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1. I want to get some legal advice
The City Attorney’s Office has only one client - the legal entity of the City of Appleton. Lawyers in the office are prohibited from providing legal advice to the public or to parties other than the municipal corporation of the City of Appleton. The City Attorney’s Office cannot represent or advise private individuals in legal matters. However, there are a number of available resources.- If you are looking for a private attorney, you can contact the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-362-9082.
- If you meet certain eligibility requirements regarding your income, you may be able to utilize Legal Action of Wisconsin. If you live in Outagamie County or Calumet County, contact them by calling 1-800-236-1127. If you live in Winnebago County, contact them by calling 1-800-236-1128.
- If your legal issue deals with a criminal matter, you may consider contacting the local Public Defender's Office.
2. I want to sue someone because they did not pay me for work that I did
The City Attorney's Office is unable to assist in personal matters such as this.
If you would like to bring an action against this person, please contact the appropriate county. For actions in the amount of $5,000 or less, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court - Small Claims Division for the appropriate county:- Outagamie County: 920/832-5135
- Calumet County: 920/849-1415
- Winnebago County: 920/236-4858
The attached is a very basic guide to the small claims process: www.wicourts.gov/about/pubs/circuit/docs/smallclaims.pdf
If this action is in the amount of $5,001 or more, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court for the appropriate county:- Outagamie County: 920/832-5131
- Calumet County: 920/849-1414
- Winnebago County: 920/727-2880
Those who would like to represent themselves, may find the following helpful: http://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/prose.htm
3. I want to pay for my citation or traffic ticket
You can pay for your ticket at the Outagamie County Clerk of Courts Office located at the Outagamie County Justice Center, 1st Floor, 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton. If you pay by mail, do not send cash!
4. I want to talk to a Public Defender
The Public Defender's Office (for Outagamie County) can be reached at:
State of Wisconsin
Public Defender's Office
100 W. Lawrence St., Suite 250
Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: 920/832-2774
The Public Defender's Office (for Calumet County) can be reached at:
State of Wisconsin
Public Defender's Office
926 South 8th Street, Suite 102
Manitowoc, WI 54220-4534
Phone: 920/683-4690
Please note that Calumet County cases are assigned to Manitowoc County
The Public Defender's Office (for Winnebago County) can be reached at:
State of Wisconsin
Public Defender's Office
404 North Main Street, Suite 200
Oshkosh, WI 54901-4954
Phone: 920-424-3304
5. I want to change my court date (the date listed on my citation)
To request a change in your initial appearance date, you must send a written request to the Court Commissioner at the following address:
Outagamie County Justice Center
Attn: Court Commissioner
320 South Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
PLEASE NOTE: Phone calls will not be accepted . . . all requests must be made in writing.
6. I want to contest my citation
To contest your citation, you may either file a written 'not guilty' plea with the Clerk of Courts or you may attend the initial appearance, which is the date listed on the citation/ticket. At that time you will need to ask for a pre-trial conference. If you are not satisfied with the results of the pre-trial conference, you may ask to schedule a trial date.
7. I want to talk to the District Attorney
The Outagamie County District Attorney's contact information is:
Outagamie County District Attorney
Outagamie County Justice Center
320 South Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: 920/832-5024
The Calumet County District Attorney's contact information is:
Calumet County District Attorney
Calumet County Courthouse
206 Court Street
Chilton, WI 53014-1127
Phone: 920/849-1438
The Winnebago County District Attorney's contact information is:
Winnebago County District Attorney
Winnebago County Courthouse
415 Jackson Drive
P.O. Box 2808
Oshkosh, WI 54903-2808
Phone: 920/236-4977
8. I want to talk about my City citation
If you have a question regarding your citation, please contact the Appleton Police Department at 920/832-5573.
If you have a question regarding what happens in court, please contact the Assistant City Attorney's Assistant at 920/832-1580.
If you would like to contest your citation, you may either file a written 'not guilty' plea with the Clerk of Courts or you may attend the initial appearance, which is the date listed on the citation/ticket. At that time, you will need to ask for a pre-trial conference. If you are not satisfied with the results of the pre-trial conference, you may ask to schedule a trial date.
9. I want to ask a question about the smoking ban
Even though the statewide smoking ban took effect on July 5, 2010, Section 7-100 of the Appleton Municipal Code addresses most smoke-free regulations within the City limits.
10. I want to complain about a business
To make a complaint about a Wisconsin business, please contact the Consumer Protection office (Wisconsin’s equivalent to the Better Business Bureau) at 1-800-422-7128. You can also find more information, as well as an on-line complaint form, at: http://datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Consumer_Complaints/index.aspx
11. I want to complain about my cable provider. What are my rights?
Please see the attached link for your rights as a cable subscriber, as well as who to call for more information. Click here for more information.
12. I want to file a claim against the City
To file a claim against the City, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (920/832-6443) for a form. Please complete the form and return it to the City Clerk’s Office.
13. I want to file a complaint about my neighbor's long grass, weeds or snow
Please contact the Inspections Division of the Department of Public Works at 920/832-6411.
14. I want to get a copy of an ordinance
You can get a copy of an ordinance in a number of ways. - You can visit the Municipal Code on-line and print the section that you are looking for.
- Call, email or stop by the City Attorney's Office and request a copy. If you do not know the specific section number for the information you need, we will be happy to help you. However, please remember that the City Attorney's Office will not be able to give you legal advice about a particular legal matter.
- Visit the Appleton Public Library. The Library keeps a current version of the Municipal Code for patrons.
15. I want to get an ordinance changed
If you would like an ordinance changed, please contact your alderperson. Ordinance changes generally begin with a resolution from an alderperson. If you are not sure who your alderperson is, please contact the City Clerk’s Office or use the ‘My Neighborhood’ feature on our website!
16. I want to get divorced and represent myself
Those who wish to file for divorce and not be represented by an attorney may find the following website a helpful resource: www.wicourts.gov/services/public/prose.htm.
17. I want to picket (or protest) a business
Picketing (or protesting) outside of a business may occur on any public right-of-way as long as those engaged in the activity stay on the public area and do not impede the flow of traffic (i.e., stop people walking by, step into traffic, etc.)
Under Sec. 10-8. Residential picketing; unlawful assembly, picketing or protesting outside of a someone’s home is not permitted. Please see below.
Sec. 10-8. Residential picketing; unlawful assembly.
(a) Declaration. It is declared that the protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government; that the public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their homes and dwellings a feeling of well-being, tranquility and privacy, and when absent from their homes and dwellings, carry with them the sense of security inherent in the assurance that they may return to the enjoyment of their homes and dwellings; that the practice of picketing before or about residences and dwellings causes emotional disturbance and distress to the occupants, obstructs and interferes with the free use of public sidewalks and public ways of travel; that such practice has as its object the harassing of such occupants; that without resort to such practice full opportunity exists and under the terms and provisions of this section, will continue to exist for the exercise of freedom of speech and other Constitutional rights; and that the provisions enacted in this section are necessary for the public interest to avoid the detrimental results set forth in this section and are enacted by the Common Council pursuant to the provisions of W.S.A. §62.11(5).
(b) Picketing residence unlawful. It is unlawful for any person to engage in picketing before or about the residence or dwelling of any individual.
(c) Unlawful assembly. W.S.A. §947.06 is adopted and made a part of this chapter by reference as though fully set forth in this section.
18. I want to talk about identity theft
The State of Wisconsin has created the Office of Privacy Protection that deals specifically with identify theft. They can be contacted at 1-800-422-7128 or at privacy.wi.gov/.
19. I want to talk to someone about a bounced check written to my business
Please contact the District Attorney’s Office for the appropriate county for this matter. Please see our referral page for contact information.
20. I want to talk to someone about trouble with my landlord
As this is a private matter, the City Attorney's Office would not be able to help you. For help with this type of situation, you may contact the Consumer Office Hotline at 1-800-422-7128. Information is also available at http://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Consumer/pdf/WisconsinWayWEB.pdf
21. I want to put up signs for a sale or an open house.
Signs are prohibited on the terrace or anywhere else in the public right-of-way. Signs, handbills, posters or notices may not be placed on traffic control boxes, traffic signs, utility poles, or traffic control support structures. See Municipal Code §§23-505 and 23-507.
22. I want to appeal my TRIP letter
If you received a TRIP (Tax Refund Intercept Program) letter from the City Attorney’s Office and want to appeal the submission, BEFORE YOUR DUE DATE you need to send the City Attorney’s a written appeal or request for an appearance before the Administrative Services Committee of the Common Council. If you send a written request, it will be submitted to the Finance and Administration Committee at their next regularly-scheduled meeting. You can include the information relating to your request to appeal your entry into the TRIP system or you can appear in person at the meeting. If you appear at the meeting, you may be asked to present your case, or answer questions from the Committee to aid them in making their decision. Once the Committee makes their decision, their recommondation goes to the full Common Council for approval/denial. You will be notified in writing of the decision. PLEASE NOTE: this is the final step in the appeals process. If you have questions about this process, or general questions about the TRIP program, please contact our office at 920/832-6423.
23. I want to hold a raffle
Please contact the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing – Division of Gaming at 608/270-2555 for more information. The following link, Guide to Contests & Promotions, may also be a helpful resource. http://datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Top_Ten_Complaints/Guide_to_Contests_and_Promotions/index.aspx
24. I want to play my guitar and sing on College Avenue, can I?
The City does not have a street performer license at this time so the same rules as picketing/protesting apply. You can sing and play on College Avenue as long as you do not impede the flow of traffic (foot or vehicle) and YOU CANNOT ASK FOR MONEY. Nothing prohibits you from leaving your guitar case open for people to throw money in, if they wish, but you cannot ask for it!
25. I want to put flyers on people's cars advertising my business
Under Sec. 12-2 billposting is prohibited, “(a) No person shall affix any handbill upon any vehicle on public or private property, unless the owner(s) of said property consents.”
26. I want to put flyers on people's homes advertising my business
Please see the following:
Sec. 12-1. Billposting; definitions.
(a) Billposting means affixing, depositing, distributing, posting, placing, painting or tacking of any handbill.
(b) Handbill means any bill, card, sign, circular, flyer, leaflet, pamphlet, paper booklet, poster or any printed or written material which does the following:
(1) Advertises any business, merchandise, product, commodity or thing;
(2) Directs attention to any business, mercantile or commercial establishment or other activity, for the purpose of either directly or indirectly promoting sales; or
(3) Directs attention to or advertises any meeting, theatrical performance, exhibition, entertainment or event of any kind for which an admission fee is charged for the purpose of private gain or profit.
(c) Person means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(Code 1965, §11.13; Ord 87-97, §1, 10-15-97; Ord 142-09; §1, 8-25-09)
Sec. 12-2. Billposting prohibited.
(a) No person shall affix any handbill upon any vehicle on public or private property, unless the owner(s) of said property consents.
(b) No person shall post any handbill on any pole including utility poles, telephone poles, lampposts or poles used for an official sign, on the sidewalk, public or private, on any store, business, barn, shop or other building, either private, municipal or public, or on any fence, bridge, wall or other building or structure except the following:
(1) A dwelling under the following conditions:
a. Handbills are securely affixed.
b. Handbills are distributed only during daylight hours.
c. No person shall distribute, deposit or place a handbill upon any dwelling which is temporarily or continuously uninhabited or vacant.
d. No person shall distribute, deposit or place upon any dwelling a handbill without the name, address and phone number of the person causing the handbill to be distributed, deposited or placed.
e. No person shall distribute, deposit or place upon any dwelling a handbill that contains obscene or harmful material as defined by WSA §948.11.
(2) A billboard.
(c) This section shall not apply to notices, warnings or other communications by, or on behalf of, the City.
(Ord 143-09; §1, 8-25-09)
27. I want to trim my neighbor's tree because it's hanging over my property
If the tree is on private property, the City Attorney's Office would not be able to assist you with this. You should try to work it out with your neighbor. The City of Appleton does not have any ordinances regarding trees/branches on private property.
If the tree in question is on public/City property (on the terrace or other rights-of-way), please contact the City of Appleton Parks and Recreation Department, Forestry Division at 920/832-5905.
28. I want to operate a food cart or sell non-food items from a push cart on College Avenue.
The regulation of Central Business District Street Vendors is found in Chapter 9, Division 3 of the Appleton Municipal Code. The Code contains very specific requirements regarding the size of push carts, the area of right of way that may be occupied, and locations where push carts are permitted. These apply to all CBD street vendors.
If you wish to sell food, you must contact the Appleton Health Department (832-6429) and talk to a Sanitarian regarding requirements and license fees. Copies of the Wisconsin Food Code can be downloaded for free from the following Internet address: www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/dhs/dhs196_app.pdf. These requirements are State Law, and the City cannot waive them.
Contact the Department of Public Works (832-6474) and talk to staff regarding requirements for a Street Occupancy Permit and fees. You will also be required to submit your proposed location to the Municipal Services Committee of the Appleton Common Council for approval.
Once you receive approval for your equipment from the Health Department, and have obtained a Street Occupancy Permit for your location, contact the Department of Public Works (832-6474) for your application for your CBD Street Vendor’s License.
29. I want to get a copy of my birth certificate
Please contact the Register of Deeds for the county in which you were born.
Outagamie County Register of Deeds
410 South Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920/832-5095
Calumet County Register of Deeds
206 Court Street
Chilton, WI 53014-1198
920/989-2700
Winnebago County Register of Deeds
415 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920/727-2880
30. I want to get a marriage license
Please contact the Clerk’s Office for the county in which you reside. For Outagamie County information: www.co.outagamie.wi.us/county_clerk/services/marlicinfo.htm
31. I want to get a passport
For more information, contact the Clerk of Courts at 920/832-5131 or www.co.outagamie.wi.us/clerkcrts/ and click on Passport Information.
32. I want to hunt in the city of Appleton
Section 10-2(c) of the Appleton Municipal Code outlines the criteria for hunting within the City limits:
(c) Hunting within the City limits.
(1) Permits.
a. The Chief of Police or designee is authorized to issue hunting permits.
b. Only the owner of the designated property or persons with the owner’s written permission shall be eligible to receive a permit to hunt.
c. Permits under this subsection shall only apply to the hunting of deer.
d. Permits shall only be issued for hunting with a bow and arrow. Crossbows are allowed according to Wis. State Statute §29.171.
e. A copy of a state archery license, valid deer tag, a certificate of archery proficiency and a thirty dollar ($30.00) application fee shall accompany the application for a permit.
f. Hunting shall only be by the person listed on the permit.
g. Permits are not transferable.
h. No permits shall be issued to any person under the age of eighteen (18).
i. Permits shall be issued for the same time period established by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the bow hunting deer season.
j. The Police Department may immediately revoke a permit if a hunter violates any part of this ordinance. Upon revocation of the permit, the pemittee may appeal the decision to the Safety and Licensing Committee.
(2) Requirements.
a. When hunting, persons shall at all times carry valid photo identification, a copy of the City permit and the state archery license.
b. No arrow or other object used to hunt deer pursuant to the City permit may be discharged or projected at such an angle or distance as to land on public or private property not described in the permit.
c. No arrow or other object may be discharged from or projected onto or over any park, bicycle trail or hiking trail within a NC Nature Conservancy District.
d. The person shall follow all state statute and DNR regulations pertaining to bow hunting.
(3) Penalties. Any person that violates any of the provisions of this section may be subject to a forfeiture of no more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the first offense and no more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the second and subsequent offenses. Each day that a violation occurs shall be considered a separate offense.
33. I want to pay my City of Appleton parking ticket
Parking tickets can be paid either in person at City Hall, 100 North Appleton Street, at the 1st floor cashier/information counter, or by mailing it to:
City of Appleton Finance Department
P.O. Box 2159
Appleton, WI 54913
PLEASE NOTE: The yellow envelope provided with the ticket can be sealed, stamped and mailed as well.
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