32.19(2)(hm)3.3. Professional service costs, including costs incurred for architectural, planning, engineering, and legal advice and services. 32.19(2)(hm)4.4. Imputed administrative costs, including reasonable charges for the time spent by the owner or tenant in connection with the implementation of the project. 32.19(2)(hm)5.5. Costs related to the construction or alteration of sewerage treatment plants, water treatment plants or other environmental protection devices, storm or sanitary sewer lines, water lines, or amenities on streets; the relocation of utility lines or other utility infrastructure, including any lines or infrastructure related to an electric utility, natural gas utility, or telecommunications utility; the installation of infrastructure necessary to provide utility service to the property, including any service from an electric utility, natural gas utility, or telecommunications utility; or the rebuilding or expansion of streets if such costs are required by the applicable municipality and are not paid for by the municipality. 32.19(2)(i)(i) “Tenant displaced person” means a displaced person who owned the business or farm operation conducted on the real property being acquired but leased or rented the real property. 32.19(2m)(2m) Information on payments. Before initiating negotiations to acquire the property under s. 32.05 (2a), 32.06 (2a) or subch. II, the condemnor shall provide displaced persons with copies of applicable pamphlets prepared under s. 32.26 (6). 32.19(3)(3) Relocation payments. Any condemnor which proceeds with the acquisition of real and personal property for purposes of any project for which the power of condemnation may be exercised, or undertakes a program or project that causes a person to be a displaced person, shall make fair and reasonable relocation payments to displaced persons, business concerns and farm operations under this section. Payments shall be made as follows: 32.19(3)(a)(a) Moving expenses; actual. The condemnor shall compensate a displaced person for the actual and reasonable expenses of moving the displaced person and his or her family, business or farm operation, including personal property; actual direct losses of tangible personal property as a result of moving or discontinuing a business or farm operation, but not to exceed an amount equal to the reasonable expenses that would have been required to relocate such property; actual reasonable expenses in searching for a replacement business or farm operation; and actual reasonable expenses necessary to reestablish a business or farm operation, not to exceed $10,000, unless compensation for such expenses is included in the payment provided under sub. (4m). 32.19(3)(b)(b) Moving expenses; optional fixed payments. 32.19(3)(b)1.1. ‘Dwellings.’ Any displaced person who moves from a dwelling and who elects to accept the payments authorized by this paragraph in lieu of the payments authorized by par. (a) may receive an expense and dislocation allowance, determined according to a schedule established by the department of administration. 32.19(3)(b)2.2. ‘Business and farm operations.’ Any displaced person who moves or discontinues his or her business or farm operation, is eligible under criteria established by the department of administration by rule and elects to accept payment authorized under this paragraph in lieu of the payment authorized under par. (a), may receive a fixed payment in an amount determined according to criteria established by the department of administration by rule, except that such payment shall not be less than $1,000 nor more than $20,000. A person whose sole business at the displacement dwelling is the rental of such property to others is not eligible for a payment under this subdivision. 32.19(3)(c)(c) Optional payment for businesses. Any displaced person who moves his or her business, and elects to accept the payment authorized in par. (a), may, if otherwise qualified under par. (b) 2., elect to receive the payment authorized under par. (b) 2., minus whatever payment the displaced person received under par. (a), if the displaced person discontinues the business within 2 years of the date of receipt of payment under par. (a), provided that the displaced person meets eligibility criteria established by the department of administration by rule. In no event may the total combined payment be less than $1,000 nor more than $20,000. 32.19(3)(d)(d) Federally financed projects. Notwithstanding pars. (a) to (c), in the case of a program or project receiving federal financial assistance, a condemnor shall, in addition to any payment under pars. (a) to (c), make any additional payment required to comply with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, 42 USC 4601 to 4655, and any regulations adopted thereunder. 32.19(4)(a)(a) Owner-occupants. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this subchapter, the condemnor shall make a payment, not to exceed $25,000, to any displaced person who is displaced from a dwelling actually owned and occupied, or from a mobile home site actually owned or occupied, by the displaced person for not less than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the property. For the purposes of this paragraph, a corporation organized under ch. 181 that is a nonprofit corporation, as defined in s. 181.0103 (17), may, if otherwise eligible, be considered a displaced owner. A displaced owner may elect to receive the payment under par. (b) 1. in lieu of the payment under this paragraph. Such payment includes only the following: 32.19(4)(a)1.1. The amount, if any, which when added to the acquisition payment, equals the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling available on the private market, as determined by the condemnor. 32.19(4)(a)1m.1m. In the case of a person displaced from a mobile home site who meets one of the conditions under subd. 1m. a., b. or c., the amount, if any, which when added to the trade-in or salvage value of the mobile home equals the reasonable cost of a comparable mobile home which is decent, safe and sanitary, plus an amount equal to 48 times the difference between the monthly rent being paid for the site on which the mobile home is located and the monthly rent for a comparable mobile home site or the amount necessary to enable the displaced person to make a down payment on the purchase of a comparable mobile home site. If a comparable mobile home dwelling is not available, the replacement housing payment shall be calculated on the basis of the next highest type of mobile home or a conventional dwelling that is available and meets the requirements and standards for a comparable dwelling. The owner of a mobile home shall be eligible for payments under this subdivision if one of the following conditions is met: 32.19(4)(a)1m.a.a. The mobile home is not considered to be a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling unit. 32.19(4)(a)1m.b.b. The structural condition of the mobile home is such that it cannot be moved without substantial damage or unreasonable cost. 32.19(4)(a)1m.c.c. There are no adequate or available replacement sites to which the mobile home can be moved. 32.19(4)(a)2.2. The amount of increased interest expenses and other debt service costs incurred by the owner to finance the purchase of another property substantially similar to the property taken, if at the time of the taking the land acquired was subject to a bona fide mortgage or was held under a vendee’s interest in a bona fide land contract, and such mortgage or land contract had been executed in good faith not less than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of such property. The computation of the increased interest costs shall be determined according to rules promulgated by the department of administration. 32.19(4)(a)3.3. Reasonable incidental fees, commissions, discounts, surveying costs, title evidence costs and other closing costs incurred in the purchase of replacement housing, but not including prepaid expenses. 32.19(4)(ag)(ag) Limitation. Payment under par. (a) shall be made only to a displaced person who purchases and occupies a decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwelling not later than one year after the date on which the person moves from the dwelling acquired for the project, or the date on which the person receives payment from the condemnor, whichever is later, except that the condemnor may extend the period for good cause. If the period is extended, payment under par. (a) shall be based on the costs of relocating the displaced person to a comparable replacement dwelling within one year of the date on which the person moves from the dwelling acquired for the project. 32.19(4)(b)(b) Tenants and certain others. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this subchapter, the condemnor shall make a payment to any individual or family displaced from any dwelling which was actually and lawfully occupied by such individual or family for not less than 90 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of such property or, if displacement is not a direct result of acquisition, such other event as determined by the department of administration by rule. For purposes of this paragraph, a corporation organized under ch. 181 that is a nonprofit corporation, as defined in s. 181.0103 (17), may, if otherwise eligible, be considered a displaced tenant. Subject to the limitations under par. (bm), such payment shall be either: 32.19(4)(b)1.1. The amount, if any, which, when added to the rental cost of the acquired dwelling, equals the reasonable cost of leasing or renting a comparable dwelling available on the private market for a period not to exceed 4 years, as determined by the condemnor, but not to exceed $8,000; or 32.19(4)(b)2.2. If the person elects to purchase a comparable dwelling, the amount determined under subd. 1. plus expenses under par. (a) 3. 32.19(4)(bm)1.1. Payment under par. (b) shall be made only to a displaced person who rents, leases or purchases a decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwelling and occupies that dwelling not later than one year after the date on which the person moves from the displacement dwelling, except that the condemnor may extend the period for good cause. 32.19(4)(bm)2.2. If a displaced person occupied the dwelling acquired for at least 90 days but not more than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the property, the payment under par. (b) may not exceed the amount the displaced person would receive if the displaced person was eligible for a payment under par. (a). 32.19(4)(c)(c) Additional payment. If a comparable dwelling is not available within the monetary limits established in par. (a) or (b), the condemnor may exceed the monetary limits and make payments necessary to provide a comparable dwelling. 32.19(4)(d)(d) Federally financed projects. Notwithstanding pars. (a) to (c), in the case of a program or project receiving federal financial assistance, a condemnor shall, in addition to any payment under pars. (a) to (c), make any additional payment required to comply with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, 42 USC 4601 to 4655, and any regulations adopted thereunder. 32.19(4m)(4m) Business or farm replacement payment. 32.19(4m)(a)(a) Owner-occupied business or farm operation. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this subchapter, the condemnor shall make a payment to any owner displaced person who has owned and occupied the business operation, or owned the farm operation, for not less than one year prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the real property on which the business or farm operation lies, and who actually purchases a comparable replacement business or farm operation for the acquired property within 2 years after the date the person vacates the acquired property or receives payment from the condemnor, whichever is later. An owner displaced person who has owned and occupied the business operation, or owned the farm operation, for not less than one year prior to the initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the real property on which the business or farm operation lies may elect to receive the payment under par. (b) 1. in lieu of the payment under this paragraph, but the amount of payment under par. (b) 1. to such an owner displaced person may not exceed the amount the owner displaced person is eligible to receive under this paragraph. If the condemnor is a village, town, or city, the payment by the condemnor under this paragraph may not exceed $100,000. The additional payment under this paragraph shall include the following amounts: 32.19(4m)(a)1.1. The amount, if any, which when added to the acquisition cost of the property, other than any dwelling on the property, equals the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement business or farm operation for the acquired property, as determined by the condemnor. 32.19(4m)(a)2.2. The amount, if any, which will compensate such owner displaced person for any increased interest and other debt service costs which such person is required to pay for financing the acquisition of any replacement property, if the property acquired was encumbered by a bona fide mortgage or land contract which was a valid lien on the property for at least one year prior to the initiation of negotiations for its acquisition. The amount under this subdivision shall be determined according to rules promulgated by the department of administration. 32.19(4m)(a)3.3. Reasonable expenses incurred by the displaced person for evidence of title, recording fees and other closing costs incident to the purchase of the replacement property, but not including prepaid expenses. 32.19(4m)(a)4.4. Any reasonable project costs incurred or to be incurred by the displaced person. 32.19(4m)(b)(b) Tenant-occupied business or farm operation. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this subchapter, the condemnor shall make a payment to any tenant displaced person who has owned and occupied the business operation, or owned the farm operation, for not less than one year prior to initiation of negotiations for the acquisition of the real property on which the business or farm operation lies or, if displacement is not a direct result of acquisition, such other event as determined by the department of administration, and who actually rents or purchases a comparable replacement business or farm operation for the displaced business or farm operation within 2 years after the date the person vacates the acquired property. At the option of the tenant displaced person, such payment shall be either: 32.19(4m)(b)1.1. The amount that is necessary to lease or rent a comparable replacement business or farm operation for a period of 4 years, plus any reasonable project costs incurred or to be incurred by the tenant displaced person. If the condemnor is a village, town, or city, the amount paid under this subdivision may not exceed $80,000. The rental payment shall be computed by determining the average monthly rent paid for the property from which the person was displaced for the 12 months prior to the initiation of negotiations or, if displacement is not a direct result of acquisition, such other event as determined by the department of administration and the monthly rent of a comparable replacement business or farm operation, and multiplying the difference by 48; or 32.19(4m)(b)2.2. If the tenant displaced person elects to purchase a comparable replacement business or farm operation, the amount determined under subd. 1. plus expenses under par. (a) 3. 32.19(5)(5) Eminent domain. Nothing in this section or ss. 32.25 to 32.27 shall be construed as creating in any condemnation proceedings brought under the power of eminent domain, any element of damages. 32.19 HistoryHistory: 1971 c. 99, 103, 244, 287; 1973 c. 192; 1975 c. 224, 273; 1977 c. 418, 438, 440; 1979 c. 32, 221, 358, 361; 1981 c. 390 s. 252; 1983 a. 27 ss. 881 to 888; 1983 a. 186, 189; 1983 a. 236 ss. 12, 13; 1983 a. 538; 1987 a. 399; 1993 a. 112; 1995 a. 27 ss. 1713 to 1722, 9116 (5); 1995 a. 225; 1997 a. 79; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 243. 32.19 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.19 AnnotationOwners of rental property who do not physically occupy the real property taken for public use are ineligible for business replacement payments under sub. (4m). A business that owned a parking lot used for customer and employee parking was an occupant of the lot and a displaced person under sub. (2) (e) eligible for relocation benefits under s. 32.05 (8). City of Milwaukee v. Roadster LLC, 2003 WI App 131, 265 Wis. 2d 518, 666 N.W.2d 524, 02-3102. 32.19 AnnotationBoth statutory and administrative code provisions contemplate that the initial offer of a replacement housing payment is not static in amount. These provisions contemplate a more dynamic approach, allowing for recomputation of the payment after the acquisition damages have been more fully assessed. Pinczkowski v. Milwaukee County, 2005 WI 161, 286 Wis. 2d 339, 706 N.W.2d 642, 03-1732. 32.19 AnnotationSub. (2) (c) does not require: 1) identification of a property that is identical to the property condemned; or 2) that, at the moment of identification, the property, without modification, can be used by the business that was relocated. Rather, it requires identification of a property that with modification can be used for the occupier’s business. A condemnor has no open-ended obligation to provide a replacement property that is acceptable to the business being relocated. City of Janesville v. CC Midwest, Inc., 2007 WI 93, 302 Wis. 2d 599, 734 N.W.2d 428, 04-0267. 32.19 AnnotationThe definition of “displaced person” in sub. (2) (e) 1. b. provides that a displaced person is one whose move is prompted by “rehabilitation, demolition, or other displacing activity” and is an alternative to sub. (2) (e) 1. a., which contains no reference to the physical condition or habitability of the condemned property, and instead defines displaced person in terms of “direct” causation. Sub. (2) (e) 1. b. contains no explicit requirement that a person’s move must be “forced” or involuntary in order to render that person “displaced.” Waller v. American Transmission Co., 2013 WI 77, 350 Wis. 2d 242, 833 N.W.2d 764, 12-0805. 32.19 AnnotationA suit against a state agency constitutes a suit against the state for purposes of sovereign immunity. If the legislature has not specifically consented to the suit, then sovereign immunity deprives the court of personal jurisdiction. The legislature has specifically directed the manner in which suits may be brought against the state to vindicate rights under this section. The displaced person must file a claim under s. 32.20, which must, under that section’s specific language, precede any resort to court. Aesthetic & Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, LLC v. DOT, 2014 WI App 88, 356 Wis. 2d 197, 853 N.W.2d 607, 13-2052. 32.19 AnnotationState debt financing of relocation payments is permissible under article VIII, section 7 (2) (a), of the Wisconsin Constitution. 62 Atty. Gen. 42.
32.19 AnnotationDiscussing relocation benefits and services when an owner initiates negotiations for the acquisition. 62 Atty. Gen. 168.
32.19 AnnotationState agencies engaging in advance land acquisitions must comply with this section et seq., Wisconsin’s relocation assistance and payment law. 63 Atty. Gen. 201.
32.19 AnnotationWisconsin condemnors are not bound by the federal relocation act. Relocation assistance and payments to displaced persons must be made in accordance with ss. 32.19 to 32.27. Unrelated individuals who share a common dwelling for convenience sake without a common head of the household are persons under this section. 63 Atty. Gen. 229.
32.19 AnnotationReligious societies incorporated under ch. 187 are “persons” within the meaning of the relocation assistance act and are entitled to the benefits of the act if they otherwise qualify. 63 Atty. Gen. 578.
32.19 AnnotationAn owner of rental property, regardless of its size, is engaged in “business” under sub. (2) (d) [now sub. (2) (a)]. 69 Atty. Gen. 11.
32.19 AnnotationOwners of rental property who do not physically occupy real property taken for public use are not eligible for business replacement payments under sub. (4m). 69 Atty. Gen. 263.
32.19 AnnotationCondemnors may not offer displaced persons a loan or alternative assistance in lieu of payments. Condemnors may not obtain waivers of benefits as a condition for participation in an acquisition program. 70 Atty. Gen. 94.
32.19 AnnotationA tenant who rents new property in reasonable anticipation of displacement prior to actual displacement is entitled to replacement payments under sub. (4m) (b). 70 Atty. Gen. 120.
32.19 AnnotationThere was no constitutional “taking” when tenants were ordered to vacate temporarily their uninhabitable dwelling to permit repairs pursuant to a housing code. Devines v. Maier, 728 F.2d 876 (1984). 32.19 AnnotationEminent Domain—Compensation for Lost Rents. 1971 WLR 657.
32.19532.195 Expenses incidental to transfer of property. In addition to amounts otherwise authorized by this subchapter, the condemnor shall reimburse the owner of real property acquired for a project for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for: 32.195(1)(1) Recording fees, transfer taxes and similar expenses incidental to conveying such property. 32.195(2)(2) Penalty costs for prepayment of any mortgage entered into in good faith encumbering such real property if the mortgage is recorded or has been filed for recording as provided by law prior to the date specified in s. 32.19 (4) (a) 2. 32.195(3)(3) The proportional share of real property taxes paid which are allocable to a period subsequent to the date of vesting of title in the condemnor or the effective date of possession of such real property by the condemnor, whichever is earlier. 32.195(4)(4) The cost of realigning personal property on the same site in partial takings or where realignment is required by reason of elimination or restriction of existing used rights of access. 32.195(5)(5) Expenses incurred for plans and specifications specifically designed for the property taken and which are of no value elsewhere because of the taking. 32.195(6)(6) Reasonable net rental losses when all of the following are true: 32.195(6)(a)(a) The losses are directly attributable to the public improvement project. 32.195(6)(b)(b) The losses are shown to exceed the normal rental or vacancy experience for similar properties in the area. 32.195(7)(7) Cost of fencing reasonably necessary pursuant to s. 32.09 (6) (g) shall, when incurred, be payable in the manner described in s. 32.20. 32.195 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.195 AnnotationAn owner who is legally liable for expenses incurred for plans relating to condemned property is entitled to reimbursement under sub. (5). Shepherd Legan Aldrian Ltd. v. Village of Shorewood, 182 Wis. 2d 472, 513 N.W.2d 686 (Ct. App. 1994). 32.19632.196 Relocation payments not taxable. Except for reasonable net rental losses under s. 32.195 (6), no payments received under s. 32.19 or 32.195 may be considered income for the purposes of ch. 71; nor may such payments be considered income or resources to any recipient of public assistance and such payments shall not be deducted from the amount of aid to which the recipient would otherwise be entitled under any welfare law. 32.196 HistoryHistory: 1983 a. 27 s. 888. 32.196 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.19732.197 Waiver of relocation assistance. An owner-occupant of property being acquired may waive his or her right to receive any relocation payments or services under this subchapter if the property being acquired is not contiguous to any property which may be acquired by the condemnor and is not part of a previously identified or proposed project where it is reasonable to conclude that acquisition by the condemnor may occur in the foreseeable future. Prior to the execution of any waiver under this section, the condemnor shall provide to the owner-occupant, in writing, full information about the specific payments and services being waived by the owner-occupant. The department of administration shall by rule establish procedures for relocation assistance waivers under this section to ensure that the waivers are voluntarily and knowledgeably executed. 32.197 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.2032.20 Procedure for collection of itemized items of compensation. Claims for damages itemized in ss. 32.19 and 32.195 shall be filed with the condemnor carrying on the project through which condemnee’s or claimant’s claims arise. All such claims must be filed after the damages upon which they are based have fully materialized but not later than 2 years after the condemnor takes physical possession of the entire property acquired or such other event as determined by the department of administration by rule. If such claim is not allowed within 90 days after the filing thereof, the claimant has a right of action against the condemnor carrying on the project through which the claim arises. Such action shall be commenced in a court of record in the county wherein the damages occurred. In causes of action, involving any state commission, board or other agency, excluding counties, the sum recovered by the claimant shall be paid out of any funds appropriated to such condemning agency. Any judgment shall be appealable by either party and any amount recovered by the body against which the claim was filed, arising from costs, counterclaims, punitive damages or otherwise may be used as an offset to any amount owed by it to the claimant, or may be collected in the same manner and form as any other judgment. 32.20 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.20 AnnotationThis section mandates the procedure for making any and all claims by condemnees. Rotter v. Milwaukee County Expressway & Transportation Commission, 72 Wis. 2d 553, 241 N.W.2d 440 (1976). 32.20 AnnotationTo stop this time limit from beginning to run, the condemnee must avoid giving physical possession of the property to the condemnor. The statute provides no exception for the circumstance in which the condemnor and condemnee engage in good faith negotiations as to the amount of relocation expenses to be paid. The legislature specifically used the term “physical” to avoid uncertainty in identifying the exact time when the legal right to possession arises. C. Coakley Relocation Systems, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 2007 WI App 209, 305 Wis. 2d 487, 740 N.W.2d 636, 06-2292. 32.2132.21 Emergency condemnation. Whenever any lands or interest therein are urgently needed by any state board, or commission, or other agency of the state, and a contract for the purchase or use of the property cannot be made for a reasonable price, or for any other reason, including the unavailability of the owner or owners, the board, commission or agency may, with the approval of the governor, issue an award of damages and upon tender of the award to the owner or owners, or deposit in a court of record in the county where the lands are situated in cases where an owner is not available or tender is refused, take immediate possession of said property. Deposit in a court of record may be made by registered mail addressed to the clerk of the court. The governor shall determine whether or not such an award shall issue. Appeal from said award of damages will lie as in other similar cases and all provisions of this subchapter shall govern, except as to the provision herein concerning the immediate issuance of the award tender and immediate possession. 32.21 HistoryHistory: 1981 c. 390 s. 252; 1983 a. 236 s. 12. 32.21 Cross-referenceCross-reference: See also s. Adm 92.001, Wis. adm. code. 32.2232.22 Special procedure for immediate condemnation. 32.22(1)(1) Definitions. In this section, unless the context requires otherwise: 32.22(1)(a)(a) “Blighted property” means any property which, by reason of abandonment, dilapidation, deterioration, age or obsolescence, inadequate provisions for ventilation, light, air or sanitation, high density of population and overcrowding, faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility or usefulness, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration of site or other improvements, or the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire or other causes, or any combination of such factors, is detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
