Chapter 66

66.1333(11)(b) (b) Whenever the authority determines that a redevelopment plan with respect to a project area that has been approved and recorded in the register of deed’s office is to be modified to permit land uses in the project area, other than those specified in the redevelopment plan, the authority shall notify all purchasers of property within the project area of the authority’s intention to modify the redevelopment plan, and it shall hold a public hearing on the modification. Notice shall be given to the purchasers of the property by personal service at least 20 days before the holding of the public hearing, or if the purchasers cannot be found notice shall be given by registered mail to the purchasers at their last-known address. Notice of the public hearing shall also be given by publication as a class 2 notice, under ch. 985. The notice shall specify the project area and recite the proposed modification and its purposes. The public hearing is advisory to the authority. If the authority, following the public hearing, determines that the modification of the redevelopment plan will not affect the original objectives of the plan and that it will not produce conditions leading to a reoccurrence of blight within the project area, the authority may by resolution act to modify the plan to permit additional land uses in the project area, subject to approval by the legislative body by a two-thirds vote of the members-elect. If the local legislative body approves the modification to the redevelopment plan, an amendment to the plan containing the modification shall be recorded with the register of deeds of the county in which the project area is located and shall supplement the redevelopment plan previously recorded. Following the action with respect to modification of the redevelopment plan, the plan is amended and no legal rights accrue to any person or to any owner of property in the project area by reason of the modification of the redevelopment plan.

66.1333(11)(c) (c) The provisions of this subsection shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and substantial compliance is adequate. Technical omissions do not invalidate the procedure in this subsection with respect to acquisition of real property necessary or incidental to a redevelopment project.

66.1333(12) (12) Limitation upon tax exemption. The real and personal property of the authority is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes, and the property and an authority are exempt from all taxes of the state or any state public body. The city in which a redevelopment or urban renewal project is located may fix a sum to be paid annually in lieu of taxes by the authority for the services, improvements or facilities furnished to the project by the city if the authority is financially able to do so, but the sum may not exceed the amount which would be levied as the annual tax of the city upon the project. No real property acquired under this section by a private company, corporation, individual, limited liability company or partnership, either by lease or purchase, is exempt from taxation because of the acquisition.

66.1333(13) (13) Cooperation by public bodies and use of city funds. To assist any redevelopment or urban renewal project located in the area in which the authority is authorized to act, a public body may, upon terms that it determines: furnish services or facilities, provide property, lend or contribute funds, perform any other action of a character which it may perform for other general purposes, and enter into cooperation agreements and related contracts in furtherance of the purposes enumerated. A city and a public body may levy taxes and assessments and appropriate funds and make expenditures that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, but taxes and assessments may not be levied under this subsection by a public body which may not levy taxes and assessments for any other purpose.

66.1333(14) (14) Obligations. For the purpose of financially aiding an authority to carry out blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal programs and projects, the city in which the authority functions may issue and sell general obligation bonds under ch. 67, except that no referendum is required, and may levy taxes without limitation for the payment of the bonds, as provided in s. 67.035. The bonds authorized under this subsection are fully negotiable and except as provided in this subsection are not subject to any other law or charter pertaining to the issuance or sale of bonds.

66.1333(15) (15) Budget. The local legislative body shall approve the budget for each fiscal year of the authority, and may alter or modify any item of the budget relating to salaries, office operation or facilities.

66.1333(16) (16) Legal services to authority. The legal department of a city in which the authority functions can provide legal services to the authority and a member of the legal department having the necessary qualifications may, subject to approval of the authority, be its counsel. The authority may retain specialists to render legal services as required by it.

66.1333(17) (17) Construction. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and the enumeration in this section of specific powers does not restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section or exclude other powers comprehended in the general grant.

66.1333 History History: 1973 c. 172; 1975 c. 4, 94, 350; 1979 c. 89, 110, 221; 1981 c. 20, 112, 232; 1983 a. 24, 189; 1985 a. 219; 1987 a. 27, 403; 1989 a. 31, 89; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 16, 112, 172, 184, 268, 301; 1995 a. 27, 225; 1999 a. 9; 1999 a. 150 ss. 441 to 446; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1333; 1999 a. 185 s. 58; 2001 a. 30; 2003 a. 43, 320; 2005 a. 453; 2007 a. 96; 2009 a. 28, 95; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 196.

66.1333 Annotation The general rule of strict construction of eminent domain statutes does not apply due to the requirement of liberal construction of this section under sub. (17). Whether an area is “blighted” under this section may be determined by focusing on the general overall character of the area in the context of its surrounding neighbors. Grunwald v. Community Development Authority, 202 Wis. 2d 471, 551 N.W.2d 36 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-2920.

66.1333 Annotation When a property owner refuses access to property and an authority seeks to obtain a court order under sub. (5) (a) 3. authorizing entry for inspecting and testing, the opportunity must be provided to consider the necessity of the entry, the scope of the entry, and the time, place, and manner of the entry. Redevelopment Authority v. Uptown Arts & Education, Inc., 229 Wis. 2d 458, 599 N.W.2d 655 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-2389.

66.1333 Annotation A city may reimburse a commissioner of the city redevelopment authority for the commissioner’s legal expenses incurred when charges are filed against the commissioner in his official capacity seeking his removal from office for cause and the charges are found by the common council to be unsupported. Such reimbursement is discretionary. The city redevelopment authority lacks statutory authority to authorize reimbursement for such legal expenses. 63 Atty. Gen. 421.

66.1333 Annotation A redevelopment authority may condemn any property within the project area even though some portions of the urban renewal area are not in fact blighted. 65 Atty. Gen. 116.

66.1333 Annotation Certain local governments and public agencies may issue obligations to provide mortgage loans on owner-occupied residences. However, compliance with the federal Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 is necessary to allow exemption of interest from federal taxation. 71 Atty. Gen. 74.

66.1335 66.1335 Housing and community development authorities.

66.1335(1) (1) Authorization. A city may, by a two-thirds vote of the members of the city council present at the meeting, adopt an ordinance or resolution creating a housing and community development authority which shall be known as the “Community Development Authority” of the city. It is a separate body politic for the purpose of carrying out blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal programs and projects and housing projects. The ordinance or resolution creating a housing and community development authority may also authorize the authority to act as the agent of the city in planning and carrying out community development programs and activities approved by the mayor and common council under the federal housing and community development act of 1974 and as agent to perform all acts, except the development of the general plan of the city, which may be otherwise performed by the planning commission under s. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331 or 66.1337. A certified copy of the ordinance or resolution shall be transmitted to the mayor. The ordinance or resolution shall also do all of the following:

66.1335(1)(a) (a) Provide that any redevelopment authority created under s. 66.1333 operating in the city and any housing authority created under s. 66.1201 operating in the city, shall terminate its operation as provided in sub. (5).

66.1335(1)(b) (b) Declare in substance that a need for blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal and community development programs and projects and housing projects exists in the city.

66.1335(2) (2) Appointment of members. Upon receipt of a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution, the mayor shall, with the confirmation of the council, appoint 7 resident persons having sufficient ability and experience in the fields of urban renewal, community development and housing, as commissioners of the community development authority.

66.1335(2)(a) (a) Two of the commissioners shall be members of the council and shall serve during their term of office as council members.

66.1335(2)(b) (b) The first appointments of the 5 noncouncil members shall be for the following terms: 2 for one year and one each for terms of 2, 3 and 4 years. Thereafter the terms of noncouncil members shall be 4 years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

66.1335(2)(c) (c) Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term as provided in this subsection.

66.1335(2)(d) (d) Commissioners shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses including local travel expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties, and may, in the discretion of the city council, receive other compensation.

66.1335(3) (3) Evidence of authority. The filing of a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution referred to in sub. (1) with the city clerk is prima facie evidence of the community development authority’s right to transact business and the ordinance or resolution is not subject to challenge because of any technicality. In a suit, action or proceeding commenced against the community development authority, a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution is conclusive evidence that the community development authority is established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers under this section.

66.1335(4) (4) Powers and duties. The community development authority has all powers, duties and functions set out in ss. 66.1201 and 66.1333 for housing and redevelopment authorities. As to all housing projects initiated by the community development authority it shall proceed under s. 66.1201, and as to all projects relating to blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal and redevelopment programs it shall proceed under ss. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331, 66.1333 or 66.1337 as determined appropriate by the common council on a project by project basis. As to all community development programs and activities undertaken by the city under the federal housing and community development act of 1974, the community development authority shall proceed under all applicable laws and ordinances not inconsistent with the laws of this state. In addition, if provided in the resolution or ordinance, the community development authority may act as agent of the city to perform all acts, except the development of the general plan of the city, which may be otherwise performed by the planning commission under ss. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331 or 66.1337.

66.1335(5) (5) Termination of housing and redevelopment authorities. Upon the adoption of an ordinance or resolution creating a community development authority, all housing and redevelopment authorities previously created in the city under ss. 66.1201 and 66.1333 terminate.

66.1335(5)(a) (a) Any programs and projects which have been begun by housing and redevelopment authorities shall, upon adoption of the ordinance or resolution, be transferred to and completed by the community development authority. Any procedures, hearings, actions or approvals taken or initiated by the redevelopment authority under s. 66.1333 on pending projects are deemed to have been taken or initiated by the community development authority as if the community development authority had originally undertaken the procedures, hearings, actions or approvals.

66.1335(5)(b) (b) Any form of indebtedness issued by a housing or redevelopment authority shall, upon the adoption of the ordinance or resolution, be assumed by the community development authority except as indicated in par. (e).

66.1335(5)(c) (c) Upon the adoption of the ordinance or resolution, all contracts entered into between the federal government and a housing or redevelopment authority, or between these authorities and other parties shall be assumed and discharged by the community development authority except for the termination of operations by housing and redevelopment authorities. Housing and redevelopment authorities may execute any agreements contemplated by this subsection. Contracts for disposition of real property entered into by the redevelopment authority with respect to any project are deemed contracts of the community development authority without the requirement of amendments to the contracts. Contracts entered into between the federal government and the redevelopment authority or the housing authority bind the community development authority in the same manner as if originally entered into by the community development authority.

66.1335(5)(d) (d) A community development authority may execute appropriate documents to reflect its assumption of the obligations set forth in this subsection.

66.1335(5)(e) (e) A housing authority which has outstanding bonds or other securities that require the operation of the housing authority in order to fulfill its commitments with respect to the discharge of principal or interest or both may continue in existence solely for that purpose. The ordinance or resolution creating the community development authority shall delineate the duties and responsibilities which shall devolve upon the housing authority with respect to that purpose.

66.1335(5)(f) (f) The termination of housing and redevelopment authorities pursuant to this section is not subject to s. 66.1201 (26).

66.1335(5m) (5m) Tax exemption. Community development authority bonds issued on or after January 28, 1987, are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and to be public instrumentalities and, together with interest on the bonds and income from the bonds, are exempt from taxes.

66.1335(6) (6) Controlling statute. The powers conferred under this section are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. To the extent that this section is inconsistent with any other law, this section controls.

66.1335(7) (7) Construction. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and the enumeration of specific powers in this section does not restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section nor does it exclude other powers comprehended in the general grant.

66.1335 History History: 1975 c. 311; 1979 c. 110; 1987 a. 27; 1999 a. 150 s. 448; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1335.

66.1337 66.1337 Urban renewal.

66.1337(1) (1) Short title. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Urban Renewal Act”.

66.1337(2) (2) Findings. It is found and declared that there exists in municipalities of the state slum, blighted and deteriorated areas which constitute a serious and growing menace injurious to the public health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the state, and the findings and declarations made in s. 66.1331 are affirmed and restated. Certain slum, blighted or deteriorated areas may require acquisition and clearance, as provided in s. 66.1331, since the prevailing condition of decay may make impracticable the reclamation of the area by conservation or rehabilitation in a manner that eliminates, remedies or prevents the conditions and evils of these areas. To the extent feasible salvable slum and blighted areas should be conserved and rehabilitated through voluntary action and the regulatory process. All acts and purposes provided for by this section are for and constitute public uses and are for and constitute public purposes. Moneys expended under this section are for public purposes and to preserve the public interest, safety, health, morals and welfare. Any municipality in carrying out the provisions of this section shall afford maximum opportunity consistent with the sound needs of the municipality as a whole to the rehabilitation or redevelopment of areas by private enterprise.

66.1337(2m) (2m) Definitions. In this section:

66.1337(2m)(a) (a) “Rehabilitation or conservation work” includes any of the following:

66.1337(2m)(a)1. 1. Carrying out plans for a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings or other improvements.

66.1337(2m)(a)2. 2. Acquisition of real property and demolition, removal or rehabilitation of buildings and improvements on the property where necessary to eliminate unhealthful, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, lessen density, reduce traffic hazards, eliminate obsolete or other uses detrimental to the public welfare, to otherwise remove or prevent the spread of blight or deterioration, or to provide land for needed public facilities.

66.1337(2m)(a)3. 3. Installation, construction or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other improvements necessary for carrying out the objectives of the urban renewal project.

66.1337(2m)(a)4. 4. The disposition, for uses in accordance with the objectives of the urban renewal project, of any property acquired in the area of the project. The disposition shall be in the manner prescribed in this section for the disposition of property in a redevelopment project area.

66.1337(2m)(b) (b) “Urban renewal project” includes undertakings and activities for the elimination and for the prevention of the development or spread of slums or blighted, deteriorated or deteriorating areas and may involve any work or undertaking for this purpose constituting a redevelopment project or any rehabilitation or conservation work, or any combination of the undertaking or work.

66.1337(3) (3) Urban renewal projects. A municipality may plan and undertake urban renewal projects.

66.1337(4) (4) Workable program.

66.1337(4)(a) (a)

66.1337(4)(a)1. 1. The governing body of the municipality, or the public officer or public body that it designates, including a housing authority organized and created under s. 66.1201, a redevelopment authority created under s. 66.1333 or a community development authority created under s. 66.1335, may prepare a workable program for utilizing appropriate private and public resources to eliminate, and prevent the development or spread of, slums and urban blight and deterioration, to encourage needed urban rehabilitation, to provide for the redevelopment of blighted, deteriorated or slum areas, or to undertake those activities or other feasible activities that may be suitably employed to achieve these objectives. The governing body may by resolution or ordinance provide the specific means by which a workable program can be effectuated and may confer upon its officers and employees the power required to carry out a program of rehabilitation and conservation for the restoration and removal of blighted, deteriorated or deteriorating areas. If a municipality finds that there exists in the municipality dwellings or other structures that are unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, defects that increase the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities or other conditions, rendering the dwellings or other structures unsanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or morals, or otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of the municipality, the municipality may enact the resolutions or ordinances that it considers appropriate and effectual in order to prevent those conditions and may require the repair, closing, demolition or removal of the dwellings or other structures.

66.1337(4)(a)2. 2. In this subsection:

66.1337(4)(a)2.a. a. “Dwelling” means any building, structure or part of the building or structure that is used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used and includes any appurtenances belonging to it or usually enjoyed with it.

66.1337(4)(a)2.b. b. “Structure” includes fences, garages, sheds, and any type of store or commercial, industrial or manufacturing building.

66.1337(4)(a)3. 3. The ordinances or resolutions under subd. 1. shall require that, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of the ordinances or resolutions, notice of the alleged violation shall be given to the alleged responsible person by appropriately designated public officers or employees of the municipality. Every such notice shall be in writing; include a description of the real estate sufficient for identification; include a statement of the reason for issuance; specify a time for the performance of any act that the notice requires; and be served upon the alleged responsible person. The notice of violation is properly served on the person if a copy of it is delivered to the person personally; is left at the person’s usual place of abode, in the presence of someone in the family of suitable age and discretion who shall be informed of the contents of the notice; is sent by registered mail or by certified mail with return receipt requested to the person’s last-known address; or, if the registered or certified letter with the copy of the notice is returned showing the letter has not been delivered to the person, by posting a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place in or about the dwelling or other structure affected by the notice.

66.1337(4)(a)4. 4. A person affected by a notice under subd. 3. may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before a board or commission established by the governing body of the municipality or before a local health officer. The person shall file in the office of the designated board or commission or the local health officer a written petition requesting the hearing and setting forth a statement of the grounds for it within 20 days after the day the notice was served. Within 10 days after receipt of the petition, the designated board or commission or the local health officer shall set a time and place for the hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice of it. At the hearing the petitioner may be heard and show cause why the notice should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing before the designated board or commission or the local health officer shall be commenced not later than 30 days after the date on which the petition was filed. Upon written application of the petitioner to the designated board or commission or the local health officer, the date of the hearing may be postponed for a reasonable time beyond the 30-day period, if, in the judgment of the board, commission or local health officer, the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for a postponement. Any notice served under this section becomes an order if a written petition for a hearing is not filed in the office of the designated board or commission or the local health officer within 20 days after the notice is served. The designated board or commission or the local health officer may administer oaths and affirmations.

66.1337(4)(a)5. 5. After the hearing the designated board or commission or the local health officer shall sustain, modify or cancel the notice given under subd. 3., depending upon its findings as to whether the provisions of the resolutions or ordinances have been complied with. The designated board or commission or the local health officer may modify any notice to authorize a variance from the provisions of the resolutions or ordinances when, because of special conditions, enforcement of the provisions of the resolutions or ordinances will result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, if the intent of the resolutions or ordinances will be observed and public health and welfare secured. If the designated board or commission or the local health officer sustains or modifies the notice, the sustained or modified notice is an order, and the persons affected by the order shall comply with all provisions of the order within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the board, commission or local health officer. The proceedings at the hearing, including the findings and decisions of the board, commission or local health officer, shall be reduced to writing and entered as a matter of public record in the office of the board, commission or local health officer. The record shall also include a copy of every notice or order issued in connection with the matter. A copy of the written decision of the board, commission or local health officer shall be served, in the same manner prescribed for service of notice under subd. 3., on the person who filed the petition for hearing.

66.1337(4)(a)6. 6. If the local health officer finds that an emergency exists that requires immediate action to protect the public health, the local health officer may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of the emergency and requiring that action be taken that the local health officer determines is necessary to meet the emergency. This order is effective immediately. Any person to whom the order is directed shall comply with it, but shall be afforded a hearing as specified in this subsection if the person immediately files a written petition with the local health officer requesting the hearing. After the hearing, depending upon the findings of the local health officer as to whether an emergency still exists that requires immediate action to protect the public health, the local health officer shall continue the order in effect or modify or revoke it.

66.1337(4)(b) (b) A person aggrieved by the determination of a board, commission or local health officer, following review of an order issued under this subsection, may appeal directly to the circuit court of the county in which the dwelling or other structure is located by filing a petition for review with the clerk of the circuit court within 30 days after a copy of the order of the board, commission or local health officer has been served upon the person. The petition shall state the substance of the order appealed from and the grounds upon which the person believes the order to be improper. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the board, commission or local health officer whose determination is appealed. The copy shall be served personally or by registered or certified mail within the 30-day period provided in this paragraph. A reply or answer shall be filed by the board, commission or local health officer within 15 days after the receipt of the petition. A copy of the written proceedings of the hearing held by the board, commission or local health officer which led to service of the order being appealed shall be included with the reply or answer when filed. If it appears to the court that the petition is filed for purposes of delay, the court shall, upon application of the municipality, promptly dismiss the petition. Either party to the proceedings may petition the court for an immediate hearing on the order. The court shall review the order and the copy of written proceedings of the hearing conducted by the board, commission or local health officer, shall take testimony that the court determines is appropriate, and, following a hearing upon the order without a jury, shall make its determination. If the court affirms the determination made by the board, commission or local health officer, the court shall fix a time within which the order appealed from becomes operative.

66.1337(5) (5) General powers conferred upon municipalities. The governing body of a municipality has all powers necessary and incidental to effect a program of urban renewal, including functions with respect to rehabilitation and conservation for the restoration and removal of blighted, deteriorated or deteriorating areas, and the local governing body may adopt resolutions or ordinances for the purpose of carrying out that program and the objectives and purposes of this section. In connection with the planning, undertaking and financing of the urban renewal program or projects, the governing body of any municipality and all public officers, agencies and bodies have all the rights, powers, privileges and immunities which they have with respect to a redevelopment project under s. 66.1331.

66.1337(6) (6) Assistance to urban renewal by municipalities and other public bodies. A public body may enter into agreements, which may extend over any period notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, with any other public body respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by this section, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance in connection with an urban renewal plan or urban renewal project.

66.1337(7) (7) Powers granted to be supplemental and not in derogation.

66.1337(7)(a) (a) Nothing in this section may be construed to abrogate or impair the powers of the courts or of any department of any municipality to enforce any provisions of its charter, ordinances or regulations, nor to prevent or punish violations of its charter, ordinances or regulations.

66.1337(7)(b) (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to impair or limit the power of the municipality to define and declare nuisances and to cause their removal or abatement, by summary proceedings or otherwise.

66.1337(7)(c) (c) The powers conferred by this section are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and its enumeration of specific powers does not restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section or exclude other powers comprehended in the general grant.

66.1337 History History: 1975 c. 311; 1977 c. 187; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 219; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 27; 1995 a. 225; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 150 s. 452; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1337.

66.1339 66.1339 Villages to have certain city powers. Villages have all of the powers of cities under ss. 66.1105, 66.1201 to 66.1329 and 66.1331 to 66.1337.

66.1339 History History: 1975 c. 105, 311; 1993 a. 300; 1999 a. 150 s. 453; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1339.

66.1341 66.1341 Towns to have certain city powers. Towns have all of the powers of cities under ss. 66.0923, 66.0925, 66.1201 to 66.1329 and 66.1331 to 66.1335, except the powers under s. 66.1201 (10) and any other powers that conflict with statutes relating to towns and town boards.

66.1341 History History: 1993 a. 246; 1999 a. 150 s. 454; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1341.