59.69(10)(a)(a) An ordinance enacted under this section may not prohibit the continuance of the lawful use of any building or premises for any trade or industry for which such building or premises is used at the time that the ordinances take effect, but the alteration of, or addition to, or repair in excess of 50% of its assessed value of any existing building or structure for the purpose of carrying on any prohibited trade or new industry within the district where such buildings or structures are located, may be prohibited. The continuance of the nonconforming use of a temporary structure may be prohibited. If the nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of 12 months, any future use of the building and premises shall conform to the ordinance.
59.69(10)(b)1.1. Except as provided under
subd. 2., the board shall designate an officer to administer the zoning ordinance, who may be the secretary of the zoning agency, a building inspector appointed under
s. 59.698 or other appropriate person.
59.69(10)(b)2.
2. Notwithstanding
subd. 1. and
s. 59.698, in a county with a county zoning agency and a county executive or county administrator, the county executive or county administrator shall appoint and supervise the head of the county zoning agency and the county building inspector, in separate or combined positions. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the board unless the board, by ordinance, elects to waive confirmation or unless the appointment is made under a civil service system competitive examination procedure established under
s. 59.52 (8) or
ch. 63. The board, by resolution or ordinance, may provide that, notwithstanding
s. 17.10 (6), the head of the county zoning agency and the county building inspector, whether serving in a separate or combined position, if appointed under this subdivision, may not be removed from his or her position except for cause.
59.69(10)(b)3.
3. The officer designated under
subd. 1. or
2. shall cause a record to be made immediately after the enactment of an ordinance or amendment thereto, or change in district boundary, approved by the town board, of all lands, premises and buildings in the town used for purposes not conforming to the regulations applicable to the district in which they are situated. The record shall include the legal description of the lands, the nature and extent of the uses therein, and the names and addresses of the owner or occupant or both. Promptly on its completion the record shall be published in the county as a class 1 notice, under
ch. 985. The record, as corrected, shall be on file with the register of deeds 60 days after the last publication and shall be prima facie evidence of the extent and number of nonconforming uses existing on the effective date of the ordinance in the town. Corrections before the filing of the record with the register of deeds may be made on the filing of sworn proof in writing, satisfactory to the officer administering the zoning ordinance.
59.69(10)(c)
(c) The board shall prescribe a procedure for the annual listing of nonconforming uses, discontinued or created, since the previous listing and for all other nonconforming uses. Discontinued and newly created nonconforming uses shall be recorded with the register of deeds immediately after the annual listing.
59.69(10)(d)
(d) Paragraphs (b) and
(c) shall not apply to counties issuing building permits or occupancy permits as a means of enforcing the zoning ordinance or to counties which have provided other procedures for this purpose.
59.69(11)
(11) Procedure for enforcement of county zoning ordinance. The board shall prescribe rules, regulations and administrative procedures, and provide such administrative personnel as it considers necessary for the enforcement of this section, and all ordinances enacted in pursuance thereof. The rules and regulations and the districts, setback building lines and regulations authorized by this section, shall be prescribed by ordinances which shall be declared to be for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety and general welfare. The ordinances shall be enforced by appropriate forfeitures. Compliance with such ordinances may also be enforced by injunctional order at the suit of the county or an owner of real estate within the district affected by the regulation.
59.69(12)
(12) Prior ordinances effective. Nothing in this section shall invalidate any county zoning ordinance enacted under statutes in effect before July 20, 1951.
59.69(13)
(13) Construction of section. The powers granted in this section shall be liberally construed in favor of the county exercising them, and this section shall not be construed to limit or repeal any powers now possessed by a county.
59.69(14)
(14) Limitation of actions. A landowner, occupant or other person who is affected by a county zoning ordinance or amendment, who claims that the ordinance or amendment is invalid because procedures prescribed by the statutes or the ordinance were not followed, shall commence an action within the time provided by
s. 893.73 (1), except this subsection and
s. 893.73 (1) do not apply unless there has been at least one publication of a notice of a zoning hearing in a local newspaper of general circulation and unless there has been held a public hearing on the ordinance or amendment at the time and place specified in the notice.
59.69(15)
(15) Community and other living arrangements. For purposes of this section, the location of a community living arrangement, as defined in
s. 46.03 (22), a foster home, as defined in
s. 48.02 (6), a treatment foster home, as defined in
s. 48.02 (17q), or an adult family home, as defined in
s. 50.01 (1), in any municipality, shall be subject to the following criteria:
59.69(15)(a)
(a) No community living arrangement may be established after March 28, 1978, within 2,500 feet, or any lesser distance established by an ordinance of a municipality, of any other such facility. Agents of a facility may apply for an exception to this requirement, and such exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the municipality. Two community living arrangements may be adjacent if the municipality authorizes that arrangement and if both facilities comprise essential components of a single program.
59.69(15)(b)1.1. Community living arrangements shall be permitted in each municipality without restriction as to the number of facilities, so long as the total capacity of the community living arrangements does not exceed 25 or 1% of the municipality's population, whichever is greater. When the capacity of the community living arrangements in the municipality reaches that total, the municipality may prohibit additional community living arrangements from locating in the municipality. In any municipality, when the capacity of community living arrangements in an aldermanic district in a city or a ward in a village or town reaches 25 or 1% of the population, whichever is greater, of the district or ward, the municipality may prohibit additional community living arrangements from being located within the district or ward. Agents of a facility may apply for an exception to the requirements of this subdivision, and such exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the municipality.
59.69(15)(b)2.
2. No community living arrangement may be established after January 1, 1995, within 2,500 feet, or any lesser distance established by an ordinance of the municipality, of any other such facility. Agents of a facility may apply for an exception to this requirement, and exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the municipality. Two community living arrangements may be adjacent if the municipality authorizes that arrangement and if both facilities comprise essential components of a single program.
59.69(15)(bm)
(bm) A foster home or a treatment foster home that is the primary domicile of a foster parent or treatment foster parent and that is licensed under
s. 48.62 or an adult family home certified under
s. 50.032 (1m) (b) shall be a permitted use in all residential areas and is not subject to
pars. (a) and
(b) except that foster homes and treatment foster homes operated by corporations, child welfare agencies, religious associations, as defined in
s. 157.061 (15), associations or public agencies shall be subject to
pars. (a) and
(b).
59.69(15)(br)1.1. No adult family home described in
s. 50.01 (1) (b) may be established within 2,500 feet, or any lesser distance established by an ordinance of the municipality, of any other adult family home described in
s. 50.01 (1) (b) or any community living arrangement. An agent of an adult family home described in
s. 50.01 (1) (b) may apply for an exception to this requirement, and the exception may be granted at the discretion of the municipality.
59.69(15)(br)2.
2. An adult family home described in
s. 50.01 (1) (b) that meets the criteria specified in
subd. 1. and that is licensed under
s. 50.033 (1m) (b) is permitted in the municipality without restriction as to the number of adult family homes and may locate in any residential zone, without being required to obtain special zoning permission except as provided in
par. (i).
59.69(15)(c)
(c) Where the community living arrangement has capacity for 8 or fewer persons being served by the program, meets the criteria listed in
pars. (a) and
(b), and is licensed, operated or permitted under the authority of the department of health and family services, that facility is entitled to locate in any residential zone, without being required to obtain special zoning permission except as provided in
par. (i).
59.69(15)(d)
(d) Where the community living arrangement has capacity for 9 to 15 persons being served by the program, meets the criteria listed in
pars. (a) and
(b), and is licensed, or operated or permitted under the authority of the department of health and family services, the facility is entitled to locate in any residential area except areas zoned exclusively for single-family or 2-family residences, except as provided in
par. (i), but is entitled to apply for special zoning permission to locate in those areas. The municipality may grant special zoning permission at its discretion and shall make a procedure available to enable such facilities to request such permission.
59.69(15)(e)
(e) Where the community living arrangement has capacity for serving 16 or more persons, meets the criteria listed in
pars. (a) and
(b), and is licensed, operated or permitted under the authority of the department of health and family services, that facility is entitled to apply for special zoning permission to locate in areas zoned for residential use. The municipality may grant special zoning permission at its discretion and shall make a procedure available to enable such facilities to request such permission.
59.69(15)(f)
(f) The department of health and family services shall designate a single subunit within the department to maintain appropriate records indicating the location and the capacity of each community living arrangement, and the information shall be available to the public.
59.69(15)(g)
(g) In this subsection, "special zoning permission" includes, but is not limited to, the following: special exception, special permit, conditional use, zoning variance, conditional permit and words of similar intent.
59.69(15)(h)
(h) The attorney general shall take action, upon the request of the department of health and family services, to enforce compliance with this subsection.
59.69(15)(i)
(i) Not less than 11 months nor more than 13 months after the first licensure of an adult family home under
s. 50.033 or of a community living arrangement and every year thereafter, the common council or village or town board of a municipality in which a licensed adult family home or a community living arrangement is located may make a determination as to the effect of the adult family home or community living arrangement on the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the municipality. The determination shall be made according to the procedures provided under
par. (j). If the common council or village or town board determines that the existence in the municipality of a licensed adult family home or a community living arrangement poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the municipality, the common council or village or town board may order the adult family home or community living arrangement to cease operation unless special zoning permission is obtained. The order is subject to judicial review under
s. 68.13, except that a free copy of the transcript may not be provided to the licensed adult family home or community living arrangement. The licensed adult family home or community living arrangement shall cease operation within 90 days after the date of the order, or the date of final judicial review of the order, or the date of the denial of special zoning permission, whichever is later.
59.69(15)(im)
(im) The fact that an individual with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or a positive test for the presence of HIV, as defined in
s. 252.01 (1m), antigen or nonantigenic products of HIV or an antibody to HIV resides in a community living arrangement with a capacity for 8 or fewer persons may not be used under
par. (i) to assert or prove that the existence of the community living arrangement in the municipality poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the municipality.
59.69(15)(j)
(j) A determination under
par. (i) shall be made after a hearing before the common council or village or town board. The municipality shall provide at least 30 days' notice to the licensed adult family home or the community living arrangement that such a hearing will be held. At the hearing, the licensed adult family home or the community living arrangement may be represented by counsel and may present evidence and call and examine witnesses and cross-examine other witnesses called. The common council or village or town board may call witnesses and may issue subpoenas. All witnesses shall be sworn by the common council, town board or village board. The common council or village or town board shall take notes of the testimony and shall mark and preserve all exhibits. The common council or village or town board may, and upon request of the licensed adult family home or the community living arrangement shall, cause the proceedings to be taken by a stenographer or by a recording device, the expense thereof to be paid by the municipality. Within 20 days after the hearing, the common council or village or town board shall mail or deliver to the licensed adult family home or the community living arrangement its written determination stating the reasons therefor. The determination shall be a final determination.
59.69 History
History: 1971 c. 40 s.
93;
1971 c. 86,
224;
1973 c. 274;
1977 c. 205;
1979 c. 233 ss.
2 to
5,
7 and
8;
1979 c. 323;
1981 c. 341,
354,
374;
1983 a. 192 s.
303 (1);
1983 a. 410;
1983 a. 532 s.
36;
1985 a. 29,
136,
196,
281,
316;
1987 a. 161,
395;
1989 a. 80,
201;
1991 a. 255,
269,
316;
1993 a. 16,
27,
246,
327,
400,
446,
491;
1995 a. 27 ss.
9130 (4),
9126 (19);
1995 a. 201 s.
475; Stats. 1995 s. 59.69;
1995 a. 225 s.
174;
1995 a. 227;
1997 a. 3,
35;
1999 a. 9,
148,
185.
59.69 Annotation
A zoning ordinance may distinguish between foster homes and therapeutic homes for the care of children. Browndale International v. Board of Adjustment,
60 Wis. 2d 182,
208 N.W.2d 121.
59.69 Annotation
A plaintiff is not required to exhaust administrative remedies when his or her claim is that a zoning ordinance is unconstitutional, but may ask for a declaratory judgment. An ordinance classifying land as agricultural when it is unfit for agriculture is unreasonable and amounts to a taking of the land without compensation. Kmiec v. Town of Spider Lake,
60 Wis. 2d 640,
211 N.W.2d 471.
59.69 Annotation
A property owner does not acquire a "vested interest" in the continuance of a nonconforming use, and such status will be denied if the specific use was casual and occasional, or if the use was merely accessory or incidental to the principal use. Walworth County v. Hartwell,
62 Wis. 2d 57,
214 N.W.2d 288.
59.69 Annotation
Under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (5) (c), a county zoning ordinance becomes effective in a town upon approval of the text by the town board and the filing of the approving resolution with the town clerk and not when it merely adopts a zoning map. Racine County v. Alby,
65 Wis. 2d 574,
223 N.W.2d 438.
59.69 Annotation
Zoning ordinances, being in derogation of common law, are to be construed in favor of the free use of private property. Cohen v. Dane Co. Bd. of Adjustment,
74 Wis. 2d 87,
246 N.W.2d 112.
59.69 Annotation
A municipality is not required to show irreparable injury before obtaining an injunction under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (11). County of Columbia v. Bylewski,
94 Wis. 2d 153,
288 N.W.2d 129 (1980).
59.69 Annotation
Under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (9) a county may rezone county-owned land contrary to town zoning laws and without town approval. Town of Ringle v. County of Marathon,
104 Wis. 2d 297,
311 N.W.2d 595 (1981).
59.69 Annotation
For purposes of determining a nonconforming use for a quarry site, all land that contains the mineral and is integral to the operation is included, although a particular portion may not be under actual excavation. Smart v. Dane County Bd. of Adjustment,
177 Wis. 2d 445,
501 N.W.2d 782 (1993).
59.69 Annotation
The power to regulate nonconforming uses includes the power to limit the extension or expansion of the use if it results in a change in the character of the use. Waukesha County v. Pewaukee Marina, Inc.
187 Wis. 2d 18,
522 N.W.2d 536 (Ct. App. 1994).
59.69 Annotation
When a zoning ordinance is changed, a builder may have a vested right, enforceable by mandamus, to build under the previously existing ordinance if the builder has submitted, prior to the change, an application for a permit in strict and complete conformance with the ordinance then in effect. Lake Bluff Housing Partners v. South Milwaukee,
197 Wis. 2d 157,
540 N.W.2d 189 (1995).
59.69 Annotation
Unless the zoning ordinance provides otherwise, a court should measure the sufficiency of a conditional use application at the time that notice of the final public hearing is first given. Weber v. Town of Saukville,
209 Wis. 2d 214,
562 N.W.2d 412 (1997).
59.69 Annotation
A permit issued for a use prohibited by a zoning ordinance is illegal per se. A conditional use permit only allows a property owner to put the property to a use that is expressly permitted as long as conditions have been met. A use begun under an illegal permit cannot be a prior nonconforming use. Foresight, Inc. v. Babl,
211 Wis. 2d 599,
565 N.W.2d 279 (Ct. App. 1997).
59.69 Annotation
A nonconforming use, regardless of its duration, may be prohibited or restricted if it also constitutes a public nuisance or is harmful to public health, safety, or welfare. Town of Delafield v. Sharpley,
212 Wis. 2d 332,
568 N.W.2d 779 (Ct. App. 1997).
59.69 Annotation
A county executive's power to veto ordinances and resolutions extends to rezoning petitions that are in essence proposed amendments to the county zoning ordinance. The veto is subject to limited judicial review. Schmeling v. Phelps,
212 Wis. 2d 898,
569 N.W.2d 784 (Ct. App. 1997).
59.69 Annotation
Sub. (11) does not eliminate the traditional equitable power of a circuit court . It is within the power of the court to deny a county's request for injunctive relief when a zoning ordinance violation is proven. The court should take evidence and weigh equitable considerations including that of the state's citizens. Forest County v. Goode,
219 Wis. 2d 655,
579 N.W.2d 715 (1998).
59.69 Annotation
Construction in violation of zoning regulations, even when authorized by a voluntarily issued permit, is unlawful. Lake Bluff Housing Partners v. City of South Milwaukee,
222 Wis. 2d 222,
588 N.W.2d 45 (Ct. App. 1998).
59.69 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.
59.69 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 was an appropriate remedy. Bettendorf v. St. Croix County Board of Adjustment,
224 Wis. 2d 735,
591 N.W.2d 916 (Ct. App.1999).
59.69 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).
59.69 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, Inc. v. City of Platteville,
225 Wis. 2d 759,
593 N.W.2d 84 (Ct. App. 1999).
59.69 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. 2000 WI 56,
235 Wis. 2d 409,
611 N.W.2d 693.
59.69 Annotation
The fact that a county is within a regional planning commission does not affect county zoning power. 61 Atty. Gen. 220.
59.69 Annotation
The authority of a county to regulate mobile homes under this section and other zoning questions are discussed. 62 Atty. Gen. 292.
59.69 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.
59.69 Annotation
Under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (5) (c), town board approval of a comprehensive county zoning ordinance must extend to the ordinance in its entirety and may not extend only to parts of the ordinance. 63 Atty. Gen. 199.
59.69 Annotation
A county that has enacted a countywide comprehensive zoning ordinance under this section may not authorize the withdrawal of town approval of the ordinance or exclude any town from the ordinance. 67 Atty. Gen. 197.
59.69 Annotation
The effect of s. 91.73 (4) on procedures to amend county comprehensive zoning ordinances under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (5) (e) is discussed. 67 Atty. Gen. 290.
59.69 Annotation
The office of county planning and zoning commission member is incompatible with the position of executive director of the county housing authority.
81 Atty. Gen. 90.
59.69 Annotation
An amendment to a county zoning ordinance adding a new zoning district does not necessarily constitute a comprehensive revision requiring town board approval of the entire ordinance under s. 59.97 [now s. 59.69] (5) (d).
81 Atty. Gen. 98.
59.69 Annotation
A county's power under sub. (4) is broad enough to encompass regulation of the storage of junked, unused, unlicensed, or abandoned motor vehicles on private property. Because sub. (10) protects "trade or industry," a county zoning ordinance could prohibit an existing non-commercial, nonconforming use or a use that is "casual and occasional."
OAG 2-00.
59.69 Annotation
Architectural Appearances Ordinances and the 1st Amendment. Rice. 76 MLR 439 (1992).
59.692
59.692
Zoning of shorelands on navigable waters. 59.692(1)(a)
(a) "Department" means the department of natural resources.
59.692(1)(b)
(b) "Shorelands" means the area within the following distances from the ordinary high-water mark of navigable waters, as defined under
s. 281.31 (2) (d):
59.692(1)(b)1.
1. One thousand feet from a lake, pond or flowage. If the navigable water is a glacial pothole lake, this distance shall be measured from the high-water mark of the lake.
59.692(1)(b)2.
2. Three hundred feet from a river or stream or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater.
59.692(1)(bn)
(bn) "Shoreland setback area" means an area in a shoreland that is within a certain distance of the ordinary high-water mark in which the construction or placement of buildings or structures has been limited or prohibited under an ordinance enacted under this section.
59.692(1)(c)
(c) "Shoreland zoning standard" means a standard for ordinances enacted under this section that is promulgated as a rule by the department.
59.692(1m)
(1m) To effect the purposes of
s. 281.31 and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, each county shall zone by ordinance all shorelands in its unincorporated area. This ordinance may be enacted separately from ordinances enacted under
s. 59.69.
59.692(1r)
(1r) An ordinance enacted under this section may not prohibit the maintenance of stairs, platforms or decks that were constructed before August 15, 1991, and that are located in any of the following shorelands:
59.692(1r)(a)
(a) The shoreland of Lake Wissota in Chippewa County.
59.692(1r)(b)
(b) The shorelands of Lake Holcombe in Chippewa and Rusk counties.
59.692(1s)(a)(a) Restrictions that are applicable to damaged or destroyed nonconforming structures and that are contained in an ordinance enacted under this section may not prohibit the restoration of a nonconforming structure if the structure will be restored to the size, subject to
par. (b), location and use that it had immediately before the damage or destruction occurred or impose any limits on the costs of the repair, reconstruction or improvement if all of the following apply:
59.692(1s)(a)1.
1. The nonconforming structure was damaged or destroyed after October 14, 1997.
59.692(1s)(a)2.
2. The damage or destruction was caused by violent wind, vandalism, fire or a flood.
59.692(1s)(b)
(b) An ordinance enacted under this section to which
par. (a) applies shall allow for the size of a structure to be larger than the size it was immediately before the damage or destruction if necessary for the structure to comply with applicable state or federal requirements.
59.692(1t)
(1t) A county or the department may not commence an enforcement action against a person who owns a building or structure that is in violation of a shoreland zoning standard or an ordinance enacted under this section if the building or structure has been in place for more than 10 years.
59.692(1v)
(1v) A county shall grant special zoning permission for the construction or placement of a structure on property in a shoreland setback area if all of the following apply:
59.692(1v)(a)
(a) The part of the structure that is nearest to the water is located at least 35 feet landward from the ordinary high-water mark.
59.692(1v)(b)
(b) The total floor area of all of the structures in the shoreland setback area of the property will not exceed 200 square feet. In calculating this square footage, boathouses shall be excluded.
59.692(1v)(c)
(c) The structure that is the subject of the request for special zoning permission has no sides or has open or screened sides.
59.692(1v)(d)
(d) The county must approve a plan that will be implemented by the owner of the property to preserve or establish a vegetative buffer zone that covers at least 70% of the half of the shoreland setback area that is nearest to the water.
59.692(2)(a)(a) Except as otherwise specified, all provisions of
s. 59.69 apply to ordinances and their amendments enacted under this section whether or not enacted separately from ordinances enacted under
s. 59.69, but the ordinances and amendments shall not require approval or be subject to disapproval by any town or town board.
