60.61(4e)(a)1.1. “Conditional use” means a use allowed under a conditional use permit, special exception, or other special zoning permission issued by a town, but does not include a variance. 60.61(4e)(a)2.2. “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. 60.61(4e)(b)1.1. If an applicant for a conditional use permit meets or agrees to meet all of the requirements and conditions specified in the town ordinance or those imposed by the town zoning board, the town shall grant the conditional use permit. Any condition imposed must be related to the purpose of the ordinance and be based on substantial evidence. 60.61(4e)(b)2.2. The requirements and conditions described under subd. 1. 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 town relating to the conditional use are or shall be satisfied, both of which must be supported by substantial evidence. The town’s decision to approve or deny the permit must be supported by substantial evidence. 60.61(4e)(c)(c) Upon receipt of a conditional use permit application, and following publication in the town of a class 2 notice under ch. 985, the town shall hold a public hearing on the application. 60.61(4e)(d)(d) 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 town 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 town zoning board. 60.61(4e)(e)(e) If a town denies a person’s conditional use permit application, the person may appeal the decision to the circuit court under the procedures described in s. 59.694 (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 s. 59.694 (10) (b). 60.61(5)(ab)(ab) 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. 60.61(5)(am)(am) An ordinance adopted under this section may not prohibit the continued use of any building, premises, structure, or fixture for any trade or industry for which the building, premises, structure, or fixture is used when the ordinance takes effect. An ordinance adopted under this section may prohibit the alteration of, or addition to, any existing building, premises, structure, or fixture used to carry on an otherwise prohibited trade or industry within the district. If a use that does not conform to an ordinance adopted under this section is discontinued for a period of 12 months, any future use of the land, building, premises, structure, or fixture shall conform to the ordinance. 60.61(5)(b)(b) Except as provided in par. (d), immediately after the publication of a town zoning ordinance, the town board shall provide for the compilation of a record of the present use of all buildings and premises used for purposes not in conformity with the zoning ordinance. The record shall contain the names and addresses of the owner of the nonconforming use and any occupant other than the owner, the legal description of the land, and the nature and extent of the use of the land. The record shall be published in the town as a class 1 notice under ch. 985. Within 60 days after final publication, upon presentation of proof to the town board, errors or omissions in the record may be corrected. At the expiration of the 60-day period, the record shall be filed in the office of the town clerk after the record is first recorded in the office of the register of deeds. The record is prima facie evidence of the extent and number of nonconforming uses existing at the time the ordinance takes effect. Errors or omissions in the record shall be corrected by the town board upon petition of any citizen or by the board on its own motion. The decision of the board concerning errors or omissions is final. 60.61(5)(c)(c) Immediately after the record of nonconforming uses is filed with the town clerk, the clerk shall furnish the town assessor the record of nonconforming uses within the town. After the assessment for the following year and each succeeding assessment, the town assessor shall file a written report, certified by the board of review, with the town clerk listing all nonconforming uses which have been discontinued since the prior assessment. The town clerk shall record discontinued nonconforming uses as soon as reported by the assessor. In this paragraph, “town assessor” includes the county assessor assessing the town under s. 70.99. 60.61(5)(d)(d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) do not apply to towns issuing building permits as a means of enforcing the zoning ordinance or of identifying nonconforming uses or to towns which have established other procedures for this purpose. 60.61(5)(e)1.1. In this paragraph, “amortization ordinance” means an ordinance that allows the continuance of the lawful use of a nonconforming building, premises, structure, or fixture that may be lawfully used as described under par. (am), but only for a specified period of time, after which the lawful use of such building, premises, structure, or fixture must be discontinued without the payment of just compensation. 60.61(5)(e)2.2. Subject to par. (am), an ordinance enacted under this section may not require the removal of a nonconforming building, premises, structure, or fixture by an amortization ordinance. 60.61(5e)(5e) Repair, rebuilding, and maintenance of certain nonconforming structures. 60.61(5e)(a)1.1. “Development regulations” means the part of a zoning ordinance that applies to elements including setback, height, lot coverage, and side yard. 60.61(5e)(a)2.2. “Nonconforming structure” means a dwelling or other building that existed lawfully before the current zoning ordinance was enacted or amended, but that does not conform with one or more of the development regulations in the current zoning ordinance. 60.61(5e)(b)(b) An ordinance may not prohibit, limit based on cost, or require a variance for the repair, maintenance, renovation, rebuilding, or remodeling of a nonconforming structure or any part of a nonconforming structure. 60.61(5m)(5m) Restoration of certain nonconforming structures. 60.61(5m)(a)(a) Restrictions that are applicable to damaged or destroyed nonconforming structures and that are contained in an ordinance adopted under this section may not prohibit the restoration of a nonconforming structure if the structure will be restored to the size, subject to par. (b), location, and use that it had immediately before the damage or destruction occurred, or impose any limits on the costs of the repair, reconstruction, or improvement if all of the following apply: 60.61(5m)(a)1.1. The nonconforming structure was damaged or destroyed on or after March 2, 2006. 60.61(5m)(a)2.2. The damage or destruction was caused by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold, or infestation. 60.61(5m)(b)(b) An ordinance adopted under this section to which par. (a) applies shall allow for the size of a structure to be larger than the size it was immediately before the damage or destruction if necessary for the structure to comply with applicable state or federal requirements. 60.61(6)(6) Enforcement. The town board may by ordinance provide for the enforcement of all ordinances adopted under this section. The board may impose forfeitures and other penalties for violation of ordinances adopted under this section. To enforce compliance with ordinances adopted under this section, the town or the owner of real estate within a district affected by the ordinance may seek a court order. 60.61 HistoryHistory: 1983 a. 532, 538; 1985 a. 136, 316; 1991 a. 255; 1993 a. 246, 301, 400, 414, 491; 1995 a. 27 s. 9130 (4); 1995 a. 201; 1997 a. 3.; 2001 a. 50; 2005 a. 26, 79, 81, 112, 171, 208; 2007 a. 97; 2009 a. 351; 2011 a. 170; 2015 a. 41, 55, 391; 2017 a. 67; 2019 a. 140; 2023 a. 16. 60.6260.62 Zoning authority if exercising village powers. 60.62(1)(1) Except as provided in s. 60.23 (33) and subject to subs. (2) and (4), if a town board has been granted authority to exercise village powers under s. 60.10 (2) (c), the board may adopt zoning ordinances under s. 61.35. 60.62(2)(2) If the county in which the town is located has enacted a zoning ordinance under s. 59.69, the exercise of the authority under sub. (1) is subject to approval by the town meeting or by a referendum vote of the electors of the town held at the time of any regular or special election. The question for the referendum vote shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37. 60.62(3)(a)(a) In counties having a county zoning ordinance, no zoning ordinance or amendment of a zoning ordinance may be adopted under this section unless approved by the county board. This paragraph applies only in counties with a population of less than 485,000, and does not apply to a town that has withdrawn from county zoning. 60.62(3)(b)(b) With regard to a town to which all of the following apply, the town may not adopt or amend a zoning ordinance under this section without county board approval: 60.62(3)(b)1.1. The town is located in a county that has a population exceeding 380,000. 60.62(3)(b)2.2. The county in which the town is located is adjacent to a county that has a population exceeding 800,000. 60.62(3)(b)3.3. The county in which the town is located has a zoning ordinance in effect on January 1, 2013. 60.62(3)(c)(c) As part of its approval process for granting a conditional use permit under this section or s. 61.35, a town may not impose on a permit applicant a requirement that is expressly preempted by federal or state law. 60.62(4)(a)(a) Notwithstanding ss. 61.35 and 62.23 (1) (a), a town with a population of less than 2,500 that acts under this section may create a “Town Plan Commission” under s. 62.23 (1) (a) that has 5 members, all of whom shall be appointed by the town board chairperson, subject to confirmation by the town board. The town chairperson shall also select the presiding officer. The town board chairperson may appoint town board members to the commission and may appoint other town elected or appointed officials to the commission, except that the commission shall always have at least one citizen member who is not a town official. Appointees to the town plan commission may be removed only by a majority vote of the town board. All other provisions of ss. 61.35 and 62.23 shall apply to a town plan commission that has 5 members. 60.62(4)(b)(b) If a town plan commission consists of 7 members and the town board enacts an ordinance or adopts a resolution reducing the size of the commission to 5 members, the commission shall continue to operate with 6 or 7 members until the expiration of the terms of the 2 citizen members, who were appointed under s. 62.23 (1) (a), whose terms expire soonest after the effective date of the ordinance or resolution that reduces the size of the commission. 60.62(4)(c)(c) If a town plan commission consists of 5 members and the town board enacts an ordinance or adopts a resolution increasing the size of the commission to 7 members, the town board chairperson shall appoint the 2 new members under s. 62.23 (1) (a). 60.62(4)(d)(d) Notwithstanding ss. 61.35 and 62.23 (1) (a), if a town with a population of at least 2,500 acts under this section and creates a “Town Plan Commission” under s. 62.23 (1) (a), all members of the commission shall be appointed by the town board chairperson, subject to confirmation by the town board. The town chairperson shall also select the presiding officer. The town board chairperson may appoint town board members to the commission and may appoint other town elected or appointed officials to the commission, except that the commission shall always have at least 3 citizen members who are not town officials. Appointments shall be made by the town board chairperson 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 except that the appointees to the town plan commission may be removed before the expiration of the appointee’s term by a majority vote of the town board. All other provisions of ss. 61.35 and 62.23 shall apply to a town plan commission to which this paragraph applies. 60.62(4e)(a)1.1. “Conditional use” means a use allowed under a conditional use permit, special exception, or other special zoning permission issued by a town, but does not include a variance. 60.62(4e)(a)2.2. “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. 60.62(4e)(b)1.1. If an applicant for a conditional use permit meets or agrees to meet all of the requirements and conditions specified in the town ordinance or those imposed by the town zoning board, the town shall grant the conditional use permit. Any condition imposed must be related to the purpose of the ordinance and be based on substantial evidence. 60.62(4e)(b)2.2. The requirements and conditions described under subd. 1. 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 town relating to the conditional use are or shall be satisfied, both of which must be supported by substantial evidence. The town’s decision to approve or deny the permit must be supported by substantial evidence. 60.62(4e)(c)(c) Upon receipt of a conditional use permit application, and following publication in the town of a class 2 notice under ch. 985, the town shall hold a public hearing on the application. 60.62(4e)(d)(d) 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 town 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 town zoning board. 60.62(4e)(e)(e) If a town denies a person’s conditional use permit application, the person may appeal the decision to the circuit court under the procedures described in s. 61.35. 60.62(5)(b)(b) A town may enact a zoning ordinance under this section that applies in shorelands, except as provided in par. (c). 60.62(5)(c)(c) A town zoning ordinance enacted under this section may not impose restrictions or requirements in shorelands with respect to matters regulated by a county shoreland zoning ordinance enacted under s. 59.692 affecting the same shorelands, regardless of whether the county shoreland zoning ordinance was enacted separately from, or together with, an ordinance enacted under s. 59.69, except as provided in s. 59.692 (2) (b). 60.62(6)(a)(a) Not later than 60 days before a town board that wishes to withdraw from county zoning and the county development plan under s. 60.23 (34) may enact an ordinance under s. 60.23 (34), the town board shall enact a zoning ordinance under this section, an official map under s. 62.23 (6), and a comprehensive plan under s. 66.1001. 60.62(6)(b)(b) If a town receives notification under s. 59.69 (5m) that the county board has repealed its zoning ordinances, the town board shall enact a zoning ordinance under this section, an official map under s. 62.23 (6), and a comprehensive plan under s. 66.1001, all of which take effect on the effective date of the county’s repeal of its zoning ordinance. 60.62(7)(a)(a) If a town withdraws from coverage of a county zoning ordinance under s. 60.23 (34) or (35), the ordinance and any regulations, approvals, and conditions imposed under the ordinance continue in effect until the ordinance or the particular regulation, approval, or condition is specifically changed by official action of the town. This paragraph does not expand or modify the authority of a town to change a zoning ordinance, any regulation, approval, or condition imposed under a zoning ordinance, or any nonconforming use. 60.62(7)(b)(b) If a town that has been subject to a town zoning ordinance adopts a resolution under s. 59.69 (5) (c) approving the application of a county zoning ordinance within any part of the town, the town zoning ordinance and any regulations, approvals, and conditions imposed under the town zoning ordinance, that are applicable to the area within the town for which the application of the county zoning ordinance is approved, continue in effect until the town zoning ordinance or the particular regulation, approval, or condition is specifically changed by official action of the county. This paragraph does not expand or modify the authority of a town to change a zoning ordinance, any regulation, approval, or condition imposed under a zoning ordinance, or any nonconforming use. 60.62 AnnotationAn amended planned unit development (PUD) ordinance that allowed the placement of a PUD in any district, subject only to the approval of the town board as a conditional use, was invalid as it allowed the town to rezone without county board approval. City of Waukesha v. Town Board, 198 Wis. 2d 592, 543 N.W.2d 515 (Ct. App. 1995), 94-0812. 60.62 AnnotationPermitting general town regulation of shorelands under village powers conflicts with the statutory scheme of ss. 59.692 and 281.31, which, by their plain language, appear to deliberately exclude towns from having shoreland zoning authority, except in the circumstance identified in s. 59.692 (2) (b) [now s. 59.692 (2) (b), (bg), and (bm)]. Hegwood v. Town of Eagle Zoning Board of Appeals, 2013 WI App 118, 351 Wis. 2d 196, 839 N.W.2d 111, 12-2058. 60.62 AnnotationJudicial review of a county board’s legislative decision concerning approval or disapproval of town zoning ordinances submitted under sub. (3) is limited to cases of abuse of discretion, excess of power, or error of law. 79 Atty. Gen. 117. 60.62560.625 Required notice on certain approvals. 60.625(2)(a)(a) Except as provided in par. (b), a town that issues a building permit or other approval for construction activity, shall give the applicant a written notice as specified in subs. (3) and (4) at the time the building permit is issued. 60.625(2)(b)1.1. A town is not required to give the notice under par. (a) at the time that it issues a building permit if the town issues the building permit on a standard building permit form prescribed by the department of safety and professional services. 60.625(2)(b)2.2. A town is not required to give the notice under par. (a) at the time that it issues a building permit or other approval if the building permit or other approval is for construction activity that does not involve any land disturbing activity including removing protective ground cover or vegetation, or excavating, filling, covering, or grading land. 60.625(3)(3) Each notice shall contain the following language: “YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLYING WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION NEAR OR ON WETLANDS, LAKES, AND STREAMS. WETLANDS THAT ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH OPEN WATER CAN BE DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL OR MODIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION THAT VIOLATES THE LAW OR OTHER PENALTIES OR COSTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WETLANDS IDENTIFICATION WEB PAGE OR CONTACT A DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICE CENTER.” 60.625(4)(4) The notice required in sub. (2) (a) shall contain the electronic website address that gives the recipient of the notice direct contact with that website. 60.625(5)(5) A town in issuing a notice under this section shall require that the applicant for the building permit sign a statement acknowledging that the person has received the notice. 60.62760.627 Town construction site erosion control and storm water management zoning. 60.627(1)(1) Definition. In this section, “department” means the department of natural resources. 60.627(2)(a)(a) To effect the purposes of s. 281.33 and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, if a town board may enact zoning ordinances under s. 60.62, the town board may enact a zoning ordinance, that is applicable to all of its area, for construction site erosion control at sites described in s. 281.33 (3) (a) 1. a. and b. and for storm water management. This ordinance may be enacted separately from ordinances enacted under s. 60.62. An ordinance enacted under this paragraph is subject to the strict conformity requirements under s. 281.33 (3m). 60.627(2)(b)(b) A county ordinance enacted under s. 59.693 does not apply and has no effect in a town in which an ordinance enacted under this section is in effect. 60.627(4)(4) Applicability of village zoning provisions. 60.627(4)(a)(a) Except as otherwise specified in this section, the provisions of s. 61.35, as they apply to villages, apply to any ordinance or amendment to an ordinance enacted under this section. 60.627(4)(b)(b) Variances and appeals regarding a construction site erosion control and storm water management ordinance under this section are to be determined by the board of appeals or similar agency for the town. To the extent specified under s. 61.35, procedures under s. 62.23 (7) (e) apply to these determinations. 60.627(4)(c)(c) An ordinance enacted under this section supersedes all provisions of an ordinance enacted under s. 60.62 that relate to construction site erosion control at sites described in s. 281.33 (3) (a) 1. a. and b. or to storm water management regulation. 60.627(5)(5) Applicability of comprehensive zoning plan or general zoning ordinance. An ordinance enacted under this section shall accord and be consistent with any comprehensive zoning plan or general zoning ordinance applicable to the enacting town, so far as practicable.
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statutes
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Chs. 59-68, Functions and Government of Municipalities
statutes/60.62
statutes/60.62
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