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1. Where do I vote?

Visit MyVote Wisconsin or view the Village of Shorewood Ward Map.

2. What do I need to register to vote?

Please visit the Voter Registration page.

3. How do I vote by absentee ballot?

Please refer to the Absentee Voting page.

4. When are my taxes due?

Taxes are due in full by January 31 of each year, unless using the installment plan. If using the installment plan, the first installment is due by January 31, the second installment is due by March 31, and the third installment is due by May 31.

5. What forms of payment are accepted at Village Hall?

Village Hall accepts payments by cash, check, and credit cards for some items.

We are unable to accept tax payments by credit card or electronic check at Village Hall.
You may make these payments online.

6. Do I qualify for a Wisconsin Lottery and Gaming Credit? How do I claim my credit?

Owners of a home in Wisconsin who use the home as their primary residence on January 1 of the year in which the property taxes are levied qualify for the Lottery and Gaming Credit which reduces the property taxes due on the property tax bill.

You may have to apply for Lottery and Gaming Credit if you have purchased a home since 1999 or you now use your property as your primary residence. An owner who qualifies for the credit, but whose tax bill does not reflect the credit, may claim the credit until January 31 following the issuance of the tax bill with the treasurer responsible for collecting the property taxes. You can file a late claim with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue from February 1 until October 1 of the year following the issuance of the tax bill.

Please access additional information on the Lottery and Gaming Credit Program.

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1. What is a combined sewer?

A combined sewer system is a waste water collections system which conveys both sanitary waste water and stormwater through a single pipe system to a treatment facility.

2. Where is Shorewood's combined sewer system?

The area approximately east of NorthOakland Avenue is served by a combined sewer system. Geographically, approximately 1/2 of the Village of Shorewood is served by a combined sewer system. North Oakland Avenue is the approximate line dividing the sewer service areas of the Village (see a map (PDF)).

3. How does a combined system deal with stormwater?

As illustrated above, a combined sewer system collects rainwater and sanitary waste in the same pipe conveying both to a plant for treatment. In most cases, areas served by combined sewer will not have separate storm sewer systems. The Village of Shorewood, however, does have a small stormwater system which overlays an area of the combined system north of East Capitol Drive. This modified system conveys stormwater collected through street drains to Lake Michigan for discharge.

4. What is a combined sewer overflow?

A combined sewer overflow (CSO) refers to a discharge of partially treated or untreated waste water prior to treatment. CSO's generally occur in response to wet-weather events.

Combined sewer overflows occur far less frequently than they did in the past. For information regarding improvements Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has made to the regional collection system in an attempt to reduce overflows, please access their resource.

5. Why disconnect downspouts?

Any amount of water removed from the system during wet-weather events helps. The disconnection of downspouts and the installation of rain barrels minimize the impact of rainwater on the combined sewer system. Learn more about using rain barrels and where to purchase them.

Read about Shorewood's recent successful partnership with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to encourage residents to disconnect downspouts and install rain barrels and rain gardens.

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1. Am I required to appear for a scheduled court date?

If the citation specifically states "Must Appear," or is checked "Yes," then you must appear when scheduled.

2. Can I reschedule a court date?

Yes, if the court clerk is notified before the assigned court date, 1 adjournment is allowed by the court clerk. Subsequent adjournments must be approved before the judge.

3. If my citation doesn't indicate "must appear," what happens if I do not appear?

If served personally, the Municipal Court will find you guilty by default and you will be ordered to pay the forfeiture. If you were served by mail, a warrant will be issued requiring your appearance.

4. What do I do if I miss my court date?

You must contact the court clerk immediately for instructions on reopening your case at 414-847-2617.

5. What happens if payment or arrangement to pay is not made by the due date?

If it is a traffic citation, a 2-year suspension of your driver's license is issued for failing to pay. If it is not a traffic citation, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

6. Where do I pay a forfeiture?

You may pay by mail with a personal check or money order. Cash, check, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted methods of payment in person at:
Shorewood Police Department
3936 N. Murray Ave.
Shorewood, WI 53211

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1. Why do I need a permit?

The Planning and Development Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Building, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical, Zoning, and Housing Codes. The primary purpose of these codes is to safeguard life. The second purpose is to protect property and generally preserve and enhance the values of property in the Village of Shorewood. To determine if you need a permit for your project, view the Village Guide to Permits (PDF).

2. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for construction of any new building, an addition to an existing building, and for alterations and remodeling involving structural changes. Permits are also required for, but not limited to:

Accessory buildings

Decks

Driveways

Fences

Garages

Re-roofing

Re-siding

Swimming pools

3. Who is responsible for obtaining permits?

It is common for contractors to obtain permits. However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure that the required permits are obtained. It is always a good idea to check with the Planning and Development Department about required permits before hiring a contractor or starting a project.

4. Can I do my own electrical and plumbing work?

There are some instances in which a homeowner can do electrical and plumbing work. Please call the Planning and Development Department at 414-847-2640 to determine what you can do as a homeowner.

5. Can you recommend a contractor?

We cannot recommend contractors, but we are happy to give a number of resources and information for homeowners and business owners to find contracting or remodeling services in the State of Wisconsin. For more information and sources, check out the Contracting and Remodeling Services page.

6. What if obtaining a permit was part of my contract and the contractor neglected to do so?

Homeowners should always find out which permits are required before hiring a contractor to do work on their home and then request a copy of the permit before allowing the contractor to start work. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure all required permits have been obtained.

If you have questions about this, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 414-847-2640. We will help with obtaining the required permits, but we cannot intervene in contract issues between the contractor and the homeowner.

7. Are short-term rentals, such as Airbnb or Vrbo, permitted in the Village of Shorewood?

Permitted and prohibited uses are defined within the Village of Shorewood Code's Zoning Chapter 535.  Per 535-26A(4)m "tourist homes" are defined as a prohibited home occupation in the Village's R-1 through R-7 residential districts.  Wisconsin's State Statutes limit the enforcement of this prohibition if the dwelling unit is rented out for seven consecutive days or longer. [66.1014(2)a] If a dwelling unit is being rented out for short-term rental purposes in compliance with Village Code and State Statutes, a lodging facility license shall be obtained from the North Shore Health Department.

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1. What number do I call if I have a question or need the police for something?

Shorewood officers are not dispatched from the Shorewood Police Station. We share a consolidated dispatch center with all North Shore Communities based in the Village of Bayside.

In an emergency situation where time is critical, you should always dial 911. If you need the police to respond to your home or any other location for a non-emergency call or minor situation, you should call the dispatch center at 414-351-9900. If you want to speak with a Shorewood officer by phone, have a question or concern, or need night parking permission, you should call our station directly at 414-847-2610. All officers have voice mail and you are welcome to leave a message if you cannot speak with a particular officer at the time of your call.

Calling the wrong number can delay police response.

2. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Copies of police reports, including accident reports, can be obtained in person at the Shorewood Police Department. To obtain certain reports, you may need to complete an Open Records Request Form (PDF). There is a nominal charge for copy service.

Please keep in mind that the Shorewood Police Department cannot give you driving record information, vehicle registration information, or criminal record information.

3. Do I need permission to park on the street overnight?

Yes. Shorewood has an ordinance which prohibits parking on any street within the village between 3 a.m. and 2 a.m., from Monday through Friday mornings. (Overnight parking regulations are not in effect on Federal Holidays.) 

Residents and visitors are allowed 20 free on-street alternate-side overnight parking permissions per license plate per calendar year.  Residents and visitors can use these permissions by registering their vehicle before  1 a.m. the morning of the requested 3 a.m. - 2 a.m. period.  Once you have used your 20 free, on-street overnight parking permissions, you will need to purchase either an: overnight, off-street (lot) permit, if available, overnight, on-street permit.

When you have used all your 20 free on-street alternate-side overnight  parking permissions for the calendar year, no additional permissions are available.  You will have to purchase either an off-street (lot) monthly permit or an on-street monthly permit.  If you choose to purchase an off-street (lot) permit, you will need to contact the Clerk & Customer Service Department at 414-847-2601 at least two (2) business days prior to using your final free permission.  If you choose to purchase an on-street permit, you can go to the AIMS website, sign up and purchase online. 

4. Where can I pay the parking or traffic citation I received?

Parking

AIMS website

Traffic & Municipal

Traffic & Municipal Payment

• Click on TRAFFIC AND OTHER CITATION.
• Step 1. Search Your Bills. Select Payment Type: Citation…Click CONTINUE
  Use Option 1 – First Name, Last Name, Citation:…Click SEARCH….Add To Cart…Click CONTINUE
  
  Step 2. Select Payments. Note: If you are making a payment for payment plan, make sure to change PaymentAmount* to what you are wanting to pay, otherwise, you may end up paying for the whole forfeiture. 

NOTE: Please call court clerk if you need assistance making your first payment for payment plan at (414) 847-2617. Court clerk is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

5. Can I pay a parking citation online?

Yes, parking citations can be paid online by going to the AIMS website. You'll need to know the parking citation number and/or your license plate number. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted. There is no fee to pay by credit card.

As always, parking citations can be paid in person at the Shorewood Police Department lobby. You can pay with a credit card, check, or with cash. Parking citations can be paid by check or money order via U.S. Mail. (Please do not send cash through the mail.)

6. Contesting parking citation(s)

Contesting Parking Tickets

7. What happens if I do not pay a parking citation?

If you received a parking citation on a vehicle owned or driven by you, you have 2 options. You can pay the citation or make arrangements to contest the citation in Municipal Court.

Forfeitures on parking citations nearly double if the citation is not paid within 10 days of issuance. If a citation remains unpaid after 28 days, the registration of the violating vehicle becomes suspended and the forfeiture of the original citation increases again. When a vehicle's registration is suspended, it cannot be legally driven. In addition, a vehicle that has a suspended registration cannot be sold or transferred, nor can annual registration be renewed until the parking citation(s) are paid in full.

If you wish to contest a parking citation received in Shorewood, you must contact the Shorewood Police Department at 414-847-2610, and sign up for court. Please have the citation number available as well as the license plate number of the violating vehicle. You will be given a date and time to report to Municipal Court which is held once per month.

8. What happens if I do not pay a traffic citation(s)?

Failure to pay a traffic citation or appear in court can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest as well as a suspension of your driver's license. If you feel you cannot afford a citation or you feel that you are not guilty of a certain offense, simply appear in court. Please do not ever ignore a citation. Citations do not resolve themselves and not addressed can cause many more issues for you in the future.

9. Contesting traffic & municipal citation(s)

Contesting Traffic & Municipal Citation

10. Can I get my fingerprints taken at the Shorewood Police Department?

If you need to get fingerprinted in order to get a teaching or a bartender's license, or for any other reason with the exception of immigration reasons, you may get fingerprinted at the Shorewood Police Department. However, this service is only available to Shorewood residents and those who are not from Shorewood but need prints for a position in Shorewood.

There is a $12 fee for fingerprinting.

11. What should I do if my neighbor's noise volume is bothersome?

It depends upon what and how loud the noise is. Shorewood has a noise ordinance which prohibits certain unreasonable noises (e.g., loud music, yelling or shouting, loud machinery or equipment, etc). If your neighbors are simply sitting in their backyard having a conversation and you can hear this because your windows are open, this would not be a violation of the ordinance.  However, if your neighbors are playing loud music, yelling, screaming, or being disorderly, it may constitute a violation of the ordinance and police should be notified.

In addition, getting to know your neighbors and working together can keep problems from happening as well as solve an existing problems.

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1. What day is my garbage and recycling collection?

Please view the refuse and recycling collection map and schedule (PDF). Please call the Department of Public Works office at 414-847-2650 if you have any questions regarding your schedule.

2. Why wasn't my garbage picked up?

Garbage karts which contain recyclable material or yard waste cannot be collected as these materials have been banned from landfills. Karts must be placed in a shoveled area on the parkway or alley for collection. For the safety of our operators, karts which have been placed on top of snow banks cannot be collected.

3. Why wasn't my yard waste or brush collected?

Bags containing sod and/or dirt can not be collected as these items are not accepted for composting. Bags which exceed the 30 pound weight limit cannot be collected.

Brush is collected from each home once per month from April through November. Brush must meet size requirements to ensure the safety of the personnel operating the chipping machine.

For additional information, please visit the Yard Waste & Brush Collection webpage or call the Department of Public Works office at 414-847-2650. Yard Waste & Brush Collection

4. What are your office and compactor (dump) hours?

The Department of Public Works office is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The recycling center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and any Saturday which the compactor is open. Please access the compactor schedule and additional information regarding residential dumping.

5. I am moving, what should I do about my water service?

Please contact the Shorewood Department of Public Works at 414-847-2650 prior to your closing or moving date to schedule a final meter reading.

6. What recyclables are accepted at the Shorewood Recycling Center?

The recycling center at the Shorewood Department of Public Works accepts plastics numbered 1-7, cardboard, newspaper, glass, office paper, books, magazines and used motor oil between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and the Saturdays when the compactor is open. Access additional information in the Recycling in Shorew/DocumentCenter/View/7609ood Brochure (PDF).

7. How can I dispose of hazardous materials?

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) sponsors three year-round facilities where Milwaukee County residents may dispose of household hazardous wastes. MMSD also sponsors several mobile site collections throughout the area each year. Both the permanent and mobile facilities collect many types of household wastes including batteries, florescent light bulbs, paint and pesticides. Look at dates, locations, hours, and a complete disposal list.

8. How can I dispose of my Christmas tree?

Trees will be collected curbside for composting by Department of Public Works crews. Collection will not be on a certain day; however, trees placed at the curb (no alleys please) will be picked up on a weekly basis as time and weather permit. Please remove all lights and decorations.

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1. Why is this project necessary?

In order to sustain and improve safety within the Village of Shorewood and to continue to help make the village a walkable community, the Village Board in 1991 formulated a policy regarding public sidewalk replacement. All sidewalks within the village street right of way are typically inspected every six years based on several criteria; hazardous sidewalks in the specified area will be replaced as part of this project. The Village typically only includes replacement of problematic sidewalks within the current area; however, sidewalks identified as being hazardous outside the area through complaints are also added to the current year's project.

2. Who will be doing the work?

Through a public-bid process, Snorek Construction, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI, has been selected to perform the sidewalk replacement. Project field work will be managed by The Sigma Group engineering consultants .

3. How do I know what public sidewalk will be replaced?

The public sidewalk sections to be replaced are or will be marked with white arrows indicating the extent of replacement. Sidewalk squares are identified for replacement based upon Village Board-approved criteria. In some cases replacements are due to cracking, in others to eliminate trip hazards caused by heaving or sinking walks. If you have questions regarding marked squares, please contact the Department of Public Works at 414-847-2650.

4. Will you also replace the sidewalk between the street and the sidewalk (carriage walk)?

The sidewalk that links the back of curb at the street with the public sidewalk is commonly known as the carriage walk. The Village includes these walks in their inspection and will mark them for replacement if they meet replacement criteria.

5. What will the cost of replacing the sidewalk be for me?

Most sidewalk work is 100% assessable to the abutting property owner. If you live on a corner lot, the side of the residence typically not listed as your address will be assessed at 50%. An estimated assessment breakdown for your property is included in the Notice of Assessment. Your final assessment will be based on the contracted price of the actual material quantities and work performed. An invoice will be mailed upon completion of the work.

6. Will the project include the replacement of the driveway apron?

The driveway apron is the section of your driveway located between the street curb and the sidewalk. All driveway aprons must be installed according to the specifications set forth by the village. The Village does not typically inspect or have a program to replace driveway aprons outside of their normal inclusion in scheduled street reconstruction projects.

7. When will the project be started and completed?

It is anticipated that sidewalk removals will begin the in late August/early September, however prep work may begin prior to that time. Typically, a sidewalk project takes four to six weeks to complete – weather permitting.

8. When will the contractor get to me?

When the project gets underway, the Village will cooperate with the contractor to get additional scheduling and work progress information posted and/or distributed in a timely manner. The actual progression of work often varies and is dependent on many things including weather and field conditions.

9. What if use and access of my driveway is affected by this work?

Your access will only be interrupted if the sidewalk portion to be replaced falls within the driveway. The contractor should give notification of work affecting use of your driveway at least 24 hours in advance of removal. Street parking permits will be distributed to affected residents. Affected driveways should not be used until the concrete has sufficiently hardened as evidenced by the removal of barricades by the contractor. Typically seven days of concrete curing is required.

10. What about my special conditions or requests?

Residents may have plants, decorative stone, buried sprinklers, buried electric pet containment fences, or other obstructions that may impact the scheduled work. All buried sprinkler systems and pet fences must be clearly marked with white spray paint and/or white flags before the contractor begins work and through the duration of the project. The contractor starts the project sometimes using a root-saw in areas that tree roots heaved or will heave the concrete in the future.

The Village and contractor are not responsible for damage to utilities installed by the property owner not clearly marked as described above. All other utilities such as gas, electric, cable, and telephone will be marked by "Diggers Hotline". You will see further markings in various colors that correspond to these utilities. Questions regarding these should be directed to the utilities themselves. Typically, residents also have vacations, parties, home projects, and other events that may conflict with the scheduled work. Special conditions and requests received by the village in a timely manner will be given to the contractor for consideration.

11. How is restoration of turf handled?

All turf areas will be repaired with top soil and grass seed. Residents are responsible for watering and care of the seeded area.

12. When is my payment due?

As noted, an invoice will be mailed upon completion of the work. It is anticipated this will occur on or about October 1st. The Village would appreciate prompt payment of the total amount at that time. If payment is not received by November 1, 2015, it will be added as a Special Assessment to your 2015 tax bill.

13. Whom can I contact with questions?

Questions regarding the project can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 414-847-2650, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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1. What is Shorewood’s population?

The most recent population as estimated by the Wisconsin Department of Administration is 13,535.

2. Can you reserve park and picnic areas in Shorewood Parks?

There are picnic areas in Shorewood parks that are available to be reserved. With the exception of Hubbard Park Lodge and the River Club, all park areas are open to the public on a 1st-come 1st-served basis. Village Code prohibits the use of grills and the consumption of alcohol in the parks without permission of the Village Manager. Tents may not be erected in the parks and sound amplification equipment is prohibited. For information on Hubbard Park Lodge rentals, please call 414-332-4207 or visit the lodge’s website.


Please click here for more information on Shorewood parks.

3. How can I contact the Shorewood Historical Society?

The Shorewood Historical Society is located in the Village Center (Library lower level) at the following address:
3920 N. Murray Ave.
Shorewood, WI 53211


The Society’s Sheldon Room houses its books, Shorewood High School yearbooks, the Wisconsin History magazines, various information sheets from historical societies, and the Shorewood Herald Collection Centennial Project among other items. The Sheldon Room is open to the public every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment at 414-847-2726. You can also visit the Historical Society’s website.

4. How can I contact the Shorewood Women’s Club? The Shorewood Men’s Club?

For information on the Shorewood Women’s Club, please contact its president, Barbara Hill at 414-964-8448. For information on the Shorewood Men’s Club, please visit their website.

5. What do I need to know about having a rummage sale in Shorewood?

Please read the informational handout (PDF) regarding village rummage sale guidelines.