32.50   Definitions.
32.51   Exercise of eminent domain.
32.52   Board of assessment.
32.53   Resolution of necessity.
32.54   Report and tentative plan of improvement.
32.55   Hearing on the report and tentative plan of improvement.
32.56   Altering the plan of improvement.
32.57   Determining benefits and damages.
32.58   Benefit assessment payments.
32.61   Appeal to circuit court.
32.62   Transfer of title.
32.63   Completing certain improvements.
32.66   Bonding.
32.67   Special improvement bonds.
32.68   Tax delinquent fund.
32.69   Alternative financing by general obligation bonds, taxation or anticipation notes.
32.70   Statute of limitations.
32.71   Liberal construction.
32.72   Approval by the electorate.
subch. I of ch. 32SUBCHAPTER I
GENERAL EMINENT DOMAIN
32.0132.01Definitions. In this subchapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
32.01(1g)(1g)“Business entity” has the meaning given in s. 13.62 (5).
32.01(1r)(1r)“Person” includes the state, a county, town, village, city, school district or other municipal corporation, a board, commission, including a commission created by contract under s. 66.0301, corporation, or housing authority created under ss. 66.1201 to 66.1211 or redevelopment authority created under s. 66.1333 or the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority created under s. 114.61.
32.01(2)(2)“Property” includes estates in lands, fixtures and personal property directly connected with lands.
32.01 HistoryHistory: 1973 c. 305; 1979 c. 175 s. 53; 1983 a. 27; 1983 a. 236 s. 12; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 2005 a. 335; 2015 a. 55.
32.01 AnnotationThe rule of strict construction should be applied to a condemnor’s power and to the exercise of this power. This is because the exercise of the power of eminent domain has been characterized as an extraordinary power, and the rule of strict construction is intended to benefit the owner whose property is taken against the owner’s will. Conversely, statutory provisions in favor of the owner, such as those that regulate the compensation to be paid to the owner, are to be afforded liberal construction. Standard Theatres, Inc. v. DOT, 118 Wis. 2d 730, 349 N.W.2d 661 (1984).
32.01 AnnotationThe statutes governing condemnation action procedures are in derogation of the common law and therefore are to be strictly construed. Accordingly, strict adherence to the statute is required. Likewise, engrafting onto the statute things it does not require is forbidden. City of Racine v. Bassinger, 163 Wis. 2d 1029, 473 N.W.2d 526 (Ct. App. 1991).