Which comes first, home design or site choice? That's up to the owner, but it's important to know that site and design should fit together.

With “dream home” in mind homeowners often choose a site, then discover the site doesn't fit the house plan. This puts both builder and homeowner in difficult positions. The builder is asked to satisfy the homeowner and responsibly manage construction and erosion control, which can be an impossible task. The homeowner can end up with higher costs, more frustration, and long-term property maintenance issues.

It's important to take the slope of the land into account, too. A lovely wooded hillside lot won't have many trees standing after construction if your home isn't designed for the slope. If you plan to build on a slope, consider a design with walk-out basement, tuck-under garage or exposed wall.

To get the house you want and the most for your dollar, meet the builder at your building site to discuss the final home design and its location on the lot. If land disturbance is minimized, the part of your budget used for site prep, erosion control and landscaping will also be minimized. Long-term expenses such as driveway maintenance and heating/cooling costs will also be lower with careful placement.

Permits Will Be Needed

If you’re building in La Crosse County outside of an incorporated city or village, the following permits are required. Obtain these from the agency listed at right.

Sanitary permit	La Crosse County Environmental Health Department
Well permit	La Crosse County Environmental Health Department
Erosion control permit	La Crosse County Land Conservation Department
Storm water permit (if required)	La Crosse County Land Conservation Department
Zoning permit	La Crosse County Zoning Department
Driveway permits	Town clerk or La Crosse County Zoning Dept/Hwy Dept
Building permit	Town Building Inspector

To get a permit, contact each La Crosse County department by phone or visit the office:

Environmental Health Department
    Health and Human Services Bldg - 2nd Floor
    300 4th Street North
    La Crosse, WI 54601
    608.785.9771
Land Conservation Department
    Rm. 3270
    608.785-9867
Zoning, Planning & Land Administration
    Rm. 3170
    608.785.9722

Both Land Conservation and Zoning, Planning & Land Administration departments are located in the La Crosse County Administrative Center at 400 4th Street North, La Crosse.

Want to learn more? This brochure will help.