Frequently Asked Questions
Zoning/Building Questions
Q: Is the Town of Merton zoned?
A: Yes, the Town of Merton is zoned. Building permits are required (Click on the Building Inspection Page for more information).
Q: What if my property is 1,000 feet from a lake or 300 feet from a river or stream?
A: The property is considered to be in shore land jurisdiction. A zoning permit is required from Waukesha County if property is in shore land jurisdiction. Contact the Park and Plan Commission of Waukesha County.
Q: I am building a new house, replacing my driveway or would like a second driveway access point. What needs to be done for a driveway permit?
A: A driveway permit is necessary for new construction and will be completed during your appointment with the building inspector. In order to reconstruct or put a hard surface on an existing driveway or to have a second driveway access point, applicants should get approval from the Highway Superintendent, Paul Griffin (262.966.2118) and then may also possibly need approval through the Plan Commission.
General Town Hall Questions
Q: What Hours are the Town Hall Open?
A: The Town Hall is open daily, Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. The Town Hall is closed on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
Q: I am new to the Town of Merton. When will I receive my tax bill?
A: Tax bills are typically mailed around the second week in December.
Q: Are dog licenses required?
A: Yes, dog licenses are required in the Town. The Town's dog license application and fee information can be found HERE.
Q: Is a license required to shoot fireworks off in the Town of Merton?
A: Yes a fireworks permit is required. Click HERE for a copy of the permit application.
Q: I would like to apply to be a bartender in the Town of Merton. What do I need to do?
A: An operator's license issued by the Town of Merton is needed. The Town's operator's license application and fee information can be found HERE.
Q: I have a vehicle that I don't drive and is not licensed. Can I leave it outside?
A: No unlicensed vehicles may be stored outside.
Q: I've never voted in the Town of Merton. What do I need to do to register to vote?
A: You can come into the Town Hall to register to vote. You can also register online to vote if it is at least 20 days prior to the next election. Click HERE for the My Vote website to register to vote online or to see the items needed in order to register to vote.
Q: How can I receive an absentee ballot for an election?
A: There are several ways to absentee vote. Click HERE to see the different ways to request an absentee ballot.
Other Departments Questions
Q: How can I contact the highway department?
A: Questions for the highway department can be directed to Paul Griffin, Director of Public Works. The contact information for the highway department, as well as hours can be found HERE.
Q: How can I contact the Town Hall Library?
A: Contact information for the Town Hall Library can be found HERE.
Public Safety Questions
Q: Does the Town of Merton have rules related to firearms and hunting?
A: The Town of Merton does have firearm ordinances in effect and has restricted hunting. Hunting is prohibited on Town of Merton land. You can find the town of Merton Ordinances HERE.
Q: I have yard waste. Can I burn it?
A: Burning permits are required. Contact the appropriate fire department
- Merton Community Fire Department: 262.538.2300
- Hartland Fire Department: 262.367.6878
- Western Lakes Stone Bank Station: 262.567-8282
Q: What are the Town of Merton regulations related to the lakes?
A: All lakes have boating regulations as to skiing and speed limits. Find information on the Town's Lake Patrol HERE and the Town's Ordinances HERE.
Garbage and Sanitation Questions
Q: Does the Town of Merton have garbage collection services?
A: As of December 6, 2022, the town contracts with GFL for up-the-drive garbage and recycling pickup. There will be a special charge on your tax bill for this service.
Q: My normal garbage and recycling pickup is on a holiday. When will GFL come?
A: GFL will typically come the next day for collection if the normal pickup is on a holiday. If you normal collection day is Tuesday, they will come Wednesday and if you normal collection day is Friday, they will come Saturday.
Q: I have yard waste to take the Lisbon Compost site. How do I get a permit to use the site?
A: You must submit an application to the Town of Merton. The application and fee information can be found HERE.
Q: What is accepted and not accepted at the Town of Lisbon Compost Site?
A: Items accepted and not accepted at the compost site can be found HERE.
Q: I hear the Town has a transfer station. What items does the transfer station accept?
A: Information on the Town's transfer station, such as hours, location, and items accepted and not accepted, can be found HERE.
