62.23 Annotation
The legal standard of unnecessary hardship requires that the property owner demonstrate that without a variance there is no reasonable use for the property. When the property owner has a reasonable use for the property, the statute takes precedence and the variance should be denied. State v. Kenosha County Board of Adjustment,
218 Wis. 2d 396,
577 N.W.2d 813 (1998).
62.23 Annotation
A certiorari action exists only to test the validity of judicial or quasi-judicial determinations. It does not allow for answers, denials, or defenses by the respondent. Merkel v. Village of Germantown,
218 Wis. 2d 572,
581 N.W.2d 552 (Ct. App. 1998).
62.23 Annotation
Sub. (7) (e) 6. does not mandate a hearing for each variance application--only those that satisfy the legal requirements for applications. A city rule that a variance request would not be reheard unless accompanied by evidence of a substantial change of circumstances did not violate due process or equal protection guarantees. Denial of a variance based on the rule was not arbitrary and capricious. Tateoka v. City of Waukesha Board of Zoning Appeals,
220 Wis. 2d 656,
583 N.W.2d 873 (Ct. App. 1998).
62.23 Annotation
Construction in violation of zoning, even when authorized by a voluntarily issued permit, is unlawful. Those who build in violation of zoning rules are not shielded from razing under sub. (8) because construction was completed before the lawfulness of the zoning was determined. Lake Bluff v. City of South Milwaukee,
222 Wis. 2d 222,
588 N.W.2d 45 (Ct. App. 1998).
62.23 Annotation
The burden is on the applicant for a variance to demonstrate through evidence that without the variance he or she is prevented from enjoying any reasonable use of the property. State ex rel. Spinner v. Kenosha County Board of Adjustment,
223 Wis. 2d 99,
588 N.W.2d 662 (Ct. App. 1998).
62.23 Annotation
A conditional use permit did not impose a condition that the conditional use not be conducted outside the permitted area. It was improper to revoke the permit based on that use. An enforcement action in relation to the parcel where the use was not permitted is an appropriate remedy. Bettendorf v. St. Croix County Board of Adjustment,
224 Wis. 2d 735,
591 N.W.2d 916 (Ct. App.1999).
62.23 Annotation
Once a municipality has shown an illegal change in use to a nonconforming use, the municipality is entitled to terminate the entire nonconforming use. The decision is not within the discretion of the court reviewing the order. Village of Menomonee Falls v. Preuss,
225 Wis. 2d 746,
593 N.W.2d 496 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
To violate substantive due process guarantees, a zoning decision must involve more than simple errors in law or an improper exercise of discretion; it must shock the conscience. The city's violation of a purported agreement regarding zoning was not a violation. A court cannot compel a political body to adhere to an agreement regrading zoning if it has legitimate reasons for breaching. Eternalist Foundation v. City of Platteville,
225 Wis. 2d 759,
593 N.W.2d 84 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
Review of a certiorari action is limited to determining: (1) whether the board kept within its jurisdiction; (2) whether the board proceeded on a correct theory of law; (3) whether the board's action was arbitrary, oppressive, or unreasonable; and (4) whether the evidence was such that the board might reasonably make its order. Kapischke v. County of Walworth,
226 Wis. 2d 320,
595 N.W.2d 42 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
Zoning may not be legislated or modified by initiative under s. 9.20. An ordinance constituting a pervasive regulation of, or prohibition on, the use of land is zoning. Heitman v. City of Mauston,
226 Wis. 2d 542,
595 N.W.2d 450 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
A town with village powers has the authority to adopt ordinances authorizing its plan commission to review and approve industrial site plans before issuing a building permit. An ordinance regulating development need not be created with a particular degree of specificity other than is necessary to give developers reasonable notice of the areas of inquiry that the town will examine in approving or disapproving proposed sites. Town of Grand Chute v. U.S. Paper Converters, Inc.
229 Wis. 2d 674,
600 N.W.2d 33 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
The state, in administering the Fair Housing Act, may not order a zoning board to issue a variance based on characteristics unique to the landowner rather than the land. County of Sawyer Zoning Board v. Department of Workforce Development,
231 Wis. 2d 534,
605 N.W.2d 627 (Ct. App. 1999).
62.23 Annotation
The consideration,without notice, of duplicate files of matters then under consideration by the city's zoning committee by a separate city council committee was void. Oliveira v. City of Milwaukee, 2000 WI 49,
233 Wis. 2d 532,
608 N.W.2d 419.
62.23 Annotation
While the DNR has the authority to regulate the operation of game farms, its authority does not negate the power to enforce zoning ordinances against game farms. Both are applicable. Willow Creek Ranch v. Town of Shelby, 2000 WI 56,
235 Wis. 2d 409,
611 N.W.2d 693.
62.23 Annotation
Zoning ordinances may be applied to land held by the U.S. for an Indian tribe so long as they do not conflict with a federal treaty, agreement, or statute and the land use proscribed is not a federal governmental function. 58 Atty. Gen. 91.
62.23 Annotation
Zoning ordinances utilizing definitions of "family" to restrict the number of unrelated persons who may live in a single family dwelling are of questionable constitutionality. 63 Atty. Gen. 34.
62.23 Annotation
County shoreland zoning of unincorporated areas adopted under s. 59.971 [now 59.692] is not superseded by municipal extraterritorial zoning under s. 62.23 (7a). Sections 59.971, 62.23 (7), (7a) and 144.26 [now 281.31] discussed. Municipal extraterritorial zoning within shorelands is effective insofar as it is consistent with, or more restrictive than, the county shoreland zoning regulations. 63 Atty. Gen. 69.
62.23 Annotation
Extraterritorial zoning under (7a) is discussed. 67 Atty. Gen. 238.
62.23 Annotation
A city's ban on almost all residential signs violated the right of free speech. City of LaDue v. Gilleo,
512 U.S. 43,
129 L. Ed. 2d 22 (1994).
62.23 Annotation
There is no property interest in a position on a zoning board of appeals and none was created by a common council member's assertion that the council would not approve a board member's successor. Generally, the 1st Amendment protects a person from being removed from public employment for purely political reasons, but a board member is an exempt policymaker. Pleva v. Norquist,
195 F.3d 905 (1999).
62.23 Annotation
Plaintiffs were not required to exhaust administrative remedies under sub. (7) (e) before bringing a civil rights act suit challenging the definition of "family" as used in that portion of a village zoning ordinance creating single-family residential zones since plaintiffs' claim was based on federal law. Timberlake v. Kenkel,
369 F. Supp. 456.
62.23 Annotation
The denial of a permit for a 2nd residential facility within a 2,500 foot radius pursuant to sub. (7) (i) 1., which had the effect of precluding handicapped individuals, absent evidence of adverse impact on the legislative goals of the statute or of a burden upon the village constituted a failure to make reasonable accommodations in violation of federal law. U.S. v. Village of Marshall,
787 F. Supp. 872 (1992).
62.23 Annotation
Sub. (2) (i) 1. and 2r. are preempted by the Federal Fair Housing Amendment Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Sub. (2) (i) 1. and 2r. impermissibly classify people on the basis of disability by imposing a 2,500 foot spacing requirement on community living arrangements for the disabled. Oconomowoc Residential Programs v. City of Greenfield,
23 F. Supp.2d 941 (1998).
62.23 Annotation
The necessity of a zoning variance or amendments notice to the Wisconsin department of natural resources under the shoreland zoning and navigable waters protection acts. Whipple, 57 MLR 25.
62.23 Annotation
Architectural Appearances Ordinances and the 1st Amendment. Rice. 76 MLR 439 (1992).
62.231
62.231
Zoning of wetlands in shorelands. 62.231(1)
(1)
Definitions. As used in this section:
62.231(2)
(2) Filled wetlands. Any wetlands which are filled prior to the date on which a city receives a final wetlands map from the department of natural resources in a manner which affects their characteristics as wetlands are filled wetlands and not subject to an ordinance adopted under this section.
62.231(2m)
(2m) Certain wetlands on landward side of an established bulkhead line. Any wetlands on the landward side of a bulkhead line, established by the city under
s. 30.11 prior to May 7, 1982, and between that bulkhead line and the ordinary high-water mark are exempt wetlands and not subject to an ordinance adopted under this section.
62.231(3)
(3) Adoption of ordinance. To effect the purposes of
s. 281.31 and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, each city shall zone by ordinance all unfilled wetlands of 5 acres or more which are shown on the final wetland inventory maps prepared by the department of natural resources for the city under
s. 23.32, which are located in any shorelands and which are within its incorporated area. A city may zone by ordinance any unfilled wetlands which are within its incorporated area at any time.
62.231(4)(a)(a)
Powers and procedures. Except as provided under
sub. (5),
s. 62.23 applies to ordinances and amendments enacted under this section.
62.231(4)(b)
(b)
Impact on other zoning ordinances. If a city ordinance enacted under
s. 62.23 affecting wetlands in shorelands is more restrictive than an ordinance enacted under this section affecting the same lands, it continues to be effective in all respects to the extent of the greater restrictions, but not otherwise.
62.231(5)
(5) Repair and expansion of existing structures permitted. Notwithstanding
s. 62.23 (7) (h), an ordinance adopted under this section may not prohibit the repair, reconstruction, renovation, remodeling or expansion of a nonconforming structure in existence on the effective date of an ordinance adopted under this section or any environmental control facility in existence on May 7, 1982 related to that structure.
62.231(6)
(6) Failure to adopt ordinance. If any city does not adopt an ordinance required under
sub. (3) within 6 months after receipt of final wetland inventory maps prepared by the department of natural resources for the city under
s. 23.32, or if the department of natural resources, after notice and hearing, determines that a city adopted an ordinance which fails to meet reasonable minimum standards in accomplishing the shoreland protection objectives of
s. 281.31 (1), the department of natural resources shall adopt an ordinance for the city. As far as applicable, the procedures set forth in
s. 87.30 apply to this subsection.
62.231(6m)
(6m) Certain amendments to ordinances. For an amendment to an ordinance enacted under this section that affects an activity that meets all of the requirements under
s. 281.165 (2) or
(3) (a), the department of natural resources may not proceed under
sub. (6), or otherwise review the amendment, to determine whether the ordinance, as amended, fails to meet reasonable minimum standards.
62.231 Annotation
The legal standard of unnecessary hardship requires that the property owner demonstrate that without a variance there is no reasonable use for the property. When the property owner has a reasonable use for the property, the statue takes precedence and the variance should be denied. State v. Kenosha County Board of Adjustment,
218 Wis. 2d 396,
577 N.W.2d 813 (1998).
62.231 Annotation
The burden is on the applicant for a variance to demonstrate through evidence that without the variance that he or she is prevented from enjoying any reasonable use of the property. State ex rel. Spinner v. Kenosha County Board of Adjustment,
223 Wis. 2d 99,
588 N.W.2d 662 (Ct. App. 1998).
62.231 Annotation
Wisconsin's Shoreland Management Program: An Assessment With Implications for Effective Natural Resources Management and Protection. Kuczeski. 1999 WLR 273.
62.234
62.234
Construction site erosion control and storm water management zoning. 62.234(1)
(1)
Definition. As used in this section, "department" means the department of natural resources.
62.234(2)
(2) Authority to enact ordinance. To effect the purposes of
s. 281.33 and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, a city may enact a zoning ordinance, that is applicable to all of its incorporated area, for construction site erosion control at sites where the construction activities do not include the construction of a building and for storm water management. This ordinance may be enacted separately from ordinances enacted under
s. 62.23.
62.234(4)
(4) Applicability of city zoning provisions. 62.234(4)(a)(a) Except as otherwise specified in this section,
s. 62.23 applies to any ordinance or amendment to an ordinance enacted under this section.
62.234(4)(b)
(b) Variances and appeals regarding construction site erosion control or storm water management regulations under this section are to be determined by the board of appeals for that city. Procedures under
s. 62.23 (7) (e) apply to these determinations.
62.234(4)(c)
(c) An ordinance enacted under this section supersedes all provisions of an ordinance enacted under
s. 62.23 that relate to construction site erosion control at sites where the construction activities do not include the construction of a building or to storm water management regulation.
62.234(5)
(5) Applicability of comprehensive zoning plan or general zoning ordinance. Ordinances enacted under this section shall accord and be consistent with any comprehensive zoning plan or general zoning ordinance applicable to the enacting cities, so far as practicable.
62.234(6)
(6) Applicability of local subdivision regulation. All powers granted to a city under
s. 236.45 may be exercised by it with respect to construction site erosion control at sites where the construction activities do not include the construction of a building or with respect to storm water management regulation, if the city has or provides a planning commission or agency.
62.234(7)
(7) Applicability to local governments and agencies. An ordinance enacted under this section is applicable to activities conducted by a unit of local government and an agency of that unit of government. An ordinance enacted under this section is not applicable to activities conducted by an agency, as defined under
s. 227.01 (1) but also including the office of district attorney, which is subject to the state plan promulgated or a memorandum of understanding entered into under
s. 281.33 (2).
62.234(8)(a)(a) Except as provided in
par. (c),
s. 66.0301 applies to this section, but for the purposes of this section any agreement under
s. 66.0301 shall be effected by ordinance.
62.234(8)(b)
(b) If a city is served by a regional planning commission under
s. 66.0309 and if the commission consents, the city may empower the commission by ordinance to administer the ordinance enacted under this section throughout the city, whether or not the area otherwise served by the commission includes all of that city.
62.234(8)(c)
(c) If a city is served by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission, and if the commission consents, the city may empower the commission by ordinance to administer the ordinance enacted under this section throughout the city, whether or not the area otherwise served by the commission includes all of that city.
Section 66.0301 does not apply to this paragraph.
62.237
62.237
Municipal mortgage housing assistance. 62.237(1)(a)
(a) "Debt service" means the amount due of principal, interest and premium for mortgage revenue bonds or revenue bonds issued under this section.
62.237(1)(b)
(b) "Dwelling" means any structure used or intended to be used for habitation with up to 2 separate units certified for occupancy by the city. "Dwelling" also means any housing cooperative incorporated under
ch. 185.
62.237(1)(c)
(c) "Lending institution" means any private business issuing home mortgages.
62.237(1)(d)
(d) "Municipality" means any city with a population greater than 75,000.
62.237(1)(e)
(e) "Owner-occupied dwelling" means a dwelling in which the owner occupies or will occupy any unit.
62.237(2)(a)(a) The legislative body of any municipality may adopt a resolution, authorizing the municipality to:
62.237(2)(a)1.
1. Issue mortgage loans with an interest rate less than the lowest rate available at lending institutions within the municipality, for the purchase or construction of any owner-occupied dwelling located within an area described in
sub. (3). Financing for rehabilitation or home improvements may be made available as part of these loans.
62.237(2)(a)2.
2. Issue loans to any lending institution within the municipality that agrees to loan the money at designated terms for the purchase, purchase and rehabilitation or construction of any owner-occupied dwelling located within an area described in
sub. (3).
62.237(2)(a)3.
3. Foreclose any mortgage and sell the mortgaged property for collection purposes if the mortgagor defaults on the payment of principal and interest of a loan issued under this section.
62.237(2)(b)
(b) The resolution shall designate each area in which dwellings are eligible for loans.
62.237(2)(c)
(c) No loan may be issued to purchase, purchase and rehabilitate or construct a dwelling that violates applicable provisions of the one- and 2-family dwelling code under
ss. 101.60 to
101.66, or that violates any ordinance the municipality adopts regulating the dwelling. If the dwelling is found to be violating the dwelling code or any ordinance after issuance of the loan, the loan shall default. The municipality may require the full loan to become due or may increase the interest rate to the maximum allowable. The municipality may defer imposing a penalty for up to one year after the violation is found to exist.
62.237(3)
(3) Eligible areas. Owner-occupied dwellings in any area of the municipality are eligible for loans under this section if any 2 of the following conditions exist:
62.237(3)(a)
(a) The median assessed property value of one- and 2-family dwellings in the area is less than or equal to 80% of the median assessed property value of one- and 2-family dwellings in the municipality.
62.237(3)(b)
(b) The median family income of the area is less than or equal to 80% of the median family income of the municipality.
62.237(3)(c)
(c) The proportion of owner-occupied dwellings in the area is less than or equal to 80% of the proportion of owner-occupied dwellings in the municipality.
62.237(3)(d)
(d) The vacancy rate of dwellings in the area is greater than or equal to 120% of the vacancy rate of dwellings in the municipality.
62.237(4)(a)(a) The governing body of any municipality may issue revenue bonds by resolution, to finance low-interest mortgage loans under this section. The resolution shall state the maximum dollar amount of authorized bonds and the purpose for which the municipality may issue the bonds. The resolution shall state the terms, form and content of the bonds. These bonds may be registered under
s. 67.09.
62.237(4)(b)
(b) Debt service is payable solely from revenues received from the loans issued under this section. No mortgage revenue bond or revenue bond issued under this section is a debt of the municipality or a charge against the city's general credit or taxing powers. The municipality shall plainly state the provisions of this paragraph on the face of each mortgage revenue bond or revenue bond.
62.237(4)(c)
(c) The municipality shall use revenues from payment of the principal and interest of loans issued under this section to pay debt service. The municipality shall use any excess revenues to pay other costs accruing from the issuance of the loans. The municipality shall deposit any remaining revenues in a revolving fund of the municipal treasury, to use for additional loans under this section.
62.237(4)(d)
(d) The resolution may authorize appointment of a receiver to collect interest and principal on loans issued under this section for paying debt service, if the municipality defaults on paying debt service.
62.237 History
History: 1979 c. 221;
1983 a. 24,
27,
207;
1999 a. 150 s.
378; Stats. 1999 s. 62.237.
62.25
62.25
Claims and actions. 62.25(1)(1)
Claims. No action may be brought or maintained against a city upon a claim or cause of action unless the claimant complies with
s. 893.80. This subsection does not apply to actions commenced under
s. 19.37,
19.97 or
281.99.
62.25(2)(a)(a) Damages, if any, in an action against a city officer in the officer's official capacity, except the action directly involve the title to the officer's office, shall not be awarded against such officer, but may be awarded against the city.
62.25(2)(b)
(b) In an action to restrain payment by a city for work performed or material furnished, the plaintiff shall give a bond conditioned for payment to the claimant, if the action is finally determined in the claimant's favor, of damages caused by the delay, including expense incurred in the action, and interest. The bond shall be with 2 sureties to be approved by the court, and in an amount fixed by the court and sufficient to cover all probable damages.
62.25(2)(d)
(d) No person shall be ineligible to sit as judge, justice or juror in an action to which the city is a party, by reason of being an inhabitant of the city.
