Chapter 62

62.23 62.23 City planning.

62.23(1) (1) Commission.

62.23(1)(a) (a) The council of any city may by ordinance create a “City Plan Commission,” to consist of 7 members. The commission shall also include, as a nonvoting member, a representative from a military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in the city, if the base’s or installation’s commanding officer appoints such a representative. All members of the commission, other than the representative appointed by the commanding officer of a military base or installation, shall be appointed by the mayor, who shall also choose the presiding officer. The mayor may appoint himself or herself to the commission and may appoint other city elected or appointed officials, except that the commission shall always have at least 3 citizen members who are not city officials. Citizen members shall be persons of recognized experience and qualifications. The council may by ordinance provide that the membership of the commission shall be as provided thereunder.

62.23(1)(d) (d) The members of the commission shall be appointed to hold office for a period of 3 years. Appointments shall be made by the mayor during the month of April for terms that expire in April or at any other time if a vacancy occurs during the middle of a term.

62.23(1)(e) (e) The city plan commission shall have power and authority to employ experts and a staff, and to pay for their services and such other expenses as may be necessary and proper, not exceeding, in all, the appropriation that may be made for such commission by the legislative body, or placed at its disposal through gift, and subject to any ordinance or resolution enacted by the governing body.

62.23(1)(f) (f) Any city may by ordinance increase the number of members of the city plan commission so as to provide that the building commissioner or building inspector shall serve as a member thereof.

62.23(2) (2) Functions. Except as provided under sub. (7a) (am), it shall be the function and duty of the commission to make and adopt a master plan for the physical development of the city, including any areas outside of its boundaries that in the commission’s judgment bear relation to the development of the city provided, however, that in any county where a regional planning department has been established, areas outside the boundaries of a city may not be included in the master plan without the consent of the county board of supervisors. The master plan, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive and explanatory matter, shall show the commission’s recommendations for such physical development, and shall, as described in sub. (3) (b), contain at least the elements described in s. 66.1001 (2). The commission may from time to time amend, extend, or add to the master plan or carry any part or subject matter into greater detail. The commission may adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record shall be a public record.

62.23(3) (3) The master plan.

62.23(3)(a) (a) The master plan shall be made with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the municipality which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity or the general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development.

62.23(3)(b) (b) The commission may adopt the master plan as a whole by a single resolution, or, as the work of making the whole master plan progresses, may from time to time by resolution adopt a part or parts of a master plan. Beginning on January 1, 2010, or, if the city is exempt under s. 66.1001 (3m), the date under s. 66.1001 (3m) (b), if the city engages in any program or action described in s. 66.1001 (3), the master plan shall contain at least all of the elements specified in s. 66.1001 (2). The adoption of the plan or any part, amendment, or addition, shall be by resolution carried by the affirmative votes of not less than a majority of all the members of the city plan commission. The resolution shall refer expressly to the elements under s. 66.1001 and other matters intended by the commission to form the whole or any part of the plan, and the action taken shall be recorded on the adopted plan or part of the plan by the identifying signature of the secretary of the commission, and a copy of the plan or part of the plan shall be certified to the common council, and also to the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of any military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city. The purpose and effect of the adoption and certifying of the master plan or part of the plan shall be solely to aid the city plan commission and the council in the performance of their duties.

62.23(4) (4) Miscellaneous powers of the commission. The commission may make reports and recommendations relating to the plan and development of the city to public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional and other organizations, and citizens. It may recommend to the mayor or council, programs for public improvements and the financing thereof. All public officials shall, upon request, furnish to the commission, within a reasonable time, such available information as it may require for its work. The commission, its members and employees, in the performance of its functions, may enter upon any land, make examinations and surveys, and place and maintain necessary monuments and marks thereon. In general, the commission shall have such powers as may be necessary to enable it to perform its functions and promote municipal planning.

62.23(5) (5) Matters referred to city plan commission. The council, or other public body or officer of the city having final authority thereon, shall refer to the city plan commission, for its consideration and report before final action is taken by the council, public body or officer, the following matters: The location and architectural design of any public building; the location of any statue or other memorial; the location, acceptance, extension, alteration, vacation, abandonment, change of use, sale, acquisition of land for or lease of land for any street, alley or other public way, park, playground, airport, area for parking vehicles, or other memorial or public grounds; the location, extension, abandonment or authorization for any public utility whether publicly or privately owned; all plats of lands in the city or within the territory over which the city is given platting jurisdiction by ch. 236; the location, character and extent or acquisition, leasing or sale of lands for public or semipublic housing, slum clearance, relief of congestion, or vacation camps for children; and the amendment or repeal of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. Unless such report is made within 30 days, or such longer period as may be stipulated by the common council, the council or other public body or officer, may take final action without it.

62.23(6) (6) Official map.

62.23(6)(a) (a) As used in this subsection, “waterways” includes rivers, streams, creeks, ditches, drainage channels, watercourses, lakes, bays, ponds, impoundment reservoirs, retention and detention basins, marshes and other surface water areas, regardless of whether the areas are natural or artificial.

62.23(6)(am) (am)

62.23(6)(am)1. 1. In this paragraph:

62.23(6)(am)1.a. a. “Airport” means an airport as defined under s. 114.002 (7) which is owned or operated by a county, city, village or town either singly or jointly with one or more counties, cities, villages or towns.

62.23(6)(am)1.b. b. “Airport affected area” means the area established by an agreement under s. 66.1009. If a county, city, village or town has not established such an agreement, “airport affected area” in that county, city, village or town means the area located within 3 miles of the boundaries of an airport.

62.23(6)(am)2. 2. If the council of any city which is not located in whole or in part in a county with a population of 750,000 or more has established an official map under par. (b), the map shall show the location of any part of an airport located within the area subject to zoning by the city and any part of an airport affected area located within the area subject to zoning by the city.

62.23(6)(b) (b) The council of any city may by ordinance or resolution establish an official map of the city or any part thereof showing the streets, highways, historic districts, parkways, parks and playgrounds laid out, adopted and established by law. The city may also include the location of railroad rights-of-way, waterways and public transit facilities on its map. A city may include a waterway on its map only if the waterway is included in a comprehensive surface water drainage plan. The map is conclusive with respect to the location and width of streets, highways, waterways and parkways, and the location and extent of railroad rights-of-way, public transit facilities, parks and playgrounds shown on the map. The official map is declared to be established to conserve and promote the public health, safety, convenience or general welfare. The ordinance or resolution shall require the city clerk at once to record with the register of deeds of the county or counties in which the city is situated a certificate showing that the city has established an official map. An ordinance or resolution establishing any part of an official map enacted prior to June 16, 1965, which would be valid under this paragraph is hereby validated.

62.23(6)(c) (c) The city council may amend the official map of the city so as to establish the exterior lines of planned new streets, highways, historic districts, parkways, railroad rights-of-way, public transit facilities, waterways, parks or playgrounds, or to widen, narrow, extend or close existing streets, highways, historic districts, parkways, railroad rights-of-way, public transit facilities, waterways, parks or playgrounds. No such change may become effective until after a public hearing concerning the proposed change before the city council or a committee appointed by the city council from its members, at which parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard. Notice of the public hearing shall be published as a class 2 notice under ch. 985. Before amending the map, the council shall refer the matter to the city plan commission for report, but if the city plan commission does not make its report within 60 days of reference, it forfeits the right to further suspend action. When adopted, amendments become a part of the official map of the city, and are conclusive with respect to the location and width of the streets, highways, historic districts, waterways and parkways and the location and extent of railroad rights-of-way, public transit facilities, parks and playgrounds shown on the map. The placing of any street, highway, waterway, parkway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility, park or playground line or lines upon the official map does not constitute the opening or establishment of any street, parkway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility, park or playground or alteration of any waterway, or the taking or acceptance of any land for these purposes.

62.23(6)(d) (d) The locating, widening or closing, or the approval of the locating, widening or closing of streets, highways, waterways, parkways, railroad rights-of-way, public transit facilities, parks or playgrounds by the city under provisions of law other than this section shall be deemed to amend the official map, and are subject to this section, except that changes or additions made by a subdivision plat approved by the city under ch. 236 do not require the public hearing specified in par. (c) if the changes or additions do not affect any land outside the platted area.

62.23(6)(e) (e) No permit may be issued to construct or enlarge any building within the limits of any street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway, shown or laid out on the map except as provided in this section. The street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway system shown on the official map may be shown on the official map as extending beyond the boundaries of a city or village a distance equal to that within which the approval of land subdivision plats by the city council or village board is required as provided by s. 236.10 (1) (b) 2. Any person desiring to construct or enlarge a building within the limits of a street, highway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway so shown as extended may apply to the authorized official of the city or village for a building permit. Any person desiring to construct or enlarge a building within the limits of a street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway shown on the official map within the incorporated limits of the municipality shall apply to the authorized official of the city or village for a building permit. Unless an application is made, and the building permit granted or not denied within 30 days, the person is not entitled to compensation for damage to the building in the course of construction of the street, highway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway shown on the official map. Unless an application is made, and the building permit granted or not denied within 30 days, the person is not entitled to compensation for damage to the building in the course of construction or alteration of the waterway shown on the official map within the incorporated limits of the municipality. If the land within the mapped street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway is not yielding a fair return, the board of appeals in any municipality which has established such a board having power to make variances or exceptions in zoning regulations may, by the vote of a majority of its members, grant a permit for a building or addition in the path of the street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway, which will as little as practicable increase the cost of opening the street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway or tend to cause a change of the official map. The board may impose reasonable requirements as a condition of granting the permit to promote the health, convenience, safety or general welfare of the community. The board shall refuse a permit where the applicant will not be substantially affected by not constructing the addition or by placing the building outside the mapped street, highway, waterway, railroad right-of-way, public transit facility or parkway.

62.23(6)(f) (f) In any city in which there is no such board of appeals, the city council shall have the same powers and shall be subject to the same restrictions. For this purpose such council is authorized to act as a discretionary administrative or quasi-judicial body. When so acting it shall not sit as a legislative body but in a separate meeting and with separate minutes kept.

62.23(6)(g) (g) Before taking any action authorized in this subsection, the board of appeals or city council shall hold a hearing at which parties in interest and others shall have an opportunity to be heard. At least 15 days before the hearing notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published as a class 1 notice, under ch. 985. Any decision under this paragraph shall be subject to review by certiorari pursuant to sub. (7) (e) 10. a., except that if the decision is on an application for an approval, as defined in s. 781.10 (1) (a), the decision shall be subject to review under the procedures contained in s. 781.10.

62.23(6)(h) (h) In any city that has established an official map, no public sewer or other municipal street utility or improvement may be constructed in any street, highway, or parkway until the street, highway, or parkway is placed on the official map. No permit for the erection of any building may be issued unless a street, highway, or parkway giving access to the proposed structure has been placed on the official map. Where the enforcement of the provisions of this section would entail practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, and where the circumstances of the case do not require the structure to be related to existing or proposed streets, highways, or parkways, the applicant for a permit may appeal from the decision of the administrative officer having charge of the issue of permits to the board of appeals in any city that has established a board having power to make variances or exceptions in zoning regulations, and the same provisions are applied to appeals under this paragraph and to boards as are provided in cases of appeals on zoning regulations. The board may in passing on an appeal under this paragraph make any reasonable exception, and issue the permit subject to conditions that will protect any future street, highway, or parkway layout. Any decision under this paragraph shall be subject to review by certiorari pursuant to sub. (7) (e) 10. a., except that if the decision is on an application for an approval, as defined in s. 781.10 (1) (a), the decision shall be subject to review under the procedures contained in s. 781.10. In any city in which there is no board of appeals the city council shall have the same powers and be subject to the same restrictions, and the same method of court review shall be available. For purpose of appeal under this paragraph, the council is authorized to act as a discretionary administrative or quasi-judicial body. When so acting it shall not sit as a legislative body, but in a separate meeting and with separate minutes kept.

62.23(6)(i) (i) In those counties where the county maintains and operates parks, parkways, playgrounds, bathing beaches and other recreational facilities within the limits of any city, such city shall not include said facilities in the master plan without the approval of the county board of supervisors.

62.23(7) (7) Zoning.

62.23(7)(ab) (ab) Definition. In this subsection “nonconforming use” means a use of land, a dwelling, or a building that existed lawfully before the current zoning ordinance was enacted or amended, but that does not conform with the use restrictions in the current ordinance.

62.23(7)(am) (am) Grant of power. For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals or the general welfare of the community, the council may regulate and restrict by ordinance, subject to par. (hm), the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, subject to s. 66.10015 (3) the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, mining, residence or other purposes if there is no discrimination against temporary structures. This subsection and any ordinance, resolution or regulation enacted or adopted under this section, shall be liberally construed in favor of the city and as minimum requirements adopted for the purposes stated. This subsection may not be deemed a limitation of any power granted elsewhere.

62.23(7)(b) (b) Districts. For any and all of said purposes the council may divide the city into districts of such number, shape, and area as may be deemed best suited to carry out the purposes of this section; and within such districts it may regulate and restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use of buildings, structures or land. All such regulations shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings and for the use of land throughout each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts. No ordinance enacted or regulation adopted under this subsection may prohibit forestry operations that are in accordance with generally accepted forestry management practices, as defined under s. 823.075 (1) (d). The council may establish mixed-use districts that contain any combination of uses, such as industrial, commercial, public, or residential uses, in a compact urban form. The council may with the consent of the owners establish special districts, to be called planned development districts, with regulations in each, which in addition to those provided in par. (c), will over a period of time tend to promote the maximum benefit from coordinated area site planning and diversified location of structures and which may have mixed compatible uses. Such regulations shall provide for a safe and efficient system for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, attractive recreation and landscaped open spaces, economic design and location of public and private utilities and community facilities and ensure adequate standards of construction and planning. Such regulations may also provide for the development of the land in such districts with one or more principal structures and related accessory uses, and in planned development districts and mixed-use districts the regulations need not be uniform.

62.23(7)(c) (c) Purposes in view. Such regulations shall be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan and designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air, including access to sunlight for solar collectors and to wind for wind energy systems; to encourage the protection of groundwater resources; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements; and to preserve burial sites, as defined in s. 157.70 (1) (b). Such regulations shall be made with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout such city.

62.23(7)(d) (d) Method of procedure.

62.23(7)(d)1. 1.

62.23(7)(d)1.a. a. Upon the request of the city council, the city plan commission, the board of public land commissioners, or if the city has neither, the city plan committee of the city council shall prepare and recommend a district plan and regulations for the city. Following the formulation of tentative recommendations a public hearing shall be held by, at the council’s option, the council, the plan commission, the board of public land commissioners or the plan committee. The entity holding the hearing shall consider any comments made, or submitted, by the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of a military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city. At least 10 days’ prior written notice of any such hearings shall be given to the clerk of any municipality whose boundaries are within 1,000 feet of any lands included in the proposed plan and regulations, and to the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of any military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city, but failure to give such notice shall not invalidate such district plan or regulations. Publication of a class 2 notice, under ch. 985, of the tentative recommendations and hearings thereon must be made once during each of the 2 weeks prior to such hearing. If the proposed district plan and regulations have the effect of changing the allowable use of any property within the city, the notice shall include either a map showing the property affected by the plan and regulations or a description of the property affected by the plan and regulations and a statement that a map may be obtained from the city council.

62.23(7)(d)1.b. b. The council may make changes in the tentative recommendations after first submitting the proposed changes to the plan commission, board of public land commissioners or plan committee for recommendation and report and after publishing a class 2 notice, under ch. 985, of the proposed changes and hearings thereon as well as the notice to the clerk of any contiguous municipality and to the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of any military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city, as required in subd. 1. a. Hearings on the proposed changes may be held by, at the council’s option, the council, the plan commission, the board of public land commissioners or the plan committee. The entity holding the hearing shall consider any comments made, or submitted, by the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of a military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city. If the proposed changes to the proposed district plan and regulations have the effect of changing the allowable use of any property within the city, the notice shall include either a map showing the property affected by the changes or a description of the property affected by the changes and a statement that a map may be obtained from the city council.

62.23(7)(d)2. 2. The council may adopt amendments to an existing zoning ordinance after first submitting the proposed amendments to the city plan commission, board of public land commissioners or plan committee for recommendation and report and after providing the notices as required in subd. 1. b. of the proposed amendments and hearings thereon. In any city which is not located in whole or in part in a county with a population of 750,000 or more, if the proposed amendments would make any change in an airport affected area, as defined in sub. (6) (am) 1. b., the council shall mail a copy of such notice to the owner or operator of the airport bordered by the airport affected area. A hearing shall be held on the proposed amendments by, at the council’s option, the council, the plan commission, the board of public land commissioners or the plan committee. The entity holding the hearing shall consider any comments made, or submitted, by the commanding officer, or the officer’s designee, of a military base or installation, with at least 200 assigned military personnel or that contains at least 2,000 acres, that is located in or near the city. If the proposed amendments have the effect of changing the allowable use of any property within the city, the notice shall include either a map showing the property affected by the amendments or a description of the property affected by the amendments and a statement that a map may be obtained from the city council. If the council does not receive recommendations and a report from the plan commission, board of public land commissioners or plan committee within 60 days of submitting the proposed amendments, the council may hold hearings without first receiving the recommendations and report.

62.23(7)(d)2m. 2m. In any city which is not located in whole or in part in a county with a population of 750,000 or more, if a proposed amendment under subd. 2. would make any change in an airport affected area, as defined under sub. (6) (am) 1. b. and the owner or operator of the airport bordered by the airport affected area protests against the amendment, the amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of two-thirds of the members of the council voting on the proposed change.

62.23(7)(d)3. 3. The council may repeal or repeal and reenact the entire district plan and all zoning regulations in accordance with subd. 1. The council may repeal or repeal and reenact a part or parts of the district plan and regulations in accordance with subds. 2. and 2m.

62.23(7)(d)4. 4. The city council shall maintain a list of persons who submit a written or electronic request to receive notice of any proposed zoning action that may be taken under subd. 1. a. or b. or 2. that affects the allowable use of the person’s property. Annually, the city council shall inform residents of the city that they may add their names to the list. The city council may satisfy this requirement to provide such information by any of the following means: publishing a 1st class notice under ch. 985; publishing on the city’s Internet site; 1st class mail; or including the information in a mailing that is sent to all property owners. If the plan commission, the board of public land commissioners, or city plan committee of the city council completes action on any tentative recommendations that are noticed under subd. 1. a., proposed changes to a proposed district plan and regulations that are submitted under subd. 1. b., or proposed amendments that are submitted under subd. 2., and the city council is prepared to vote on the tentative recommendations, proposed changes to a proposed district plan, and regulations or proposed amendments, the city council shall send a notice, which contains a copy or summary of the tentative recommendations, proposed changes to a proposed district plan, and regulations or proposed amendments, to each person on the list whose property, the allowable use of which, may be affected by the tentative recommendations or proposed changes or amendments. The notice shall be by mail or in any reasonable form that is agreed to by the person and the city council, including electronic mail, voice mail, or text message. The city council may charge each person on the list who receives a notice by 1st class mail a fee that does not exceed the approximate cost of providing the notice to the person. An ordinance or amendment that is subject to this subdivision may take effect even if the city council fails to send the notice that is required by this subdivision.

62.23(7)(da) (da) Interim zoning. The common council of any city which has not adopted a zoning ordinance may, without referring the matter to the plan commission, enact an interim zoning ordinance to preserve existing uses while the comprehensive zoning plan is being prepared. Such ordinance may be enacted as is an ordinary ordinance but shall be effective for no longer than 2 years after its enactment.

62.23(7)(de) (de) Conditional use permits.

62.23(7)(de)1. 1. In this paragraph:

62.23(7)(de)1.a. a. “Conditional use” means a use allowed under a conditional use permit, special exception, or other special zoning permission issued by a city, but does not include a variance.

62.23(7)(de)1.b. b. “Substantial evidence” means facts and information, other than merely personal preferences or speculation, directly pertaining to the requirements and conditions an applicant must meet to obtain a conditional use permit and that reasonable persons would accept in support of a conclusion.

62.23(7)(de)2. 2.

62.23(7)(de)2.a. a. If an applicant for a conditional use permit meets or agrees to meet all of the requirements and conditions specified in the city ordinance or those imposed by the city zoning board, the city shall grant the conditional use permit. Any condition imposed must be related to the purpose of the ordinance and be based on substantial evidence.

62.23(7)(de)2.b. b. The requirements and conditions described under subd. 2. a. must be reasonable and, to the extent practicable, measurable and may include conditions such as the permit’s duration, transfer, or renewal. The applicant must demonstrate that the application and all requirements and conditions established by the city relating to the conditional use are or shall be satisfied, both of which must be supported by substantial evidence. The city’s decision to approve or deny the permit must be supported by substantial evidence.

62.23(7)(de)3. 3. Upon receipt of a conditional use permit application, and following publication in the city of a class 2 notice under ch. 985, the city shall hold a public hearing on the application.

62.23(7)(de)4. 4. Once granted, a conditional use permit shall remain in effect as long as the conditions upon which the permit was issued are followed, but the city may impose conditions such as the permit’s duration, transfer, or renewal, in addition to any other conditions specified in the zoning ordinance or by the city zoning board.

62.23(7)(de)5. 5. If a city denies a person’s conditional use permit application, the person may appeal the decision to the circuit court under the procedures contained in par. (e) 10. a., or if the decision is on an application for an approval, as defined in s. 781.10 (1) (a), under the procedures described in par. (e) 10. b.

62.23(7)(e) (e) Board of appeals.

62.23(7)(e)1. 1. The council which enacts zoning regulations pursuant to this section shall by ordinance provide for the appointment of a board of appeals, and shall provide in such regulations that said board of appeals may, in appropriate cases and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards, make special exceptions to the terms of the ordinance in harmony with its general purpose and intent and in accordance with general or specific rules therein contained. Nothing in this subdivision shall preclude the granting of special exceptions by the city plan commission or the common council in accordance with the zoning regulations adopted pursuant to this section which were in effect on July 7, 1973 or adopted after that date.

62.23(7)(e)2. 2. The board of appeals shall consist of 5 members appointed by the mayor subject to confirmation of the common council for terms of 3 years, except that of those first appointed one shall serve for one year, 2 for 2 years and 2 for 3 years. The members of the board shall serve at such compensation to be fixed by ordinance, and shall be removable by the mayor for cause upon written charges and after public hearing. The mayor shall designate one of the members as chairperson. The board may employ a secretary and other employees. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms of members whose terms become vacant. The mayor shall appoint, for staggered terms of 3 years, 2 alternate members of such board, in addition to the 5 members above provided for. Annually, the mayor shall designate one of the alternate members as 1st alternate and the other as 2nd alternate. The 1st alternate shall act, with full power, only when a member of the board refuses to vote because of interest or when a member is absent. The 2nd alternate shall so act only when the 1st alternate so refuses or is absent or when more than one member of the board so refuses or is absent. The above provisions, with regard to removal and the filling of vacancies, shall apply to such alternates.

62.23(7)(e)3. 3. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section. Meetings of the board shall be held at the call of the chairperson and at such other times as the board may determine. The chairperson, or in the chairperson’s absence, the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. All meetings of the board shall be open to the public. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the board and shall be a public record.

62.23(7)(e)3m. 3m. If a quorum is present, the board of appeals may take action under this subsection by a majority vote of the members present.

62.23(7)(e)4. 4. Appeals to the board of appeals may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the city affected by any decision of the administrative officer. Such appeal shall be taken within a reasonable time, as provided by the rules of the board, by filing with the officer from whom the appeal is taken and with the board of appeals a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The officer from whom the appeal is taken shall forthwith transmit to the board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken.

62.23(7)(e)5. 5. An appeal shall stay all legal proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from, unless the officer from whom the appeal is taken certifies to the board of appeals after the notice of appeal shall have been filed with the officer, that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would, in the officer’s opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order which may be granted by the board of appeals or by a court of record on application, on notice to the officer from whom the appeal is taken, and on due cause shown.

62.23(7)(e)6. 6. The board of appeals shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of the appeal or other matter referred to it, and give public notice thereof, as well as due notice to the parties in interest, and decide the same within a reasonable time. Upon the hearing any party may appear in person or by agent or by attorney. In any action involving a listed property, as defined in s. 44.31 (4), the board shall consider any suggested alternatives or recommended decision submitted by the landmarks commission or the planning commission.

62.23(7)(e)7. 7.

62.23(7)(e)7.a. a. In this subdivision, “area variance” means a modification to a dimensional, physical, or locational requirement such as a setback, frontage, height, bulk, or density restriction for a structure that is granted by the board of appeals under this paragraph. In this subdivision, “use variance” means an authorization by the board of appeals under this paragraph for the use of land for a purpose that is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by the applicable zoning ordinance.

62.23(7)(e)7.b. b. The board of appeals shall have the following powers: To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of this section or of any ordinance adopted pursuant thereto; to hear and decide special exception to the terms of the ordinance upon which such board is required to pass under such ordinance; to authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, and substantial justice done.

62.23(7)(e)7.c. c. The board may permit in appropriate cases, and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance, a building or premises to be erected or used for such public utility purposes in any location which is reasonably necessary for the public convenience and welfare.

62.23(7)(e)7.d. d. A property owner bears the burden of proving “unnecessary hardship,” as that term is used in this subdivision, for an area variance, by demonstrating that strict compliance with a zoning ordinance would unreasonably prevent the property owner from using the property owner’s property for a permitted purpose or would render conformity with the zoning ordinance unnecessarily burdensome or, for a use variance, by demonstrating that strict compliance with a zoning ordinance would leave the property owner with no reasonable use of the property in the absence of a variance. In all circumstances, a property owner bears the burden of proving that the unnecessary hardship is based on conditions unique to the property, rather than considerations personal to the property owner, and that the unnecessary hardship was not created by the property owner.

62.23(7)(e)7.e. e. The council of a city may enact an ordinance specifying an expiration date for a variance granted under this subdivision if that date relates to a specific date by which the action authorized by the variance must be commenced or completed. If no such ordinance is in effect at the time a variance is granted, or if the board of appeals does not specify an expiration date for the variance, a variance granted under this subdivision does not expire unless, at the time it is granted, the board of appeals specifies in the variance a specific date by which the action authorized by the variance must be commenced or completed. An ordinance enacted after April 5, 2012, may not specify an expiration date for a variance that was granted before April 5, 2012.

62.23(7)(e)7.f. f. A variance granted under this subdivision runs with the land.

62.23(7)(e)8. 8. In exercising the above mentioned powers such board may, in conformity with the provisions of such section, reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from, and may make such order, requirement, decision or determination as ought to be made, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken, and may issue or direct the issue of a permit.

62.23(7)(e)10. 10.

62.23(7)(e)10.a. a. Any person or persons, jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the board of appeals, or any taxpayer, or any officer, department, board or bureau of the municipality, may, within 30 days after the filing of the decision in the office of the board of appeals, commence an action seeking the remedy available by certiorari. The court shall not stay proceedings upon the decision appealed from, but may, on application, on notice to the board of appeals and on due cause shown, grant a restraining order. The board of appeals shall not be required to return the original papers acted upon by it, but it shall be sufficient to return certified or sworn copies thereof. If necessary for the proper disposition of the matter, the court may take evidence, or appoint a referee to take evidence and report findings of fact and conclusions of law as it directs, which shall constitute a part of the proceedings upon which the determination of the court shall be made. The court may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify, the decision brought up for review.

62.23(7)(e)10.b. b. Notwithstanding subd. 10. a., a decision of the board of appeals on an application for an approval, as defined in s. 781.10 (1) (a), is subject to review under the procedures contained in s. 781.10.

62.23(7)(e)14. 14. Costs shall not be allowed against the board unless it shall appear to the court that the board acted with gross negligence or in bad faith, or with malice, in making the decision appealed from.

62.23(7)(e)15. 15. All issues in any proceedings under this section shall have preference over all other civil actions and proceedings.

62.23(7)(ea) (ea) Filing fees. The common council may by ordinance or resolution establish reasonable fees for the filing of a petition for amendment of the zoning ordinance or official map, or for filing an appeal to the board of appeals.

62.23(7)(em) (em) Historic preservation.

62.23(7)(em)1. 1. Subject to subds. 2. and 2m., a city, as an exercise of its zoning and police powers for the purpose of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community and of the state, may regulate by ordinance, or if a city contains any property that is listed on the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places shall, not later than 1995, enact an ordinance to regulate, any place, structure or object with a special character, historic, archaeological or aesthetic interest, or other significant value, for the purpose of preserving the place, structure or object and its significant characteristics. Subject to subds. 2., 2m., and 3., a city may create a landmarks commission to designate historic or archaeological landmarks and establish historic districts. Subject to subds. 2. and 2m., the city may regulate, or if the city contains any property that is listed on the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places shall regulate, all historic or archaeological landmarks and all property within each historic district to preserve the historic or archaeological landmarks and property within the district and the character of the district.

62.23(7)(em)2. 2. Before the city designates a historic landmark or establishes a historic district, the city shall hold a public hearing. If the city proposes to designate a place, structure, or object as a historic landmark or establish a historic district that includes a place, structure, or object, the city shall, by 1st class mail, notify the owner of the place, structure, or object of the determination and of the time and place of the public hearing on the determination.

62.23(7)(em)2m. 2m. In the repair or replacement of a property that is designated as a historic landmark or included within a historic district or neighborhood conservation district under this paragraph, a city shall allow an owner to use materials that are similar in design, color, scale, architectural appearance, and other visual qualities.

62.23(7)(em)3. 3. An owner of property that is affected by a decision of a city landmarks commission may appeal the decision to the common council. The common council may overturn a decision of the commission by a majority vote of the common council.

62.23(7)(f) (f) Enforcement and remedies.

62.23(7)(f)1. 1. The council may provide by ordinance for the enforcement of this section and of any ordinance or regulation made thereunder. In case of a violation of this section or of such ordinance or regulation such council may provide for the punishment by fine and by imprisonment for failure to pay such fine. It is also empowered to provide civil penalties for such violation.

62.23(7)(f)2. 2. In case any building or structure is or is proposed to be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted or maintained, or any building, structure or land is or is proposed to be used in violation of this section or of any ordinance or other regulation made under authority conferred hereby, the proper authorities of the city, or any adjacent or neighboring property owner who would be specially damaged by such violation may, in addition to other remedies, institute appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, maintenance or use; to restrain, correct or abate such violation; to prevent the occupancy of said building, structure or land; or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.

62.23(7)(g) (g) Conflict with other laws. Wherever the regulations made under authority of this section require a greater width or size of yards, courts or other open spaces, or require a lower height of building or less number of stories, or require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose other higher standards than are required in any other statute or local ordinance or regulation, the provisions of the regulations made under authority of this section shall govern. Wherever the provisions of any other statute or local ordinance or regulation require a greater width or size of yards, courts or other open spaces, or require a lower height of building or a less number of stories, or require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose other higher standards than are required by the regulations made under authority of this section, the provisions of such statute or local ordinance or regulation shall govern.

62.23(7)(gm) (gm) Permits. Neither the city council, nor the city plan commission, nor the city plan committee of the city council, nor the board of appeals may condition or withhold approval of a permit under this section based upon the property owner entering into a contract, or discontinuing, modifying, extending, or renewing any contract, with a 3rd party under which the 3rd party is engaging in a lawful use of the property.

62.23(7)(h) (h) Nonconforming uses. The continued lawful use of a building, premises, structure, or fixture existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance may not be prohibited although the use does not conform with the provisions of the ordinance. The nonconforming use may not be extended. The total structural repairs or alterations in such a nonconforming building, premises, structure, or fixture shall not during its life exceed 50 percent of the assessed value of the building, premises, structure, or fixture unless permanently changed to a conforming use. If the nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of 12 months, any future use of the building, premises, structure, or fixture shall conform to the ordinance.

62.23(7)(ham) (ham) Manufactured home communities. Notwithstanding par. (h), a manufactured home community licensed under s. 101.935 that is a legal nonconforming use continues to be a legal nonconforming use notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the following activities within the community:

62.23(7)(ham)1. 1. Repair or replacement of homes.

62.23(7)(ham)2. 2. Repair or replacement of infrastructure.

62.23(7)(hb) (hb) Repair, rebuilding, and maintenance of certain nonconforming structures.

62.23(7)(hb)1. 1. In this paragraph: