeitures. 

7. How do I set up a payment plan?

View our Payment Plan Request instructions (PDF).

8. I posted cash bond in a criminal action. How do I get my bond money back?

Disposition of the money posted will not occur until the case has been closed.  After the case is closed, any remaining bond, after it is applied to the fine, court costs, assessments, and surcharges, will be returned to the person designated on the bond form. 

9. How do I file a civil case?

The State does not have standardized forms for large claims civil cases.  If you need help filing a civil case you should contact an attorney. Note: There are many different types of civil cases. 

10. What can I do about a judgment listed on my credit report?

A good place to start is the Clerk of Courts Office. You can use the public access computers or view the actual records involved. 

To satisfy a judgment that may be showing on your credit report with the court, the debtor must complete and file a Satisfaction of Judgment (PDF).

This form is completed by the debtor, but must be signed by the creditor stating the judgment has been satisfied. Note: The creditor's signature must be notarized.

Once this form is completed, it can be filed with the Clerk of Courts. A $5 filing fee will be charged. Once the fee is paid, the judgment will show that is has been fully satisfied. 

11. How do I get a copy of my divorce decree (Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law with Judgment)?

See Request Copies of Court Records. 

12. How can I obtain an Annulment?

This can be complicated.  Refer to Wisconsin Statute 767.313 or seek the assistance of an attorney. The State does not have standardized forms for an Annulment. 

13. I Would Like My Criminal Record Expunged. How Can I Do That?

The court can expunge criminal records in only three circumstances:

1. For crimes carrying a 6-year or less maximum period of imprisonment, committed by a person under age 25, where the sentence is successfully completed (Wis. Stat. § 973.015). At sentencing, the court will order that the record be expunged when the defendant successfully completes their sentence.
2. In juvenile cases when the juvenile reaches age 17 and has satisfactorily complied with the conditions of the dispositional order (Wis. Stat. § 938.355(4m)). Upon reaching age 17, the person must petition the court to expunge the record.
3. If you committed a commercial sex act as a victim of human trafficking. See Wis. Stat. § 973.015(2m).

Other than these three situations, a judge has no other authority or power to expunge cases. There is no authority to expunge other types of cases, for example civil or small claims cases.

See Expunging Court Records: Helpful Information and Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information.

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1. Who do I call if I have questions on behavioral health, alcohol / drug and psychiatric services?

Call 920-834-7000 and ask for the Clinical Intake Worker.

2. I’ve been court-ordered to have an OWI assessment. What procedures do I need to follow?

If you are court-ordered to have an OWI assessment, you must be assessed in the county that you live in. If you live in Oconto County, you would come to the Oconto County Health and Human Services to register for the assessment. Registration consists of paying the $240 assessment fee in full before you will be given an appointment. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your alcohol and drug use. When you come to your appointment, you must bring a copy of the arrest report with you. You must also bring an adult family member. At the assessment, a driver safety plan will be developed based on your needs. The plan could range from a minimum of educational classes to alcohol and drug treatment.

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1. How do I apply for a position with the County?

Oconto County lists all open positions on our website, on the State of Wisconsin JOBNET, Facebook, Twitter, and in two local newspapers; the Oconto Reporter and the Oconto Times-Herald.

Applications will only be accepted online for positions that are currently advertised and are available on the County website.

2. Where does the County list current job openings?

We list all open positions on our website, on the State of Wisconsin JOBNET and in the two local newspapers, the Oconto Reporter and the Oconto Times-Herald; County Facebook and Twitter pages.

3. What are the wages and fringes for positions with the County?

Wages and fringes vary by position. Contact the Human Resources office for details on wages and fringes for each position.

4. What insurance company handles the County's policies?

Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance handles liability, workers' compensation, legal expenses, underground storage tanks, equipment breakdown, employee blanket bonds and public official blanket bonds, and property insurance. Aegis Corporation handles the administration of insurance and claims.

WCA Group Health Trust provides health insurance and Delta Dental provided dental insurance coverage for employees.

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1. How can I apply for assistance?

There are 4 ways to apply:

1. Completing an ACCESS online application with an electronic signature.
2. Completing a request for assistance over the phone using a telephonic signature by calling the Bay Lake Consortium at 888-794-5747.
3. Applying as a walk-in at your local agency, 
   501 Park Avenue
   Building C, Third Floor
   Oconto, WI, 
4. Submitting a paper application / registration form acquired at your local agency and fax to 855-293-1822 or mail to:
    CDPU
   P.O. Box 5234
   Janesville, WI 53547-5234.

2. Do I need an appointment to meet with an Economic Support Worker?

Yes. Please call the Bay Lake Consortium at 888-794-5747 to schedule appointments, report changes to your household and income, or to get general information about your case.

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1. How do I report child abuse or neglect?

During normal working hours contact the Department of Health and Human services at 920-834-7000 and ask for the Family Services Intake Worker. If it is after hours, contact your local law enforcement agency.

2. How do I become a foster parent?

Contact the Out of Home Care Coordinator at 920-834-7000. 

More Information

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1. How do I obtain a firewood permit?

Oconto County residents or landowners can purchase firewood permits online or by calling the office at 920-834-6995. 

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1. What can I do if I am not satisfied with the services I receive or I feel I have wrongfully been denied services?

If you are unable to resolve your issue by first talking to your assigned worker as well as their supervisor, you should then contact the Department Director. Since some services / programs require their own specific procedures to resolve complaints, the Director will gather information and determine the proper course of action.

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1. How do I apply for a Marriage License?

Obtain information from the County Clerk's Office or find the forms online.

2. How do I apply for a drivers license renewal or test?

Wisconsin State Department of Transportation (WISDOT) representatives are in the City of Oconto on Tuesday and Thursday (7 am to 5 pm) at 1008 Pecor Street. Phone 800-924-3570 or go to WISDOT (Limited access for persons with a disability).

3. Who do I need to talk to about Garbage Pickup?

Contact your local Town, Village or City Official.

4. I need to contact Social Security Administration; Do you have their number?

Telephone: 800-772-1213 
Social Security Website

5. How do I get help with an OWI assessment?

If you are court-ordered to have an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) assessment, you must be assessed in the county that you live in. If you live in Oconto County, you would come to the Oconto County Health and Human Services to register for the assessment. Registration consists of paying the $240 assessment fee in full before you will be given an appointment. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your alcohol and drug use. When you come to your appointment, you must bring a copy of the arrest report with you. You must also bring an adult family member. At the assessment, a driver safety plan will be developed based on your needs. The plan could range from a minimum of educational classes to alcohol and drug treatment.

6. How do I get help with questions about behavioral health, alcohol/drug or psychiatric services?

Call 920-834-7000 and ask for the Clinical Intake Worker.

7. How do I report child abuse or neglect?

During normal working hours contact the Department of Health and Human services at 920-834-7000 and ask for the Family Services Intake Worker. If it is after hours, contact your local law enforcement agency.

8. How do I purchase a new Oconto County Platbook?

Oconto County Platbooks may be purchased from the County Clerk's office at the Oconto County Courthouse.

Order forms are available online.

9. How do I purchase an annual boat launch sticker?

Boat launch stickers may be purchased one of three ways:

• You can order online with Visa or Mastercard.
• Or at the Oconto County Courthouse, third floor Annex, Forestry and Parks Department.
• Or mail a check payable to: Oconto County Forest and Parks Department, 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153. Name, address, vehicle license plate number and Wisconsin Boat Registration number must accompany check. Fee $30.

10. How do I Request a Firewood Permit?

Firewood permits are restricted to residents and/or landowners of Oconto County. Firewood taken is for personal use only and is not to be sold. Call 920-834-6995 for site locations.

11. How do I request a Timber Cutting Notice?

Wisconsin Statute Chapter 26.03 requires that all persons must file a cutting notice with the County Clerk prior to cutting any logs, poles, posts, pulpwood, Christmas trees, or other forest products from any privately owned forest land in Wisconsin. A cutting notice is not required for cutting fuelwood for personal home use, when clearing land for agricultural use or for cutting up to 5 Christmas trees on your property for your own use. The primary reason for this requirement is to ensure that all property taxes are up-to-date and paid in full before harvesting begins. The law also helps protect private woodlands from destructive harvesting practices. Cutting notice permit forms may be obtained by mail from the County Clerk's office or from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Each cutting notice filed is valid through December 31 of the year it was issued. Information needed to complete the permit includes description, section, township and range, land owner and logger's name and address. The County Clerk submits each cutting notice to the County Treasurer to determine if there are any unpaid taxes on the land. When permits are completed, they are returned to the applicant and copies are provided to Town Chairpersons and the area DNR Forester.

The Notice of Timber Cutting Form can be found online.

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1. What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. Read more about GIS.

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1. Can I bring my own firewood to the campground?

Oconto County follows the DATCAP rules and regulations on firewood movement in Wisconsin. Visit the Emerald Ash Borer Resource Guide for the most updated information or call 877-303-WOOD (9663).

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1. Can I perform maintenance sooner than every 3 years?

Yes, maintenance such as pumping at an interval of less than 3 years is acceptable. Some plumbers upon installation inform the owners to pump more frequently to allow the dispersal cells a resting (drying) period. This should be done during the dry summer months.

2. In general when is the best time to have my tank pumped or serviced?

Oconto County's intention is to have all maintenance notices sent between late spring through early fall. Holding off on pumping until late fall increases the possibility of freezing your septic system if the tank is required to be pumped. See question regarding when tanks need to be pumped and the required servicing. All septic tanks need warmth to maintain a temperature above freezing through the winter months. Last winter's weather was conducive to freeze-ups since there was no snow cover for insulation during the cold temperatures. In order to avoid freeze-ups it is best to perform the maintenance in the summer months. If the tanks cannot be pumped until late fall or later provide additional insulation over the tank(s).

3. Is there information available on proper use and maintenance of my septic system?

The information that should be reviewed is the maintenance plan included with the sanitary permit if the permit was issued after July 1, 2000. A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems Manual is available either on the Environmental Protection Agency website or by emailing the Oconto County Zoning Department or phoning 920-834-6827.

4. My system was installed prior to 1989. Why did I receive a notice of maintenance?

WI Admin. Code SPS 383.50 requires that all Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) owners must perform maintenance on their septic systems. Oconto County has completed an inventory of all pre-1989 sanitary permits and placed onto the maintenance program as required by this code. Starting in 2017, the pre-1989 properties that are documented to have a POWTS will be enrolled into the maintenance program by receiving notices to have their POWTS serviced and the documentation provided to Oconto County Zoning Department. 2017 notices will include all permits of record from the 1980s. 2018 notices will include all permits of record from the 1970s. 2019 notices will include all permits prior to 1970 and any other parcels known to have or suspected to have a POWTS. The suspected property owners will have an opportunity to provide documentation that there is or is not a POWTS located on their parcel so the Zoning Department can have an accurate account of all active POWTS within Oconto County.

5. My tanks were pumped last year and now I received my notice. Do I need to schedule another maintenance inspection considering the tanks were pumped the year prior?

In this case you should contact the service provider who pumped the tanks and ask if this individual would sign the card stating they verified the system meets the requirements of the notice. Remember that this individual is required to verify all components of the system and not just the pumping of the tanks. As per state code, the owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the operation and maintenance of the POWTS.

6. What are the licensed pumpers, plumbers, etc. required to inspect?

The tank should be inspected for the condition of the manholes, observation pipes, cracks or leaks in the tank, baffle/filter condition and pumping if needed. Tanks that have combined sludge and scum levels over 1/3 the tank capacity shall be pumped. In most situations, the tanks are pumped regardless of the amount of solids. The pump tanks should also be inspected for proper operation of alarms, pumps, etc. The dispersal cell(s) should be visually inspected for discharge to the ground surface and verifying effluent levels if any in the observation pipes.

7. What if I neglect to have the maintenance completed within the 60 days?

A second notice to have the maintenance completed will be sent. This will note that maintenance shall be completed in an expedited timeline. If not received within that time frame Oconto County has the authority to issue citations and seek legal action to resolve the human health hazard. Remember that the requirements of proper maintenance are to your benefit. Using a financial comparison associated with this maintenance, the annual cost to maintain your vehicle is substantially more than the cost to maintain your POWTS.

8. Why am I required to do maintenance on my cottage septic system when I only use it two or three times a year?

The requirements pertain to all septic systems and do not differentiate between primary and secondary dwellings (cottages). In some situations systems on limited use may have a higher potential of malfunctioning. The systems have an increased probability of freezing that can break components in the tank or dispersal cell potentially causing a backup of the system into the structure or discharge to the ground surface causing a human health hazard.

9. Why am I required to have my system maintained every three years?

A key reason to maintain your system is to save money! A three-year inspection is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire POWTS. Other reasons include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting the ground water. Also, the state plumbing code requires all active systems installed in Oconto County to have maintenance completed at least once every 3 years.

10. Why do I get a notice and my neighbor has never received a notice to perform maintenance on their septic system?

In past state plumbing codes, the county was only mandated to provide maintenance notices to parcels that pulled a sanitary permit issued after the date the county enrolled into the state WI Fund Grant program. In Oconto County that date was in 1989. So all new permits since 1989 were the only properties that received notices for required maintenance. Since 2000, WI Admin. Code and WI Statute provided a deadline in 2017 for all counties to complete an inventory of all known properties that have a POWTS. That inventory is complete. Oconto County is now mandated to enroll all POWTS into the 3-year maintenance cycle by 2019. Breaking up the pre-1989 POWTS into thirds, Oconto County will accomplish this mandate over the next couple of years to be in compliance. So your neighbor will be receiving a notice within the next two years to perform the maintenance requirements the same as you have over the past years.

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1. What is the importance of Shoreland Zoning? Why do structures need to be setback 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark of a lake or stream?

There are many reasons why shoreland zoning and developing 75 ft from a lake or stream are of value. Review the reasons shoreland zoning is in place: The Value of Shoreland Zoning (PDF).

2. I am planning to asphalt my driveway. Are there environmental concerns with runoff from an asphalt driveway or resealing an existing asphalt driveway that will affect the water resources on my lake?

• Runoff from asphalt contains petroleum products that are toxic. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, from petroleum) are widespread contaminants in urban aquatic sediments … Sources of petrogenic PAHs include fossil fuels such as unprocessed coal and crude and refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, motor oil, home heating oil, lubricants, and asphalt). Some PAHs are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and (or) teratogenic and can therefore be detrimental to aquatic organisms. This information came from a study by U.S. Geological Survey researchers in WI.
• Runoff from asphalt seal coated with coal-tar-based products are more toxic. Sealcoating driveways is recommended by the applicators every 1 to 5 years. Most sealcoat products are either coal-tar or asphalt emulsion, although some alternative products now are available. Coal tar and coal-tar pitch have extremely high concentrations of PAHs as do coal-tar-based sealcoat products, which typically are 20 to 35% coal tar or coal-tar pitch. Asphalt and asphalt-based sealcoat products have much lower concentrations of PAHs.
• Runoff from coal-tar-seal coated pavement, even runoff collected more than 3 months after sealcoat application, is acutely toxic to fathead minnows and water fleas, two species commonly used to assess toxicity to aquatic life. See this U.S. Geological Survey factsheet (PDF), which outlines impacts of sealcoat products on aquatic life and people.

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1. Who is required to recycle in Wisconsin?

Everyone, everywhere, all the time! Wisconsin’s recycling requirements apply to everyone in the state, at all locations. This includes schools, public places, businesses, special events, homes and apartments.

2. Who can use the Drop-Off Centers for recycling?

The drop-off centers are established for recycling of materials generated from a resident of that municipality. It is important to utilize your local municipal site for recycling to save on your municipality expenses to recycle materials. Nonresidents may be subject to additional charges to dispose of recyclables or may not be accepted at the municipal drop-off center.

Businesses are to include recycling of their generated waste as part of their business waste stream. Businesses should consult with their contracted waste hauler about recycling materials generated from their business.

3. Why is my municipality not listed in the county recycling program?

Oconto County no longer runs a county-wide recycling program. Some municipalities have decided to be the responsible unit of government for the recycling to their citizens. If your municipality is not listed you will need to contact your municipal clerk or view your municipal website for further information on recycling.

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1. What is a “flood zone determination” as it relates to a mortgage?

Flood Zone Determination is a process used by lending institutions to meet their federal banking regulation requirements to make an evaluation of whether or not the structure they are processing for a loan is in the one percent chance flood hazard area. Lenders can do this evaluation themselves or, as most elect to do, hire such service provided by firms that make flood zone determinations their sole business.

2. What is the Flood Zone for Oconto County?

The 100- and 500-year Flood Zones may be viewed at the Oconto County Land and Water Resources Department. Unofficial maps may be viewed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

3. How do lenders find flood zone determination companies?

The Federal Emergency Management's (FEMA) website provides a list of companies that are in the business of providing flood determination services. FEMA makes the following note regarding the list: "FEMA does not attest to the quality or accuracy of the services offered. That must be determined by potential users of those services. FEMA does not approve, endorse, regulate, or otherwise sanction any company on this list." 

4. If a property owner disagrees with the lender’s determination that the property is in a floodplain, what can be done?

In some cases, a lender determines that a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), but the property owner disagrees. The SFHA is also known as the 100-year floodplain. It is more precisely defined as the floodplain associated with a flood that has a 1% annual chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Therefore, the SFHA is not a flood event that happens once in a hundred years; rather, a flood event that has a 1% chance of occurring every year. Property owners in this situation have a couple of options. They may apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), or a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) (if fill placement is the basis of the request). In addition, property owners may apply for a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). Forms for these purposes can be found on the FEMA website. The following paragraphs describe first the LOMA or LOMR-F process, followed by the LODR process.

Upon receiving a completed MT-EZ (for LOMAs) or MT-1 (for LOMR-Fs) application, FEMA reviews property-specific information (including surveyed elevation data; typically the elevation of the lowest adjacent grade of the structure in question, provided by a licensed land surveyor. Note: The homeowner may be required to hire a licensed engineer or surveyor to perform this elevation survey, if this data is not readily available), and makes a final flood determination for the property. Once an application and all necessary data are received, the determination is normally issued within 30 to 60 days. If the LOMA or LOMR-F removes the SFHA designation from the property, it can then be presented to the lender as proof that there is no federal flood insurance requirement for the property. However, even though a LOMA or LOMR-F may waive the federal requirement for flood insurance, a lender retains the prerogative to require flood insurance. No fee is charged for the review of a LOMA; however; there is a $425 review fee for a LOMR-F. A listing of all fees associated with flood map reviews can be found on the FEMA website.

In addition, property owners may apply for a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). A LODR is a review of the lender's determination. In other words, the LODR is a process where FEMA reviews the same information the lender used to determine that the structure was located in a SFHA. It is important to note that the LODR process does not consider the elevation of the structure or property above the flood level; rather, it considers only the location of the structure relative to the special flood hazard area boundary shown on the FIRM. Thus, property owners should be aware that the lender does not consider the elevation of the property or structure when determining if the property or structure is in or out of the SFHA. FEMA reviews this information and issues its finding of whether the structure is located in the SFHA according to the current NFIP map. The request for such a letter must be jointly requested by the property owner and the lender no later than 45 days following the date the lender notified the borrower that the property is in a special flood hazard area. While this determination cannot consider the elevation of the structure or property, it can be useful if the property owner feels the lender's interpretation of the map is incorrect.

To summarize, then, there are obviously some important distinctions between the two processes (LODR versus LOMA/LOMR-F):

• The determinations are based on different data. The LODR process does not consider the (vertical) elevation of the structure or property above the flood level; rather, it considers only the horizontal location of the structure relative to the special flood hazard area boundary shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. The LOMA/LOMR-F process uses actual survey elevation data to determine if the property or structure is at or above the elevation of the SFHA.
• There are different fees involved:
  • LOMA: No fee
  • LODR: $80
  • LOMR-F: $425
• The determinations result in different actions. A LODR does not result in an amendment or revision to the National Flood Insurance Program map. It is only FEMA's finding regarding the structure's location with respect to a delineated special flood hazard area. A LOMA or LOMR-F actually removes the SFHA designation from the property by letter.

5. Are local officials liable for making flood zone determinations?

The new Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac flood insurance guidelines require lenders to determine whether a structure is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The key distinction for government officials is between providing information and making a determination that a property is in or out of a SFHA. If a local official makes a determination and fills out the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF), he/she could be liable for inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Local officials' only obligation is to have the information available and accessible to the public, including the determination companies.

In Wisconsin, it is recommended that local officials require the property owner to provide a site plan showing the location of the proposed project in relation to the SFHA. The site plan should be done by a licensed engineer or surveyor.

Local officials should be extremely cautious about making flood zone determinations. The flood zone determination companies are being paid to use their expertise to make this determination and to guarantee that it is accurate. These companies cannot expect local officials to make the determination. This is not the local officials' responsibility; it is the lender's, under federal law.

If a local official chooses to assist property owners in determining their flood zone status, it should be made clear that the determination is for informational purposes only. The property owner's lender must still have an official determination done on an approved form, with the preparer's name, address, and telephone number listed. The preparer is the individual or company that made the determination, not the government agency or official that provided information. Local planning and zoning officials' names should not appear in this space. Local officials should make sure the lenders in their area understand this.

The making of flood zone determinations is a growing business, and competition is keen. There are over 100 companies providing the service. To cut costs, some companies simply call local officials and ask them to interpret a flood map over the phone. It's best to not provide the interpretation. The local official has no way of knowing if the property information they are given is accurate. It is the determination company's responsibility to visually interpret the correct map in making a determination. Any reputable company will have all the current maps for any area in which they do business. Local governments simply need to make the flood maps available for public review. Communities currently participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) program may wish to take note of the requirements of Activity 320 - Map Information. This CRS activity is designed to reward communities for informing a requester of a property's flood zone status, not determine whether flood insurance is required. This activity does not create any liability for government officials. Local officials should make it clear to all requesters that the lender (or a third party hired by the lender) is still required to do an accurate determination and fill out the determination form.

6. How do flood certification companies determine if the property lies within a flood zone?

Harold and Blanche are buying a new home. As the closing approaches, they are contacted by the mortgage company and told that they need flood insurance. They notify their agent, Robbie Realtor, who calls the mortgage company and informs the lender that the survey shows the house is not in a flood zone. The mortgage company requests that a certification be obtained from a flood certification company. This is done, and the report verifies Robbie's claim that the property is outside the flood zone. The lender agrees that flood insurance is not required. How do flood certification companies determine if the property lies within a flood zone?

Flood certification companies utilize federal and county flood zone maps to determine whether or not property lies within a flood zone. Once the determination is made from a federal map that the property appears to be located within a flood zone, these results are compared with the county maps. If access to the survey of the property is available, this is used as an additional tool in the decision-making process. Finally, visual inspection of the property helps in determining if the developer has modified the topography of the land to raise the lot and/or home above the flood zone.

Flood zone lines can appear to come close to a house, and it is difficult to determine the exact location of a flood line merely from a map. For many new subdivisions, roads and streets have not yet been drawn on the map, and the location of the lot can be difficult to discern. Once a flood certification company finds a lot to be located in a flood zone, the survey should be checked to confirm the findings. If the survey shows that the house lies outside the flood zone, the lender should be asked for a re-evaluation by the same or a different company. This may result in saving a client money and peace of mind.

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1. When do I need a building permit and how much will it cost?

You need a building permit for all construction that involves the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. All electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a separate permit for each trade. The price of the permit is calculated using the cost of the construction. View our Permits, Applications and Procedures.

2. May I start work before my permit is issued?

Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.

3. Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

Water heater applications are processed at the counter.

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1. How can I obtain an annual user pass sticker?

You can order passes and permits online or at any of the boat launches. Passes can also be purchased at the Oconto County Courthouse on the third-floor Annex, or by mailing a check payable to: 

Oconto County Forest & Parks Department
301 Washington Street
Oconto, WI 54153

Name, address, and vehicle license plate number must accompany the check.

2. Where can I obtain a ATV / Snowmobile Map?

Maps can be viewed on the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) website, or call the OCEDC at 920-834-6969, or the Oconto County Forest and Parks Department at 920-834-6995.

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1. Who can apply for a Grant?

You may be eligible for a grant under this program if all of the following requirements are met:

• You reside in a county or governmental unit that is participating in the program.
• You have received a written enforcement order/determination of failure to correct the violation from an approved county or local governmental unit representative before replacement beings.
• Your PR or SCE is not located in an area served by municipal sewer.
• The private sewage system serving your PR or SCE was constructed prior to July 1, 1978.
• The family income of all owners of the PR is less than $45,000 or the gross revenue of the SCE is less than $362,500. (Grant awards for PRs are reduced by $.30 for each $1 earned over $32,000.)
• Your PR or SCE is served by a category 1 or 2 failing system.
• The PR or SCE is occupied 51% of the year by the owner.
• The SCE is operated by the owner and has a daily wastewater flow rate less than 5,000 gallons per day.
• Your application is submitted within three years from the date of the verification of failure.

2. When is my Private Sewage System Considered Failing?

When properly operating, a private sewage system safely treats wastewater by storing sludge and solids in the septic tank and by treating and dispersing wastewater in a soil absorption field. However, a failing system can harm the environment by discharging sewage to the surface, to a lake or stream, or to groundwater. Your private sewage system may not show any apparent signs of failure and yet be failing.

The types of failing private sewage systems are divided into three categories:

• Category 1 systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to surface water, groundwater, drain tiles, bedrock or zones of seasonally saturated soils. These are considered the most serious types of failure, and are given highest priority for grant assistance.
• Category 2 systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to the surface of the ground. This type of failing system is eligible for a grant but has a lower priority for funding than Category 1 systems.
• Category 3 systems are those which fail by causing the backup of sewage into the structure served. This type of failing system is not eligible for grant assistance.

3. How Much Money Can I Receive?

Amounts may vary based on the extent of the worked needed to bring your system into compliance with the state plumbing code.

4. If my application is approved, when do I get the money?

Grant funds are allocated on an annual cycle. The county submits applications to the Commerce Department in January for all eligible individuals within our jurisdiction. Commerce makes grant awards for these applications in the following fiscal year or in the fall of each year.

5. What do I need to do to apply?

Complete the front side of the Owner's Application for the Wisconsin Funds and returned it to the Oconto County Zoning Office with:

• Verification of income (Federal and State income tax forms)
• Verification of amount paid for new system (cancelled check or bill from plumber)
• $100 filing fee payable to Oconto County Zoning Office

Please have this information to our office no later than January 15th so that it may be submitted in time.

You can get a copy of the Owner's Application for the Wisconsin Funds by contacting your local zoning office.

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1. When do I dial 9-1-1?

You should call 911 whenever you have a life-threatening emergency including:

• Any serious medical problem such as chest pain or bleeding
• Any type of fire or smoke
• Any life-threatening situations such as assaults, people with weapons, crimes in progress or injury accidents

2. What type information do you need to provide?

• Where is the problem; the address, street name, etc.
• What type of problem do you have; domestic, accident, fire, chest pains, etc.?
• Is anyone injured?
• Does anyone have weapons?
• Provide the dispatcher with additional information that is asked.

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1. I live in an apartment complex/multi-family unit facility. Who is responsible to provide recycling information?

The owner of your facility or complex is required to provide for information on proper recycling and solid waste disposal. See the following documents for further information:

• Renters Guide to Recycling (PDF)
• Owners of Apartments/Multi-Family Units Guide to Recycling Responsibility (PDF)

2. Did I recycle right over the holidays?

Check out a YouTube video on the subject.

3. Can plastic grocery bags be recycled with the single-stream recyclables?

Plastic bags should not be tossed in with the single-stream recyclables. Plastic bags comingled with other recyclables are problematic to the separation process of single-stream recycling. They can get easily wrapped in the processing equipment causing damage and downtime to remove the plastic film. Plastic bags can be recycled at most grocery or department stores. Please keep plastic bags out of the single-stream recyclables.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) News Hour has produced a brief, 2.5-minute video on not placing plastic bags in your recycling cart. It explains why this can be a big problem for recycling facilities and why plastic bags should be recycled at drop-off locations only. Check it out!

4. Do caps and lids need to be removed on plastic bottles and containers before recycling?

No. Caps and lids on plastic bottles and containers are now recommended to be placed back on the item after emptied and rinsed. In the past, caps and lids were not easily recyclable as they are made of different plastic materials than the containers. Recycling processors can readily separate the plastic caps and lids from the containers when run through the chipping and shredding process. So it is now suggested to empty, rinse and replace caps and lids on all plastics destined for recycling.

5. Can I place all of my recyclables into one container at my municipal drop off center?

Yes. All paper, cardboard, plastic and glass containers, bi-metal cans can be tossed into one recycling dumpster at your municipal drop-off center. Some exceptions apply. Please review the Recycling Guide found in the Forms and Document tab for information on proper recycling of these items.

6. Do all municipalities provide for Single Stream recycling at their drop off centers?

The following municipalities are under the County Recycling Program: Abrams, Bagley, Doty, Village and Town of Lena, Little Suamico, Maple Valley, Morgan, Town of Oconto, Riverview, Stiles, City and Town of Oconto Falls, Village of Suring and Town of How. These municipalities' recycling services are managed by the county to reduce administrative and recycling costs. Municipalities not listed above are under their own municipal recycling program. Citizens in the following municipalities should contact their municipal clerks for information on the proper recycling of items: Brazeau, Breed, Chase, Gillett, Lakewood, Little River, Mountain, Pensaukee, Spruce, Townsend, Underhill, Cities of Oconto and Gillett.

7. Can I bring my recyclables to a different municipal drop off center than where I reside?

Each municipality now must cover the expense to have single-stream recycling materials picked up and transported to a recycling facility. Most municipalities do not charge their citizens for recycling single-stream items (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal containers) but may charge "out of town" citizens to cover any additional unanticipated costs associated with these recyclables. In order to save on the recycling costs to your municipality, your recyclables should be taken to the municipal drop-off center in which you reside.

8. Where and how can I recycle by milk and soup carton containers?

Cartons can be recycled with the single-stream recycling waste stream of paper, cardboard, plastics, bi-metal containers and glass. Rinse containers and flatten to preserve space. For additional information on carton containers please visit the Carton Council website.

9. As a business owner, where do I find information on how to recycle properly?

The following links provide information on recycling and waste reduction for businesses.

Business Type:

• Gas Station/Convenience Store (PDF)
• Schools (PDF)
• Lodging Facility (PDF)
• Restaurant (PDF)

10. I have plans to move. Do you have tips for making my moving experience greener?

You can Green Up your move with these recycling tips. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources page Reduce Waste and Save Money During Your Move.

11. Where can I find information on recycling tips during the winter holidays?

Giving and sharing during the holiday season can add up to additional waste with extra gift wrap, extra packaging, disposable dishes, leftover food and more. But we can make small changes in some of our holiday habits to reduce additional waste and save money. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources page Reduce Waste and Save Money This Holiday Season.

12. I plan to do some home remodeling, are there any recycling guidelines I should follow?

Adding a new deck? Slapping on a new coat of paint? Finally, fixing the roof? When improving your home, you can reduce, reuse and recycle, saving money and protecting the environment as well.

Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) page Reduce Waste and Save Money During Home Remodels.

13. Where can I find information on recycling light bulbs?

Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Examples include:

• Tube- and compact-style fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
• Mercury vapor bulbs - i.e., high-intensity lamps with blue-white, originally used as farmyard lights
• Metal halide bulbs - i.e., newer, more efficient high-intensity lights
• High and low-pressure sodium vapor bulbs - i.e., yellow lights used for outdoor security lighting

Because these bulbs contain metals and toxic chemicals, they should be properly disposed of to avoid contaminating the environment or harming human health.

Visit WIDNR Recycling Light Bulbs.

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1. Can I burn?

A new Department of Natural Resources (DNR) online tool helps residents know "Can I Burn?"

The DNR has a new, interactive online tool that provides information to Wisconsin residents and businesses about open burning.

DNR's open burning webpages now include an interactive tool called "Can I burn?", which allows users to input information regarding their burn intent, locations and types of materials they want to burn, and then provides directions on what to do next.

The online tool is user-friendly and takes less than a minute to complete. If residents are intending to burn several different material types, they will have to complete the tool for each type to determine eligibility.

The new open burning webpages also include updates on open burning's environmental and health impacts, DNR contacts, information on alternative ways to manage materials and how to file open burning complaints.

2. What kinds of materials may not be burned by individual property owners?

The administrative rules of the Air Management and Waste Management Programs prohibit anyone from burning any of the following materials under any conditions:

• Wet, combustible rubbish, such as wet cardboard or paper
• Oily substances, such as oily or greasy rags, oil filters, etc.
• Asphalt, such as asphalt shingles or tar paper
• Plastics of any kind, including plastic bottles and plastic bags
• Rubber products, including tires and hoses

These prohibitions apply to individual property owners (or renters) as well as to business and industry.

3. What materials are individual property owners allowed to burn outdoors?

Where not prohibited by local ordinance, leaf burning and burning of plant clippings and brush is allowed anywhere in the state, as long as weather conditions do not pose a fire hazard. However, leaf burning is discouraged because of the air pollution it causes and because of the benefits of composting and mulching with these materials.

Individual homeowners may burn small quantities of dry combustible rubbish such as paper, cardboard and/or clean untreated wood. Again, local ordinance can override this allowance. This is especially true in populated areas such as southeastern Wisconsin, where most municipalities have banned or severely limited open burning. Paper and cardboard can now be recycled in all communities, and recycling is the best disposal method for these items.

In either case, be sure to contact your local fire authority before you start burning to find out if you need to obtain a burning permit.

4. What can individuals do instead of burning household and yard wastes?

Instead of burning, the DNR recommends that you:

• Reduce usage - buy in bulk or larger quantities and demand less packaging on the products you buy.
• Reuse items - find someone else who can use it, have a yard sale, or donate it to a resale organization.
• Recycle newspaper, office paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, magazines, aluminum, metal and acceptable plastics.
• Compost leaves and plant clippings. View the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WIDNR) Composting in Wisconsin page or consult with University of Wisconsin-Extension and your local government to find out whether local ordinances allow you to compost raw vegetables, bread, egg shells and coffee grounds.
• Chip brush and clean wood to make mulch or decorative chips, or use it as heating fuel in wood stoves or boilers.
• Dispose of allowable waste materials at a licensed landfill. For more information about what items may be disposed of at licensed landfills, view WIDNR Managing Waste and Materials.

5. It is illegal to use burn barrels to dispose of garbage?

Garbage normally includes wet food scraps and plastic, which are not allowed to be burned. Therefore, you may burn only the materials that are allowed to be open burned-namely, leaves, plant clippings, personal papers and clean, untreated wood. Burn barrels operate at low temperatures (400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in incomplete combustion of the wastes being burned.

Burning prohibited materials such as plastics, asphalt, rubber and other man-made materials generates additional hazardous air pollutants. A 1994 study done for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that each pound of garbage burned in a burn barrel emits twice as much furans, 20 times more dioxin and 40 times more particulates than if that same pound of garbage were burned in an incinerator with air pollution controls.

Burn barrels often emit acid vapors, carcinogenic tars, and "heavy metals" such as lead, cadmium and chromium, as well as unhealthful levels of carbon monoxide. The closer you stand to the burn barrel, the more of these harmful chemicals you inhale.

Residual ash is another result of incomplete combustion. Frequently, a significant portion of material in the barrel-especially at the bottom-is not burned up. Ash disposal outside of a sanitary landfill can cause problems sooner (for those immediately exposed) or later (for example, if water contacting the ash becomes contaminated and gets into groundwater and/or surface water).

Materials that may not be burned in a burn barrel-such as tires, plastics and rubber-also should not be burned in a furnace, wood stove or similar home heating system.

6. Why must people get burning permits or licenses?

The DNR Forestry Program, under Chapter 26, Wisconsin Statutes, and many local governments require burning permits to prevent forest fires and protect life and property. State laws administered by the Air Management Program and many local ordinances spell out the kinds of materials that may be burned and the conditions under which burning will or won't be allowed.

Local ordinances may require burning permits to minimize nuisance effects from open burning. Burning permits are also designed so that people may burn only in areas where and at times when the risk of wildfire is not high. If a burning permit or license is obtained, it does not give authority to burn materials that are illegal to burn under state or local law.

7. Can businesses, industries and municipalities open burn?

Wisconsin businesses, industry and municipalities generally will need an approved incinerator to burn waste materials and are prohibited from doing any open burning with one exception. If a business, industry or municipality wishes to burn clean wood waste or brush, it must first obtain approval and a license from the Waste Management Program to operate as a "woodburning facility", as required in section NR 502.11, Wis. Admin. Code. A wood-burning facility license may include guidance limiting the burning conditions and amounts of material that may be burned, to ensure that air quality is not adversely affected. Please contact your district Waste Management Program staff to get additional information on what is needed to get this license.

If the woodburning facility license is issued in an area that is in an intensive or extensive fire control area, the facility must also obtain a burning permit in accordance with Chapter 26 of the Wisconsin Statutes from the local representative of the Forestry program. Burning should be done only under favorable burning conditions: relative humidity not more than 65%, and winds of 5 to 12 miles per hour.

Materials That May Not Be Burned

The administrative rules of the Air Management and Waste Management Programs prohibit anyone from burning any of the following materials under any conditions:

• Wet, combustible rubbish, such as wet cardboard or paper
• Oily substances, such as oily or greasy rags, oil filters, etc.
• Asphalt, such as asphalt shingles or tar paper
• Plastics of any kind, including plastic bottles and plastic bags
• Rubber products, including tires and hoses

Small businesses, commercial enterprises, and industries may not use burn barrels or engage in other kinds of open burning and may not be granted burning permits by municipalities. However, the prohibition on burn barrels does not apply to small businesses in which the owners reside at the same location and cannot separate their business waste from their household waste.

Since January 3, 1993, Wisconsin's Recycling Law has prohibited the disposal or burning of yard waste without using energy recovery in solid waste facilities (including commercial, municipal, industrial and government landfills and wood burning facilities). Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, yard and garden debris, and brush, including clean, woody vegetative matter smaller than six inches in diameter. However, a new law effective May 1994 allows the DNR to grant wood burning facilities a conditional waiver to burn yard and garden brush.

As of January 1, 1995, the Recycling Law requires that the following items may neither be burned at commercial, industrial or municipal facilities nor sent to landfills for disposal:

• Office paper
• Glass containers
• Steel containers
• Aluminum containers
• Plastic containers made of Number 1 or Number 2 recyclable plastic
• Corrugated paper or other container board
• Newspapers or other material printed on newsprint
• Magazines or other material printed on similar paper
• Containers for carbonated or malt beverages made from a combination of steel and aluminum
• Waste tires (however, these may be incinerated with energy recovery)
• Foam polystyrene packaging (beginning January 1, 1996)

Packaging materials, such as corrugated shipping containers, roll wrapper stock or scrap wood, are classified as municipal solid waste, not as industrial process waste. Consequently, these materials may be burned only in a permitted municipal solid waste combustor licensed by the Waste Management Program.

Commercial and industrial operations also may not burn wood pallets, wood scraps, brush, or other clean wood unless they obtain a DNR license for a "wood burning facility" as defined in section NR 502.11, Wis. Admin. Code. This approval contains numerous restrictions. The business may also need to obtain a burning permit in accordance with the Forestry Program's requirements in Chapter 26 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

With these limitations, businesses are trying to find ways to generate less waste and reuse or recycle as much as possible. Businesses should dispose of non-recyclable wastes at an approved landfill. Visit WIDNR's Managing Waste and Materials for further information.