Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license for my business?
The City of Appleton does not require a general business license for every business. However, several types of businesses require city, state or national licenses or permits. For information on City licenses or permits contact the City Clerk's office. If you are unsure of the zoning necessary for your business, contact us to speak to a planner.

Does the City provide any grants or loans for businesses?
The City of Appleton does not provide any business financing. However, numerous state and federal programs are available to meet your business needs. For additional information on these financing programs, visit the Wisconsin Build Your Business site.

How does the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program work?
The Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program provides low to moderate income homeowners with financial and related technical assistance for the rehabilitation of their property. Loans are 0% interest and payment is deferred until time of sale, transfer, or lease of property. Loans are placed as a lien against the property. In order to qualify, the applicant must own a home in the City of Appleton, the property must be owner-occupied, the applicant must meet the income and asset limits for the program and there must be enough equity in the home to cover the loan. Applications are generally accepted once a year. The application process is posted in the AppleSource Newsletter. For more information on this program, visit the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program.

How does the Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program work?
The Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program provides investment owners of rental housing with financial and related technical assistance to rehabilitate their units. Loans are 0% interest and payments are deferred until time of sale or transfer. Loans are placed as a lien against the property. In order to qualify, the property must be in the City of Appleton, must not be owner-occupied, the tenants must meet the income limits for the program, the rents must meet the rent restrictions for the program and there must be enough equity in the home to cover the loan. Applications are accepted at any time. For more information on this program, visit the Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program.

What type of rehab is generally covered under the rehabilitation loan programs?
Code violations, lead hazards, things that mainly affect the structure or energy efficiency of the home (siding, roof, windows, electrical, plumbing, heating, etc.), and making the home handicap accessible are among the items usually included in the rehab. Funds cannot be used for cosmetic items (redecorating things that only affect the way the home looks), new construction, acquisition of land, or additions to the home.

What is the City's subordination policy for the rehabilitation loan programs?
The City of Appleton reserves the right not to subordinate any of the Housing Rehabilitation Loans. However, we may consider subordination under certain circumstances on a case-by-case basis. For a copy of the City's subordination policy, visit the Housing Rehabilitation Subordination Policy. To request a subordination, please contact the City Attorney's Office.

How is my property zoned and what uses are allowed in the respective zoning district?
You may contact the Community Development Department and ask to speak with a planner to find out the zoning classification of your property and what uses are permitted in the respective zoning district.

When is a Certified Survey Map required?
A Certified Survey Map (CSM) [also known as a Minor Land Division] is required for the division of a lot, parcel or tract of land into one parcel but not more than four parcels. The Municipal Code describes Certified Survey Maps in Section 17-15. You may contact the Community Development Department for more information regarding this process.

May I have a business in my home?
A business in your home is called a Home Occupation and is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. See Section 23-45 of the Zoning Ordinance for a complete description of the regulations. Contact the Community Development Department and speak with a planner to state the nature of your business and learn of the regulations.

What is a Special Use Permit?
A Special Use Permit is required by the Zoning Ordinance for uses having some uniqueness or unusual impact which requires careful review. The Zoning Ordinance describes Special Use Permits in Section 23-66. To determine if a Special Use Permit is needed, you may consult the list of uses in each zoning district Sections 23-91 through 23-132 and also contact Community Development to speak with a planner.

What use is shown on the Future Land Use Map of the City for a particular property?
The Future Land Use Map is available on this website and through the Community Development Department. The Future Land Use Map depicts general use categories and provides direction for the City's anticipated growth. The Future Land Use Map might not reflect the current zoning, but rather depicts land use that is considered as acceptable for the long term vision of the City.

How can I annex into the City?
If you are interested in annexing to the City, please contact the Community Development Department to discuss interest in annexation. Annexation petitions require a legal description of the property to be annexed, a map drawn to scale, signatures of the property owner(s) and/or resident(s), and specific legal language (as required by State Statutes.)

What are the benefits of annexing into the City?
The benefit of annexing into the City is that you would have the services the City of Appleton can provide. This would include: sanitary sewers, stormwater facilities, public water service, fire protection, police services, health and consumer services, public transportation, public open space and recreational opportunities, refuse, recycling, and yard waste management, and library services. These are just some of the components which contribute to the high quality of life Appleton's residents have come to expect and enjoy.

Where do I get a building or sign permit?
The Inspections Department issues building and sign permits. They are located on the 5th Floor of City Hall or you may contact them at (920) 832-6411.